Topic: Under Hood Cleaning

[spicy3480]

Hey All,
I need to really clean my engine bay badly...I want to do it at the mod meet when DDM has a bunch of stuff off the car.  Any suggestions on what to use on the caked on dirt from the heat on both the plastic and metal without damaging anything electrical??

[smartin]

I need to do the same thing. But I have to do it by this weekend. I think some people use a hose, but are just careful not to spray it in certain areas. It sounds like you'll have it much easier with the car apart.

[DickW]

I use Purple Stuff. Spray it on, rinse it of with hose. Does a good job.

[elff]

I have griots engine cleaner

I avoid spraying water directly on the obvious electrical connectors and don't even come remotely close to the ECM area

Hey
Don't hog DDMs time all weekend
I need to install one of your high flow cats and install my own 2871 kit

[Go-N Def]

Be carefull spraying certain engine cleaners (including Purple Stuff) on painted surfaces, it can cause them to streak.  Your best bet is some mild soap.

As far as spraying anything off, I go to car wash with the high pressure wand and spray the engine down.  Like elff said, stay away from electronics such as the ECU, also the fuse box and headlights (I'm still trying to get moisture out of my passenger headlight).  A little over-spray wont hurt, but don't hit them directly.

Make sure you wipe off all painted parts before you run the engine to avoid waterspots.

[spicy3480]

I have griots engine cleaner

I avoid spraying water directly on the obvious electrical connectors and don't even come remotely close to the ECM area

Hey
Don't hog DDMs time all weekend
I need to install one of your high flow cats and install my own 2871 kit

You're installing the turbo yourself?  I'm just having Dave do it so I know it is done correctly.  I would probably leave something out LOL.

[JimVonBaden]

I use Westleys Bleach White, so long as there isn't a LOT of crud on the motor. It is great at removing old dsuty dirt, discolored black rubber hoses go back to black, and it doesn't hurt painted surfaces. Let it sit a couple minutes and hose it off.



Jim

[Go-N Def]

I use Westleys Bleach White, so long as there isn't a LOT of crud on the motor. It is great at removing old dsuty dirt, discolored black rubber hoses go back to black, and it doesn't hurt painted surfaces. Let it sit a couple minutes and hose it off.



Jim

OK, but DO NOT LET IT DRY.  I've seen it discolor plastic, paint and polished surfaces.  I use it on my tires all the time.  Also, if used under the hood, the engine should be cool to the touch.  This will keep any cleaners from drying too quickly.

[Arabas]

Steve, during summer i dedicate one weekend, cleaning the engine bay.
i use towels with a little bit of water, ear sticks (!!???) and i really take my time with it to get to the most remote areas. i don't want any chemicals in the engine bay, even though some are totally safe to use. then i let it dry for 12 hrs or so.

[elff]

You're installing the turbo yourself?  I'm just having Dave do it so I know it is done correctly.  I would probably leave something out LOL.

I'm Paying DDM to do it.
I want my Sky to work after the Mod Meet!!!

[Critterman]

You guys are learning.

[JimVonBaden]

OK, but DO NOT LET IT DRY.  I've seen it discolor plastic, paint and polished surfaces.  I use it on my tires all the time.  Also, if used under the hood, the engine should be cool to the touch.  This will keep any cleaners from drying too quickly.

Exactly!

Jim

[smartin]

Jim, feel free to come by and help me with mine on Friday.

[spicy3480]

What exactly can't get wet in the engine bay?

[Arabas]

What exactly can't get wet in the engine bay?

ecm, intake, battery, fuse box, all these for sure...

[Go-N Def]

ecm, intake, battery, fuse box, all these for sure...

And headlights!

[spicy3480]

That's pretty much all areas under the hood...I am thinking a sponge and soapy water...not a spray.

[Arabas]

That's pretty much all areas under the hood...I am thinking a sponge and soapy water...not a spray.

i agree! that's the way i do it.


if you go with sponge and soapy water, maybe you could find a girl with a tight t-shirt and sorts to wash the engine bay for you !   

and then it will be a:
 

[JimVonBaden]

What exactly can't get wet in the engine bay?

I am not all that careful. The car is designed to be driven in the rain. I wont hit the fusebox or ECM with high pressure, otherwise I don't worry too much about it.

Jim

PS Why wouldn't you be able to spray the battery?

[marlboromike]

I use Westleys Bleach White, so long as there isn't a LOT of crud on the motor. It is great at removing old dsuty dirt, discolored black rubber hoses go back to black, and it doesn't hurt painted surfaces. Let it sit a couple minutes and hose it off.



Jim

I use that on my whitewall tires.

[JimVonBaden]

I use that on my whitewall tires.

Love them whitewalls Mike!

Jim