what does everyone use to clean their engine compartments with? I want that showroom clean look again but don't want to damage anything.

Thanks
Jeff

 

Moved to General Care & Detailing....

 

.... and the standard "use the search" reply...

 

Being that your engine compartment is only around a year old, odds are is that it's in pretty good shape right now...

My suggestion...


A bottle of Quik Detailer spray and a cotton-terry towel. Here's why...

With the advanced nature of our vehicles, computer technology and electronics are generally what make these things tick. Water and computer technology really don't play nice together.

Sure, it's an open engine compartment and it is weather-resistant but, I'd be VERY hesitant to 'blast' water into the compartment... I never have, probalby never will as long as I can keep from it. Further, I won't degrease an engine compartment for a client either; there's just too much liability involved in my book.

Once you get it clean, I'd recommend going over it with a good protectant spray/dressing like Vinylex, Meguiar's #40, or 303 Areospace. Simply spray it on and shut the hood. Come back to it an hour or so later and wipe up any 'pools' of left over product.

Make this a habit about every month or so and your compartment will continue to look it's best. The best form of cleaning is maintenance in this case. Don't let it get out of control and you'll, most likely, never have to move towards a chemical cleaning with a degreaser or similar.





RP

 

Your the nicest mod ever, you know that?

So Rock, how do I wax my truck?

 

I think we are getting mixed comments from RP. This is an old post...

First and foremost, you need to know that the engine compartment can be a very tricky area to detail. Everything YOU do YOU do at your OWN RISK... Now that the disclaimer is out of the way... on with a suggestion...

And I'm quoting from Meguiar's Application Bulletin for the Engine Compartment dated 3/04...

1. Park vehicle in shade and ensure engine is warm to the touch.
2. Mix wash solution
3. Open hood and cover key electrical components with plastic (distributor, wires, etc).
4. Spray entire engine compartment with water using pressure washer or hose with nozzle to remove loose contaminants. Again, be cautious around electrical components.
5. Wet adjacent body panels with water.
6. Using wash mitt and wash solution, lather all adjacent panels. DO NOT RINSE!
7. Spray entire engine compartment with Meguiar's Super Degreaser (4:1 dilution). (I might mention that Safe D-greaser is a safer product and is a bit easier to use... I would substitute Meguiar's Safe D-greaser or Simple Green).
8. Agitate any stubborn areas with a brush.
9. Rinse engine using pressure washer or hose nozzle.
10. Remove all plastic from key electrical components.
11. Apply Hyper Dressing (4:1 dilution) to entire engine compartment. (any dressing will work... I prefer Meguiar's #40 under the hood).
12. Close hood.
13. Rewash adjacent body panels with wash solution and rinse with water as needed.


I think that should do it. That is, generally, the technique that I follow when I do an engine. It's not rocket science by any means but, you can cause VERY serious damage if you don't pay EXTRA SPECIAL attention to electrical and other sensitive items beneath the hood.

RP

Notice right above this line it says, "That is, generally, the technique that I follow when I do an engine."

HAHAHA. J/K RP, listen to what he has to say 5.4 crew...

 

Well, mixed responses but, if you really read into it, it's pretty similar. I've never done it on my 05...

I've done engines in the past... I'm never real comfortable doing them.

I hate to give advice to someone that could backfire and backfire in a super expensive way. That's why I mentioned that the data I posted was per Meguiar's Application Bulletin and not necessarily my advice... it's good advice but, I guess I'm err'ing on the conservative side here.

RP

 

I think this pretty much raises the red flag for the average person. If you are unsure of what is located where, don't do it.

 

Got ya, thats why I said J/K.

FYI, I personaly spray my engine compartment with a pressure washer after a spray of degreaser about once every two months but I guess spray away at your risk. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that manual mentions something specifically about washing the engine compartment. Don't have time right now to check it out but I think it's in there.

 

Yep the easiest and best way to clean an engine compartement is to never let it get dirty!

Repeated "heavy-duty" washes/cleaning will lead to problems sooner or later.

 

Thanks for everyones responses.......I'm aware of the "risky" methods and Rockpicks right about it not being that bad, it's just dusty from a winter of not being able to clean it.

I just thought I'd throw the question out there, this forum never ceases to amaze with some of the answers that come back to questions and maybe someone had a quick detailing trick I could pick up on. Here's to ya

Jeff

 

I apply Glade spray polish after all is clean and dry to the plastic just for a little shine. I hand rub any colored itmes with Greased Lightning.