Long story short I got my hotshot headers back after waiting since October and it's time to get this 2k14 engine 2k3 ECU swap finished. I got a few small odds and ends on their way and I wanna start getting everything prepped and ready to go.

Maybe some of you showroom neat freaks can give me some tips on how to prep this ugly engine bay to actually be able to show off my swap. It's in the garage and it's winter in Ohio so not sure the dawn soap and hose rinsing would be the go to, maybe I'm just over thinking it

 

I've found that kerosene/ dawn mixture works great, and is water soluable.

1 part dawn per 9 parts kerosene.

 

 

As a 29.5 year veteran with the USEPA, I implore you not to wash kerosene down your driveway and into your local storm water system.

That being said, I have found that this combination works very well:

 

Turbobink,

I used the kerosene Dawn mix to clean the outside of the engine of my Corolla when I rebuilt it.
I did that in a closed garage in winter.

I washed it down into a holding pan with a sponge. The amount of fluid was less than a gallon.

Then I poured it into a jug and took that to my local EPA approved, City managed waste disposal center.

My mix is pretty much identical or simlilar to Engine Brite. Just at a much lower cost.

 

I've said before and I'll say it again ... You're the man!

 

i know my engine bay is clean because i randomly clean it up at least twice a year. even though it's been sitting for a few months, i still have popped the hood and wiped it down because i hate a dirty engine bay/engine.

 

This stuff is amazingly strong even when diluted! AND (for Tb) It's biodegradable. However, do not even think about not using gloves. It will remove every drop of oil from your skin and they will crack painfully after a little while of use.

The key is some sort of friction with any cleaner or higher pressure water force, or some dirt/oil residue will remain.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simple-G...3421/100550784

Or, you could buy brake (dust) cleaner and use a rag and gloves, but that will be expensive.

Happy Cleaning!

 

 

I'm trying to avoid a hose it being below freezing everyday and the car is inside the garage. I think I'll go with a spray bottle of water and simple green with a rag to do the friction work

 

Best cleaner i have ever used is POR 15 marine clean. Works great for carpet and headliners.gets anything out. Cuts grease like crazy. I have tried everything. Makes dawn look like junk.

I dilute it 50/50. Took my headliner out that was in the car fire. And it got it clean like new.

Just a warning don't put it on finished aluminum and finished plastic. it will etch it.