hey i want to clean under my hood..any idea on how to go about this or should i take it and get it professionally done..

 

If you don't have the money to get it professionally done then go to your local parts store get an engine cleaner. Follow directions. You can wipe down the rest of your engine area with a wet rag, just stay away from you battery please. If you have an POP style intake be careful with getting a liquids on that.

 

I like Meguires EXTRA. It is an all purpose cleaner and does wonders. I like using it on mine cause it gets rid of everything.

SuDZ

 

I use Simple Green. Makes it smell nice a fresh too.

 

How much does a place charge to get the engine steam cleaned? Anyone know?

SuDZ

 

Depends on where you go, you just need to call some places near you and shop around..

 

about 100 bucks - atleast thats how much the place on main street and booth memorial charges

 

Are you sure that is not for the whole car? I meant just the engine.

SuDZ

 

I bought a can of the foamy engine brite, covered the battery, intake, and alternator with plastic, and sprayed the entire engine down with the cleaner and then hosed it off. No problems starting the car afterwards, and engine was shiny clean too.

Seriously, this is really easy. I was hesitant at first, because I heard horror stories about water getting into the engine, etc..etc.. but if you take the precautions, everything will be trouble free.

 

Yeah I have cleaned mine a few times but havent recently because of all the road salt, and sand getting in there anyway it is kinda depressing. But I have found i on all my cars to not really take more than about 5 minutes or so and usually looks very nice when done.

Also it can help determine the origin of leaks and otehr problems if easier to tell where they start.

SuDZ

 

A professional job with steam cleaning would be ideal but hard on the wallet ($80). I have been using Cyclo heavy duty engine degreaser for a long time without problems. With the engine cool I just spray on (dont cover anything) and then rinse off after 10 minutes. I then start the engine (never had a problem starting after at least 100 washings) and let it idle for 5 minutes to dry the engine. Then after cooling down I spray on a vinyl or rubber protectant (Mothers is good and smells nice) to make it shiny. Total cost $5 for the degreaser and protectant. No better bang for the buck. Believe me.

 

....

 

Is it also best to let your engine bay dry overnight after wiping it down, just to be sure you won't screw up anything when starting it? How long should you wait before you start up your engine lets say on a average 70 degree day, in case you need the car for the night? Im just asking since im planning to clean my engine this summer.

 

If I am doing it after driving I just do it with the engine is running so the cold water will not crack the block. If it is cold then I let it dry about ten minutes or so then good to go. The heat as the engine gets warmer will evaporate the water.

SuDZ

 

Are you aware that people that read this may not be from the same city as you? Because "main street and booth memorial" means jack $hit to me, and I doubt I'm alone.

 

Im pretty sure he lives in Flushing ,Queens (NYC). I used to work at Booth Memorial Medical Center. Am I right?

 

What a great product, I use this too, and a slight mist from a garden hose. Wipe the engine down and let it dry in the sun. Then hit the hoses and plastic with a towel moisten with Son of a Gun, Armour All, or what ever.

Nicey, nice....nice 'n' clean 'n' pretty (smells nice too!