homeofbacon

My engine bay is covered in dirt, grime, old leaves, etc... and could really use a good cleaning. I've seen some people who say you should cover your alternator and battery and just hose everything down, while others just spray every inch with some sort of cleaner. I was thinking of just using a degreaser/soap soaked rag and wiping down everything. What do you think is the proper way to clean your engine bay without damaging anything?

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

Lately I have been using an aerosol spray cleaner made for de-greasing engines. There are many brands, like Gunk, but I buy the cheap, O'Reilly Auto Parts store brand. You let the stuff soak for a while and then wash it off with a water hose.

I used to go to the self car washes with the wands and blast the grease off with the sprayer. If you a 1/4" of grease, this may be the way to go.

I never cover anything. I go lightly around the sensitive spots like wire harness connectors, the battery and the alternator, but I still blast them all.

MaxiNoob98

You should also avoid spraying too much water on the hood insulation and firewall insulation too. If they soak up too much water I imagine it would cause it sag. I think it would be a good idea to have a leaf blower handy to air dry sensitive areas too, just in-case.