How to clean my engine bay?

jibaholic101 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 04:09 AM

as the thread title says

odgaard · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 04:17 AM

what kind of car do you have? the only car ive heard being VERY hard to clean are the B6 & B7 S4s. The coilpacks are easily destroyed.

This is how I clean engines:
Light spray with pressure washer
Spray down with p21s TAW
Agitate with various brushes: Mini EZ Detailing Brush etc.
Then rinse again with the pressure washer
Blow dry with leaf blower and use cheap MF to dry everything else
Dress with your favorite plastic/rubber dressing. I like to use 303 CG VRP, or Back 2 Black. Einszett plastic/vinyl is also on my list. Just depends on my mood i guess ha

jibaholic101 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 07:01 AM

i hate audis so i am in the clear there. the victim is a BMW

dont have a pressure washer
would it be safe to just use brushes with solution and then just hose it down?

Just In Time · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 11:58 AM

I try not to post othersites but...

Engine cleaning how to

LMolinaf430 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:06 PM

degreaser & power wash it

Auto Concierge · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMolinaf430

degreaser & power wash it

I know lot's of people do this(pressure wash the engine) and get away with no problems most of the time(if they cover sensitive electrical areas) but Imo it is not advised. Over the years I have picked up new clients from time to time because the previous detailing service did this and fouled the plugs or worse, various safe degreasers and mild cleaners should be used by hand(takes longer)but I have never been"one of the detailers" told to never come back on a job...........

JRDM · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auto Concierge

I know lot's of people do this(pressure wash the engine) and get away with no problems most of the time(if they cover sensitive electrical areas) but Imo it is not advised. Over the years I have picked up new clients from time to time because the previous detailing service did this and fouled the plugs or worse, various safe degreasers and mild cleaners should be used by hand(takes longer)but I have never been"one of the detailers" told to never come back on a job...........

Do you have a specific brand you use to get this done the right way? Thanks

mcdbrendan · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 03:38 PM

Agreed with AC on this one, pressure washers are a risk in the engine bay. Too many sensors, electronics and seals that can be fouled up. P21s TAW is my favorite, plus a handful of degreasers, all sprayed by hand with a bottle and wiped clean. Not really worth the risk to pressure wash it and save time.

Brushes are your friends

jibaholic101 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdbrendan

Agreed with AC on this one, pressure washers are a risk in the engine bay. Too many sensors, electronics and seals that can be fouled up. P21s TAW is my favorite, plus a handful of degreasers, all sprayed by hand with a bottle and wiped clean. Not really worth the risk to pressure wash it and save time.

Brushes are your friends

i have lots of those

, i was afraid that power washing would not be good down there.

Auto Concierge · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRDM

Do you have a specific brand you use to get this done the right way? Thanks

For the time being P&S Enviro clean(citrus based) but Rich is coming out with a citrus apc pretty soon VIVA LA GLOSS-IT