Hi all,

How do I get my engine compartment so clean??? Everyone else who posts pics of their engine compartment has ZERO dirt, dust or rust. (how is this possible?!)

I'm about to install the ETS TMIC (and change spark plugs) and I just want to clean it up the engine compartment (read: plan for future upgrades ). It's like all my hardware is rusty... Any recommendations???

Thanks in Advance!

[2007 RDX / 71k miles]

 

I take the plastic intercooler cover off at my home and wash with soapy water in the front yard. I can then inspect the engine bay in the bright sunlight for extra dirty areas to concentrate on with the hand sprayer. I just go down to the the "U Wash it" place and use the high pressure hose on soap, rinse, and finish up with a spot free rinse. I even spray down the underside of the hood pad to get any dirt off that. Extra careful not to touch my ETS intercooler vanes with the high pressure sprayer (it stays much cleaner and less road debris damage compared to OEM intercooler). I then drive my RDX for about 15-20 minutes on the hwy to dry everything out. You might have to use some engine degreaser spray and do a few washes to have a clean starting point.

I usually wash the engine bay several times a year to keep it looking good.

 

looks like you live in a dusty area.

 

Its just dusty...with neglect (I'm in North-East NJ)

Are there other areas (besides new ETS IC) that I should NOT be cleaning? (Or be careful when cleaning?) Any other tips?

Is there a kit to change out all my rusted nasty bolts and clamps?

 

It can be hard to spray clean areas like the power steering reservoir, anit-freeze holding tank, or brake reservoir. I have some degreaser/solvent I use for cleaning my bike chain I can spray on a rag to cut through the oil build-up on those areas. I sometimes have to use a rag and same soap approved for a car finish to clean places a spray can't remove like the painted areas, hoses, and plastic covers. I would just double-check to make sure and dipsticks, covers/caps, and clamps to secure things are in the proper position before spraying. Don't want to start spraying to find out your fuse box under the hood top was loose.

 

depending on what kind of degreaser you use...Some will turn black rubber and plastics white....
simplegreen works great!!

 

All the metal can be cleaned with rags and WD40.

All the plastic can be brought back to black with tire shine. Clean areas first with car soap and hot water.

Clean the tires and wheels when you have them off to rotate. I use engine degreaser spray and a couple of different stiff brushes on the inner side of the wheels. Dry them and then dress the tires with tire shine.

After washing the car open everything and wipe clean all the hidden surfaces and gaskets. Under the hatch, hood, gas door.

Takes lots of work but looks great. Once its all freshened it's easier to keep it that way.

I think the more rain you drive in makes more mess under the hood and on the under carriage.

 

Thanks, all!

As mentioned earlier, I'm about to swap out the IC and the sparkplugs. Should I get some shiney new colorful spark plug cover and intake manifold cover? (or other good looking engine coverings?)

Any recommendations?

 

Nevermind. That thing is going to be covered once the IC is back on...

 

Purchase or borrow a steam cleaner!

Once clean, liberally coat everything with 303 Aerospace Protectant.

 

I've heard a pressurized steam cleaners can be bad for engines because they can force moisture into electrical connections and past waterproof seals.

 

I'm just using an inexpensive unit from Harbor freight. I'm more than certain there's no risk with it (unlike a high-power commercial steamer).

It really does a great job getting the gunk that degreaser leaves behind.

 

I would spray degreaser on a cool engine first but in the spots where there is a lot of dirt and away from the ic. Then pressure wash those areas. Then take a rag and warm water and wipe around the ic. When you have time, remove the ic cover, vacuum the ic on top. then use a tweezer or a small pick and apply light pressure and straighten back some of the fins. You can buy the GUNK degreaser and engine shine. it's basically a 2 in 1 can. You spray on a cool engine, start the engine and have the truck running, pressure wash and then clean up the areas with a rag and warm water that the pressure washer couldn't get and your done

 

+1 on simplegreen. Ive been using it for years and it has never stained anything like other degreasers i've used in the past. I even use it on my wheels, and have never had an issue