Engine Cleaning - MS3 Tips??

[Bravnik]

I have never really tried hard to keep my engine bay super clean. However, I would love too on the MS3 but want to ensure I do it right. Inccomming lots of potentually stupid questions..........

* How do you do your engine bay?
* Any special cleaners I need?
*How about washing it, is there anything I need to watch out for or should I not use water? Can you take it to say a Car wash and spray it?

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[NCZ13]

whoawhoa

car was is a no no.

if you want an ok over the counter product get black magic engine cleaner. its a simple spray on, let sit, spray off with water. i suggest not hosing it off tho. put water in a spray bottle, and spray and wipe it off. this way your not drenching your engine in water.

i use clean terry cloths and a cheap tooth brush. i quick detail the painted areas like under the hood and strut areas and wax them as well.

 

[TurboWagon]

Everytime I wash my car, at the end I will always take the damp towel over all of the engine parts I can reach. I wash my car often so it usually stays pretty clean.

 

[enganear]

1200 PSI from a car wash will put water past seals and into areas where it will do damage over time. Never use anything but a garden hose and your detergent of choice under the hood.
-enganear

 

[BlackCherry06]

DO NOT drench this engine with water. In Mazda's infinite wisdom, they designed the valve cover with a deep trench in it for the coilpacks, and it has no drain. If water gets in, it doesn't leave, which WILL short out the coilpacks and give you some really nasty surprises while driving. Been there...done that...twice.

Use a spray bottle with water or your favorite cleaner and do it by hand.

 

[GoFast]

i actually just finished doing mine and my tips are this.
Do not use anything other than a garden hose.
Warm up engine slightly.
Remove intercooler and cover up spark plugs with plastic bag.
Do the valve cover by hand. NO HOSE!!! on this part.
Cover up the hole in the battery box and fuse box.
Cover boost tube holes and BOV
Spray down the rest of the engine compartment with degreaser of your choice and let sit for 5 minutes and work its magic
hose down all except valve cover(little splashes on it are ok just dont drench it)
let air dry for about 5 minutes then dry with towel
reassemble.
Shouldnt take too much more than 45 minutes to an hour