Engine Bay Cleaning Tips

[RedPro5808]

Hey everyone, well ever since I bought my P5 I have not cleaned the engine bay and would like some tips on what to use and what is needed.

I currently have simple green w/lemon scent. Is simple green good to use in the engine bay? Do I just spray it on and wipe it down with a cloth?

What have you done and what brand of cleaner have you used to keep your enigne bay looking like new?

Any input in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.

 

[anarchistchiken]

Dont use full strength simple green. I use a 10/1 mixture of water/SG and it works absolutely great.

 

[RaiderMS3]

A little over 3 years, only simple green. I did use it full strength, and when the engine was cold. Spray on, let sit 10 minutes, spray more, scrub with plastic brush, rinse, let air dry, done.

 

[MSP#735]

soap, water and alittle armor-all (weekly)

 

[AbsoluteSwed]

how carful do you have to be when rinsing

 

[Bradleyac]

not very careful, it won't hurt getting the engine bay wet just don't start up the car until its dry

 

[BOOSTR]

I don't use any harsh chemicals to clean my engines. Just car wash soap. Don't spray and sensitive items with full force. Dry it of afterwards and wipe down the rubber items with the protectant of your choice. I use Mothers aluminum polish on my hardpipes and Injen.

 

[hoindawall]

do you have to cover anything before rinsing?

 

[Bijou-MP5]

do you have to cover anything before rinsing?

to be safe, I would cover all the electrical parts first.

 

[hoindawall]

oh and do you have to disconnect the battery?

 

[Bijou-MP5]

oh and do you have to disconnect the battery?

nope. just cover it up

 

[hoindawall]

nope. just cover it up

ok thanks!

 

[pnfnj]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=67783&stc=1
i just use soap and water when the motor is cold

 

[Canecreekfreak]

soap, water and alittle armor-all (weekly)

Nice job- that engine bay is super clean!!

The armor all is the nice touch. Makes all the black plastic look new.

 

[Mr Detailer]

I would recommend that you cover all electrical components, and use a gentle soap like car wash soap. Simple Green is pretty harsh, and will stain chrome or polished aluminum pieces.

I DON'T recommend that you use a hose on full strength. I usually clean engines entirely by hand, but if I don't find it necessary to use a hose, I use a very gentle stream of water or a heavy mist, not a spray. You don't want to force water into places where it shouldn't be.

Apply a protectant to all of the plastic/rubber to finish it off. That will darken those parts and give them a bit of shine.

 

[capnsavem]

i use P21s total auto wash for the engine bay... leaves it clean as a whistle, and isnt harsh at all.

no need to even scrub... just spray it on and spray it off after a few minutes.

(of course, if grime is caked on, scrub a little)