Hey Gents,

I've cleaned my engine bay before but it seems to have gotten quite dirty since the last time.

Wondering if any of you could help me figure out why? Are the rubber seals above the headlight inadequate? Perhaps my hood is maybe adjusted incorrectly allowing more than normal airflow? Is the engine bay supposed to be a tight seal? I've added a frankencar intake, is the space left over from the removal of the stock intake inlet that big to cause such filth to enter my bay?

Please org i need your assistance!

-Raakesh

 

i need to have my engine bay cleaned also. what substance should i think about using? i was thinking about just taking it to a local DIY car wash and flushing it with that green engine cleaner stuff......but i dont think i wanna do that

can some one please give some insight

thanks

 

hmmm, way to jack my thread but anyways......

i used gunk at a DIY car wash myself.

insight granted.

 

IM SORRY MAN, lol....i figured since we had similiar topics some one might be able to just drop a hint....but thanks alot though, i appreciate the info

 

dirt and grime is inevitable, since the radiator fans are constantly blowing air into the compartment. consistent cleaning will make the task much easier then say the first time you degrease and clean, but sorry there's not really a good way to avoid it. Steam cleaning works well and is easy on the paint. Orange based cleaners usually are very safe for painted surfaces too. Good luck.

 

to everything you said....

I usually wipe down my engine bay every time I clean my car, and it's STILL dirty. I do a complete detail about twice a year...as a matter of fact I'm due for another one of those pretty soon here....

 

DO NOT USE Gunk!!!! That stuff can wear at parts in no time, I 've heard and seen horror stories with that stuff. Simple solution (I'll get some picks)

-Bottle of Simple Green
-Old Toothbrush (not your wifes)
-a moist cloth
-hose on low pressure
-Elbow grease

I started by sprinkling water in the bay with hardly any pressure. Sprayed the simple green all over and let sit for awhile (Gunk will corrode stuff if left sitting). I then used the moist cloth to wipe down and remove all loose dirt from the engine. Gave it a slight rinse and sprayed more simple green and let sit again. Then took a toothbrush and removed all the build up (you will need a lot of elbow grease an keep moist slightly). I then rinsed and went over the polished metal areas for a shine. Quick rinse and voila.

Sounds easy? lol took me 2.5 hours to do this but was well worth it (not everything was "bling" as I was in a rush). But still 10times better then what Gunk can do. Arms hurt like a beatch afterwards. Take the effort and time, it will be worth it. Get the eggs ready to fry as it will be clean enough to eat off

 

yeah when i do use gunk the entire process does go quick because i wont let it sit.

then if there are still stubborn spots i go over that again with gunk and pressure.

 

Kev, how long does your engine bay stay clean for?

 

At a car wash, I lightly spray the engine bay area with the high pressure water, then I take some Armor All and spray it all over the engine bay and just close the hood. About 1-2 hours later the Armor All is all settled in and the engine bay has a nice, clean shine, looks quite nice. It last approx. 2 months for me, but I use the Extreme Armor All instead.

 

I use simple green and my water hose with a brush, it looks good for a week or so, but then you can see all the dirt build-up like around the strut towers

 

main reason i'm concerned is because i just bought a new a'pexi filter and i dont want it getting really dirty really quick.

 

comes in from under the hood just keep cleaning it.

 

Armorol in the engine bay? Man you are brave!!!! Enough heat and enough Armorol and POOF!!!! you need a new motor. Not sure where you got that idea from.

Rakesh, my engine I detailed about 1 month ago and it is still clean. Don't use that gunk crap. Simple Green is your friend. Use the technique I mentioned above and maintain it with simple green and quick rinses and your engine will remain clean at all times.

 

i will try this simplest green. where can i locate it?

 

Canadian Tire

 

Is it cool to spray simple green on the belts and alternator,fans? Im always scared of this any input or suggestions? I know your suppose to cover some stuff up but the stuff mentioned above is hard to cover.

 

no do not spray on the alternator...if water gets on it, don't worry too much....but do not spray directly at the alternator

as for the fans, i'm sure you can spray directly without any adverse effects...just use low pressure...

 

I armor all my hoses and anything plastic that I can reach in the engine bay, what do you think is going to happen?


Wal-Mart or most auto parts stores.

 

Working at a dealer as a lot poter, we used to spray engine degreaser with the engine running, pressure wash it off, then finish with some high shine dressing over EVERYTHING. Engine bay looks NEW. Never had any problems doing that, and I degrease my bay when I can be bothered. Just one thing to note, now I got some oil stain on my engine cover that WILL not come off.. any cleaner I should try to remove it? Thanks.

Chris

 

Instead of using Simple Green, I always use Super Clean. It's in a purple bottle and used to be made by Castrol (my newest bottle has no Castrol markings on it, so they must've been bought out). That stuff is awesome for cleaning under the hood. It's stronger than Simple Green, but it doesn't eat painted stuff.