4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

Cleaning engine bay.....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-30-2002, 10:12 AM
  #1  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
NISMOPower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 682
Cleaning engine bay.....

I want to clean my engine soon....do i need to cover up anything???? so i just use simple green anywhere on any parts or what? I wet then apply simple green then rinse....how long should i leave it on for? Is it safe everywhere??? has anyone experienced problems after cleaning engine with hose or pressure washer??? What kind if any....?

thanks
Chris
NISMOPower is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 10:21 AM
  #2  
Moderator running more PSI than all the boosted Maximas... combined
iTrader: (5)
 
1MAX2NV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,345
Re: Cleaning engine bay.....

Cover up the alternator if you can, it will prolong the life of the alternator. Spray simple green at full strength everywhere. You can use a nice sturdy brush to clean the heavy soiled areas. Use a tooth brush for those hard to reach areas. Spray everything down with a fine mist of water until you get all the simple green and grimes off. Avoid spraying water at one spot for too long. Just use back and forth motion. Wipe it down with some towels and start the car with the hood open. Most of the leftover water will evaporate when the engine warms up.

Originally posted by NISMOPower
I want to clean my engine soon....do i need to cover up anything???? so i just use simple green anywhere on any parts or what? I wet then apply simple green then rinse....how long should i leave it on for? Is it safe everywhere??? has anyone experienced problems after cleaning engine with hose or pressure washer??? What kind if any....?

thanks
Chris
1MAX2NV is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 10:43 AM
  #3  
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
NISMOPower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 682
what should i use to cover the alternator? Do I completely wrap the whole alternator????

Chris
NISMOPower is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 10:54 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Kanaka's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 340
aluminum foil is fine...just make sure to take it off before you start the car.
Kanaka is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 11:01 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
sinewave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,277
I wash my engine compartment every time I wash my car, and I don't cover anything. I don't use Simple Green; I never liked it; I don't think it cleans very well. Since my engine is not greasy, I just use the same car wash soap that I use for the body. I mix up a bucket full of suds and wash the engine and then the wheels, then I dump that out and mix another batch for the body.

If you really want it to look great, wash the engine and dry it, then spray everyting down with ArmorAll and wait an hour, then wash and dry it again. All of the rubber and plastic parts will look brand new.
sinewave is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 11:04 AM
  #6  
mb1
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
mb1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 2,097
is that Simple Green stuff safe enough to use in your driveway, or do I need to take my car to a washing bay?
mb1 is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 11:29 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Kanaka's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 340
That's why they call it simple GREEN. It is very environmentally friendly. I even saw a salesman who squirted some in his mouth. not full strength, but diluted to household strength. No joking, I'm serious. I think it is a good cleaner and very safe.
Kanaka is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 11:34 AM
  #8  
I'm needing a caw
iTrader: (82)
 
Jeff92se's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 34,147
I find it easier to go to the local car wash DIY places. They usually have engine cleaner that you spray on, then GENTLY rinse off w/ the same hose. I don't use the high pressure trigger as it comes out of the nozzle in the right velocity anyway. Same for the rinse. The high pressure might get into the connections. As long as you don't go overboard, you're okay. I've washed my engine many times so far with no problems. If you have a cone intake, you should probably use a plastic bag and cover it and tie it down w/ a rubber band/string.
Jeff92se is offline  
Old 04-30-2002, 01:03 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
sinewave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,277
If you do take it to a DYI car wash, wait for the engine to cool off.

cold water + hot aluminum = bad things
sinewave is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
derekinthez
7th Generation Classifieds (2009-2015)
2
11-13-2022 04:00 PM
6spd4dsc
5th Generation Classifieds (2000-2003)
4
03-04-2016 05:19 PM
Maximan190
Maximas for Sale / Wanted
4
12-16-2015 06:01 AM
fastcarny
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
2
10-06-2015 10:42 AM
03VQMAX
General Maxima Accessories (All Generations)
1
09-05-2015 03:47 PM



Quick Reply: Cleaning engine bay.....



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:34 PM.