engine cleaning

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BYGDAWG3758

Member
Car
2005 Infiniti FX45
Name
HENRY
One thing I have not seen on this site--Does anyone wash or steam clean their engine?
Anything special I need to look out for? Thanks.
 
nothing to worry about. Comps and battery are hiden under the covers.
I did it with water few times and no issues.

GL :)
 
I turned mine on last time right after washing. Is there a reason not to?


Oh, dont let water get in to the filter through the power duct.
 
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Not really a big deal to turn on your car right after washing. Reason you don't want to wash a hot engine is that it can warp things. Like spraying water onto hot brakes. But if you turn it on after washing, the engine takes a while to heat up.

Or it could be you don't want to turn it on in case electrical contacts are still wet. But I was at a dealership once watching the detailing guys clean the engine bays of car after car with a pressure washer while the cars were still running. So they could keep listening to music through the stereos while they worked...
 
I used this guide to detail my engine bay. I also used the products listed in the guide, the degreaser, brushes and detailer are awesome, worth every penny.
 
Agreed, I seen zebra's engine bay after it was cleaned and it looks immaculate.
 
Steam cleaning would be nice, but may be more expensive compared to traditional wash. You have to cover some electrical stuff just to be safe. Alternator, stater, coils, Sensors etc. Waterless wash is also a good and safe way to clean the engine bay.
 
I for some reason get gifted those armorall gift packs with all the different tubes of wipes...

I have found taking the leather wipes to the plastics keep them looking quite nice...
 
I have posted this before and this is what I do to every car or truck I have ever owned. Go to Walmart and buy 1-2 spray bottles of either Castrol super clean or the equivalent Walmart degreaser in a purple bottle, not the purple power crap as it doesn't work as well. Then buy a spray bottle of the cheap tire shine that is usually labeled 2000 or something like that it's usually in a lime green bottle. Get the spray bottle stuff not the aerosol cans as it works better.

Now got to your local spray off car wash and pop the hood and spray the entire engine compartment with the purple bottle degreaser. Be careful not to go crazy around the fan,pully or alternator bearing as you do not want to wash out the bearing grease. Let it sit no more than a few minutes and rinse with the high pressure rinse making sure it is all off along with all the the grime. Once that is complete, take the tire shine stuff and spray the entire engine compartment and close the hood.

Then Proceed to wash the rest of your car, BTW anytime you use one of these spray off car washes ALWAYS spray the brush out to get the sand and grit out from hillbilly bobs 4 wheeler before you start!

Go home and the next day pop your hood and all of your stickers, labels and everything will look brand new without any dirt or grime and will be nice and shiny. Just like the day it rolled off the assembly line!

GOOD LUCK!
 
LEOGAWGAW said:
so there's nothing we have to cover?? what degreaser are you using?
Click to expand...

I just did this today. I used GUNK Foamy Engine Cleaner. I covered the electric box with aluminum as well as both air intake sensors. Other than that I let the Gunk cleaner sit 10 minutes then pressure washed (lowest nozzle 40%).
Then I blew all the water off with leaf blower and then started the engine. Let it run for good 10 minutes pulled it into the garage. Then I sprayed on GUNK Engine Detailer Protector Shine. Looks real clean now will have to post before and after pictures to appreciate it :smile (2):
 
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