Engine Compartment Cleaning

[GMCSierraSLE1500]

I have seen videos on you tube on how to detail or clean your engine compartment but I was wondering if anyone else here has ever cleaned there engine bay and what they used or what they recommend on cleaning it or what to do really in all sense on the subject, obviously this is toward guys with pre 06 trucks as the newer trucks are cleaner in there engine bays, I have done it a few times already but want to make my engine bay look as if it's a brand new truck or close to it so any help would be greatly appreciated.

[VMax2007]

I have a 2007 and I have cleaned mine a couple times already. I use Simple Green diluted to about 50/50. Use it straight on very dirty/greasy engines though. I let the engine warm-up and leave it running, then i spray it down with Simple Green, being careful not to saturate the electrical panels/harnesses too much (Don't get it directly on your paint either or it will remove the wax). I let it soak about 5 mins and then I simply hose it down (leave engine running!!!). I then let the engine run until it's nearly dry. Wipe down any areas you want sparkling clean and your done.

[SoCalChris]

I forget who makes it, but there is an automotive cleaner/degreaser that comes in a purple spray bottle, or purple 1 gallon jugs. Spray that on your warm engine, let it sit for 15 minutes, then hose it down.

 

I used that on my old 57 Ford when I first got it (I honestly think the previous owner never once cleaned the engine compartment), and it sparkled like new.

 

After you've done that, spray all plastic with a light coating of silicone spray, then wipe it off. The silicone will make it much easier to clean in the future, and will make it look very nice when it is clean.

 

edit: It's Castrol Super Clean, and from a quick google search, it sounds like it's been banned in California.

 

[slimjim2525]

Castrol super clean is not nearly as effective as simple green. Simple green works great.

[tobias]

Another great trick is to use some PigSpit on anything plastic or rubber once the compartment is clean and dry. This stuff was made for shining up motorcycle engines but works great. Makes the plastic and rubber look like you just left the showroom floor. The nice part is that unless you spray entirely too much, you don't have to wipe it off, you just let it soak in. This stuff is awesome.

 

EDIT: Simple Green is the Shiznit.

 

Daddy

[jenricco]

I am anal about getting water into mine so i simply take a wet rag and a dry one and wipe and dry.... then I apply some armor all (small amount so you don't catch on dirt and dust? and makes it look new.... but if it is really dirty (car detailer) I cover electrical components and intake and simple green and water. Then I wipe off. It is not hard at all to make the engine look like new. Just don't go crazy with armor all. Detail scret: For cars I detail, i just simply spray tire shine and spray away.... no customer has never not liked it so...

[j.roffel]

I just use run of the mill degreaser and pressure wash the bay.

[hbr]

A light coat of the foamy tire shine and she'll be brand new. The foamy stuff works great on plastic wheel liners too

[punmax]

My mom and I used bleach on the plastic LOL.

[jenricco]

A light coat of the foamy tire shine and she'll be brand new. The foamy stuff works great on plastic wheel liners too

 

Exactly... I cannot stand when people wash their cars and not spray the wheel liners! lol... but then again not many people know about it!

[RyanZ71]

I always spray down the engine once every 3 months or so just really quick with the hand wand and never had a problem. A clean engine is a good working engine.

[C & A s Dad]

I am a "no water guy" under the hood unless absolutely necessary. I keep it wiped down with a rag with some Duragloss Fast and Shiine when needed. This is a quick detail wash product that works great under the hood. I then use a slicone type detail spray by Duragloss called quick detailer, the part # is 265. It works great on all the plastic and rubber and does not attract dust like armorall. It is also great on door seals and will make a set of wiper blades last 2 or 3 times as normal.

[wlvrn1215]

the castrol superclean is powerfull but I agree that simple greeen is the better choice....not to sound like a tree hugger but it is also better for the environment and is less corrosive. The superclean will eat your clear if it gets on the paint.

[jason02]

I put on a wet jersey glove and wipe it down then go back over it with a dry cloth, and then I use the other glove and an inexpensive furniture polish. It does not collect dust.

 

 

The glove does a better job get in and around places and it does not get caught on things.

I see this done alot at shows.

[C & A s Dad]

A pic of one that has never had any water under the hood.