it is sooo dirty under my hood. how are you supposed to wash the engine? i know, stupid question but i need to know:toothless
thanks

 

There is degreaser you can buy at any auto parts store. Just cover up your alternator, battery, and any electrical components, spray on the degreaser, then rinse with a hose. High pressure wash is not recommended. You can also just wet a towel with degreaser and water and wipe down the engine.

 

Its such a great question. Ive been wondering myself. I just used a wet cloth like SoundSpeed said.

 

I keep my engine fairly clean. Here's how I do it:

1. Buy a good engine degreaser (if the engine's REALLY dirty)
2. Park the car where you can rinse the engine and let it cool down fully.
3. Make certain that all dipsticks, caps, etc. are in place and tight!
4. Apply the degreaser/engine cleaner according to the directions on the can.
5. Wait the appropriate amount of time for the cleaner to work (read the can).
6. Rinse the engine with water thoroughly. Never use high pressure - just a regular garden hose & sprayer.
7. Dry the engine with a leaf blower (this sounds strange, but it's the best method)

in addition to this (if you want it to look REALLY good)...

8. Spray the entire engine (be careful not the spray belts, pulleys & alternator) liberally with ArmorAll
9. Let sit for several hours (overnight is better)
10. Rinse with water like you did before
11. Dry with leaf blower

It will come out GREAT!!!!

The ArmorAll seems to repel dust, so the engine looks better longer.

 

Is armorall flamable? I would use a silicon spray instead.

 

No - ArmorAll is not flamable.....

 

i need to clean my engine as well, its just that I dont trust myself, I'm sure i'll accidentally get some degreaser or some water into some area of the engine where it doesnt belong and break it....

so what do you guys recommend about going to a professional and having them clean it, shouldnt be too expensive right?....

 

I wouldn't go to a professional unless you are having your entire car detailed. If you are worried about getting moisture into areas that you shouldn't, then just put degreaser onto a cloth and wipe the engine down by hand being sure to get the more visible areas.