Engine bay cleaning
#1
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Engine bay cleaning
With spring here its finally time to wash my car again. While doing some maintenance on it the other day i realized how filthy my engine bay is from sitting since october. I was wondering what products and methods people safely use to wash their engine bay so i can finally make it shine
#3
Evolving Member
iTrader: (3)
I only use Fantastik and a degreaser like PurplePower and towels (LOTS of towels). I've never sprayed water under the hood, but I only actually wash my car with water twice per year. After the initial cleaning I use a quick detailer to maintain the look of the painted parts.
#5
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (1)
Thats the difference between a heavy degreaser and an APC basically. I use meguiars super degreaser for engine and wheels/tires. And meguiars APC for lighter cleaning needs. The SD is pretty awesome for hitting the areas I cant reach, soaking a min, then spraying off. Either with steam (a bit more power but not much range) or water in areas Im not too worried about electronics (like firewall, ABS stuff, sub frame)
#6
Evolving Member
Thats the difference between a heavy degreaser and an APC basically. I use meguiars super degreaser for engine and wheels/tires. And meguiars APC for lighter cleaning needs. The SD is pretty awesome for hitting the areas I cant reach, soaking a min, then spraying off. Either with steam (a bit more power but not much range) or water in areas Im not too worried about electronics (like firewall, ABS stuff, sub frame)
#7
Evolved Member
iTrader: (11)
I just bought a "airless paint sprayer" from harbor freight. This is what I use to clean areas on the car under the vehicle and in the engine bay. It uses a ridiculously small volume of water but sprays it at slightly higher pressures but not super aggressive like a "power washer".
Nice thing about using the paint sprayer to spray cleaner is that it does not get dirty and clogged with paint because I am just spraying water and cleaner. I bought this specifically for cleaning (not painting) and I've been using it so far on my Mazda 4x4 pickup truck to clean the splash shields and underbody behind the tires.
I can take pictures if you want.
Nice thing about using the paint sprayer to spray cleaner is that it does not get dirty and clogged with paint because I am just spraying water and cleaner. I bought this specifically for cleaning (not painting) and I've been using it so far on my Mazda 4x4 pickup truck to clean the splash shields and underbody behind the tires.
I can take pictures if you want.
Last edited by Jp7; Mar 29, 2019 at 07:31 AM.
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#8
I'm in the simple green and bunch of paper towels boat as well. takes time but is more than safe. for engine bay of course. when it comes to exterior I also only wash my car maybe once or twice a summer. ceramic coating is the shizzzz.
#9
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (1)
These are the two cleaners I use.
They're both better than the mediocre SG.
This is the steam cleaner I have. Its nothing special and not that powerful but does a pretty good job at getting spots cleaned. Like a little APC on headliner then hit with some steam to help break it up more, and blot with a MF. Got out all the stubborn stains in the wifes car no problem doing this.
They're both better than the mediocre SG.
This is the steam cleaner I have. Its nothing special and not that powerful but does a pretty good job at getting spots cleaned. Like a little APC on headliner then hit with some steam to help break it up more, and blot with a MF. Got out all the stubborn stains in the wifes car no problem doing this.
#10
EvoM Guru
iTrader: (1)
Joe is right about purple power, it will eventually strip coatings off and oxidize aluminum where simple green won't. And simple green works just as good.
I use a degreaser, either Simple Green or Gunk in an aerosol can and pressure washer or steam. If you using a pressure washer, make sure you turn the pressure down to <2000psi and don't get super close. Most and pay and spray self serve car washes have a "steam clean" or very hot water setting that works well also.
I use a degreaser, either Simple Green or Gunk in an aerosol can and pressure washer or steam. If you using a pressure washer, make sure you turn the pressure down to <2000psi and don't get super close. Most and pay and spray self serve car washes have a "steam clean" or very hot water setting that works well also.
#12
Evolving Member
These are the two cleaners I use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're both better than the mediocre SG.
This is the steam cleaner I have. Its nothing special and not that powerful but does a pretty good job at getting spots cleaned. Like a little APC on headliner then hit with some steam to help break it up more, and blot with a MF. Got out all the stubborn stains in the wifes car no problem doing this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They're both better than the mediocre SG.
This is the steam cleaner I have. Its nothing special and not that powerful but does a pretty good job at getting spots cleaned. Like a little APC on headliner then hit with some steam to help break it up more, and blot with a MF. Got out all the stubborn stains in the wifes car no problem doing this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Also Meguiars APC and DG is fantastic! I also recommend trying their window cleaner as well. It smells like grape and works waaay better than anything else I've tried. Meguiars pro products are by far my favorite.
#13
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
I honestly forgot i made this thread and i appreciate all the replies. I didnt think it would be that dirty until i looked at a carbon fiber piece under the hood and it looked black haha