Cleaning Engine Bay

[Brandon Kuczynski]

just wondering wat the best way to clean an engine bay is? wat kind of product should i use? wat can i wash? wat cant i wash?

[Ivan Skare]

I use Zep, the purple industrial degreaser mixed with hot water (can be found at Home Depot). 1 part Zep 2 parts hot water. Spray down everything, avoiding the electricals. After you've sprayed let it sit for a good 15 mins, then take a pressure washer to it.

Make sure you avoid the alternator. Also, pull your spark plug wires out after and blow out any water that may have entered.

Another thing you could do is have your engine bay steam cleaned. This also works well.

[CamWeiss]

Be sure to cover your air filter as well, if it's exposed.

That and electrics... It's not the end of the world if you get the fuse boxes a bit wet. Don't go blasting water straight at them.
Also, be wary of the cam angle sensor. I think that's how I fried one (Washed the engine bay, CAS failed the next week).

[Brett Haviland]

yes, watch out for the CAS and the coilpacks.  I pressure washed a engine once and the coilpacks didn;t work properly untill i took them off and dryed them off with compressed air and time.

[andrew volcz]

if you can still find the GUNK FOAMY engine spray cleaner ... that stuff rocks imo! 

they have the gel spray too but the foaming action is cool and you can see better where you've applied (engine must be cold).  i dont think taking a pressure washer is the greatest idea as you could break plastic bits or force water into places it didnt belong before causing problems. steam cleaning seems to work great.  avoiding the intake and critical electrical items are a no brainer.   start small with a $5 can of something and go up from there if needed.

[Brandon Kuczynski]

cool guys thanks alot i shall try these things, i want to get my engine nice and shiny before summer hits

[CamWeiss]

http://www.autowerkesexclusive.com/products/Engine/Autoglym-Engine---Machine-Cleaner/index.html