Engine cleaning

[Tearoom]

I've seen some lovely pictures of nice clean engine bays and would really like to spruce mine up for the spring.
I've also heard that steam cleaning can damage the electrics, so what is the best way to clean the engine and engine bay?
Would like to see some pics of nice clean engines if you have them.

 

[billz]

I use AG Vinyl and Rubber Care and also cotton buds

 

[billz]

Just put a pair of rubber gloves on spray the AG all over and also dampen a Micro Fibre cloth in AG and just push your hand into as many of the gaps it will fit. Then do the same with a dry Micro cloth

 

[Paul Rice]

I use Gunk for any heavy soiled bits put on with a brush, agitate then rinse off with water using a hose. Black work finished off with a non silicone engine lacquer.
Have seen engines cleaned using WD40 seems to work well!

 

[t-tony]

I used this, the item on the left. Bought in Walmart in Kissimmee, not seen it over here but someone must do a similar product.

I tested a couple of out of view spots first in case of staining etc. but all was well and I liberally sprayed under the bonnet and engine. Left it to stand for about 5 minutes and then rinsed with cold water from a fine rose type spray. Let it dry as engine was warm (not hot) then used AG Vynil and rubber care kindly suggested by @billz .
Step 1. Scrubbing bubbles.

Rinse off and let dry.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

I'd be more than happy to source Scubbing Bubbles by the case and ship them to anyone that wants it. Prices at Walmart are the same price as the USA @t-tony but works out cheaper due to exchange rates! I pay in Canadian what you pay in US$$$ Anything else I can ship to anyone just have to ask!! JIM

 

[Aaron MacQ]

I did mine a few weeks back with a citrus based snow foam. Covered the alternator, and any exposed fuse boxes and let loose.
Whilst it was soaking, went round it with a cloth and agitated anything particularly dirty, then hosed it down and let it dry.

I'd just bought the car and don't think it had ever had any under bonnet TLC before and this got it about 90% clean with almost no effort.

More recently, I've used AG tar remover to clean anything that was remaining, followed by AG engine degreaser to remove any residues and it's looking pretty good, and still with very little effort.

 

[mrscalex]

I use Wilkinson Liquid Soda Crystals as a general degreaser/oil remover. It's much, much more efficient than Gunk. I recently did a subframe and steering rack with it and they were encased in oil from the donor car.

http://www.wilko.com/multi-purpose-...liquid-soda-crystals-spray-500ml/invt/0213684

In fact I use LSC for tons of things including domestic cleaning. If I was only ever allowed 1 cleaner it would be this. In fact it would be one of the things I'd take to a desert island Although in fairness I'm not sure what I'd clean with it but you never know.

That said I like the idea of a foam as it will (probably) cling better than the LSC. That said the LSC will cling too if sprayed finely and will probably have better dirt lifting capability.

 

[Mint]

I use Wilkinson Liquid Soda Crystals as a general degreaser/oil remover. It's much, much more efficient than Gunk. I recently did a subframe and steering rack with it and they were encased in oil from the donor car.

http://www.wilko.com/multi-purpose-...liquid-soda-crystals-spray-500ml/invt/0213684

In fact I use LSC for tons of things including domestic cleaning. If I was only ever allowed 1 cleaner it would be this. In fact it would be one of the things I'd take to a desert island Although in fairness I'm not sure what I'd clean with it but you never know.

That said I like the idea of a foam as it will (probably) cling better than the LSC. That said the LSC will cling too if sprayed finely and will probably have better dirt lifting capability.

I like the price of that. The problem is I can never go into Wilko and just buy one thing.

 

[mrscalex]

I like the price of that. The problem is I can never go into Wilko and just buy one thing.

I have that problem in Home Bargains and Buyology, with HB being my favourite. Instead of peeing it up the wall these days I go out with my £5 note every Sunday morning with a determination to spend it I go through loads of HB's microfibre 3 pack cloths and white (non-scratch) foam scouring pads.

I split my time between Swindon & Swansea. At the moment there is only an HB in Swansea. Things stand to get worse as there is one coming to Swindon next month. The kids love it too. We'll be moving in there at this rate

 

[Aaron MacQ]

I have that problem in Home Bargains and Buyology, with HB being my favourite. Instead of peeing it up the wall these days I go out with my £5 note every Sunday morning with a determination to spend it I go through loads of HB's microfibre 3 pack cloths and white (non-scratch) foam scouring pads.

I split my time between Swindon & Swansea. At the moment there is only an HB in Swansea. Things stand to get worse as there is one coming to Swindon next month. The kids love it too. We'll be moving in there at this rate

In Home Bargains, check out the £2.99 Microfibre Noodle Chanelle Dusters.... Think it's meant for cleaning behind radiators or on top of wardrobes or something, but it's quite possibly the world's best wheel brush!

Can get right to back of the rims on any car with zero chance of marking or scratching anything. Not sure it'll get past my massive calipers on the Z, but sure....

 

[mrscalex]

In Home Bargains, check out the £2.99 Microfibre Noodle Chanelle Dusters.... Think it's meant for cleaning behind radiators or on top of wardrobes or something, but it's quite possibly the world's best wheel brush!

Can get right to back of the rims on any car with zero chance of marking or scratching anything. Not sure it'll get past my massive calipers on the Z, but sure....

Be certain I will. Thanks

 

[5harp3y]

i use

Autoglym engine degreaser with a small wheel brush to agitate
then careful use of watering can to rinse off
once dry i use Aerospace 303 protectant

 

[littlefeller]

easiest way is to get someone else to do it or get to know someone who does dry ice blasting (youtube it), easy work.

 

[t-tony]

Which bit do you disagree with Ian? @Redline

Tony.

 

[Redline]

Which bit do you disagree with Ian? @Redline

Tony.

Did I? Oh b***er.....

Sausage fingers. Just scanning a few posts while waiting for dad at the hospital. Think I need my meds too

 

[t-tony]

From last years clean, it still looks good. Won't take many minutes to really make it sparkle.

Tony.

 

[g8jka]

I think mine needs a quick wipe over

 

[t-tony]

Go on then Dave, what happened? Cracked filter cap?

Tony.

 

[g8jka]

Well I set about fitting my new filter cap adaptor so I can put a sensor in there for the ///M gauge. Temporarily connected it to test it works, start the engine and boom! Oil everywhere. Guess who forgot to put the blank in the other hole for the second sensor