My 98 SE engine bay is real dirty and I'd like to spray it down. I looked in the how-to thread but I didn't get what I wanted. What do I need to cover? Can I use my pressure washer and then use the formula 1 polish? Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

I use this Castrol industrial strength de-greaser (basically the purple de-grease stuff in the automotive section at WalMArt) and put it in a windex-type spray bottle. Spray a light coating on a cold motor, don't let it sit very long and then use the pressure washer with just water and spray it all off. Comes out very nice and clean.

 

Did you have any issues with the motor after pressure washing it? The couple cars I have done it on were older but I always had an issue with it running funny or rough after I did it.

 

Check this out: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=453352

 

Same here, only some older cars run kinda choppy for a few minutes after an under hood bath.... Just avoid the filter, obviously, and spray away.... the Castrol will foam up when water hits it at a high velocity and washes all dirt and grime away... Make sure you really give it a good douche and get all the foamy water washed away... Drive it for a few miles afterwards to heat/dry it out... and let me know how it went!

 

So besides covering the filter I should be ok using the degrease stuff and the pressure washer?!

:EDIT: just looked at that site the 99grnmaxgxe put up (thanks for the thread 99). So I guess I'll take out my battery and cover the filter. My pressure washer doesn't have too much power so I should be good. I use it to wash the car sometimes too.

 

You should be fine!

 

Awesome! Thanks for the help!

 

simple green works good

 

I tried simple green this weekend on my nasty engine bay and that stuff

 

Great Link!!!

 

Is simple green better then the other stuff if I'm gonna spray it on then hose it? Where;d you get the simple green?

 

I say "yes" you will be very happy after you use it. And for around $3.50 you cant beat the price its worth every penny. I got mine at autozone in the carwash isle. (i think i spelled isle correctly if not ohh well)

 

Simple Green is a great de-greaser. However it is strong stuff. It's not the best thing for any hoses or rubber parts in the engine bay. If you use it, I'd recommend rinsing it very well and then drying and treating the hoses/rubber.

 

There is also a product ut there called Mean Green, but I think its about the same thing as Simple Green. I use it on my tires as well...it really keeps them that nice deep black color even without using any shiney stuff on them.

 

i recently cleaned my engine bay...i unplugged the battery, covered up anything electrical and my air filter with saran wrap, and then i used the mist setting on my hose to spray it down...then i sprayed some simple green everywhere and let it sit for five minutes...then i rinsed it off using the mist setting and let it dry...it looks good as new now

 

OK well I'm off for spring break this next week so I'll get the Simple Green and clean up the engine. Thanks for all the input. I hope if I'm careful with the green that it should all be ok.

 

If you have access to a leaf blower,they work great for drying off your electrical parts[alty],wiring harness plugs..etc. I have seen a few people on here fry a few electrical parts after washing their engine...

Yes the neighbors will and but who cares what they think anyhoo...

 

Besides the battery what electrical stuff should I worry about?

 

If you are using a strong stream, just dont spray the water directly at any connections or the alternator. You can cover the alternator too if you like, but you really shouldnt have to