tnl_tsx

can u spray water or any other stuffz onto the engine bay cuz i want it to be clean? Thanz

TSXtc

You certainly can. The best product I've found for this area is P21S Total Auto Wash or if you live by a Harley dealer you can pick up its twin brother labeled as S100 Total Bike Wash. Dillute it to about 5:1 in a spray bottle with distilled water and spray entire engine compartment. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then rinse lightly. Keep the hose moving and dont keep rinsing same spot for too long. P21S TAW will leave the engine compartment "sqeaky" clean and looking like new with out harming surounding painted areas. In fact P21S works well for removing bugs off of front of car but it will strip wax so be sure to rewax that area when finished. As soon as your're done turn the engine over and allow it to run while you finish washing the car. This helps the drying process and gets the water out of the tight places. When youre done pop the hood and take an old rag and finish drying any wet areas. I like to finish it off with Stoners Trim Shine for a slight gloss finish, but you can use your favorite dressing or just leave it plain. P21S will make it look beautiful just as is.

blackjackman

what's the milage ?

98EXL

you can also use simple green too on the motor, that works just fine as well. I had been using that on my old accord for years, no problems. Follow TSXtc's method, that is the method you want to use. Another bling factor that looks nice is when you are all done, you can spray the motor down with armorall while the motor is running, close the hood for 5-10 minutes, and open it up, it will look blinging!

CLpower

I use SG on the motor, does a great job at removing heavy grime

SSMinnow

When you spray water into the engine are there areas you should cover or tape off to prevent damage? Or is everything fair game?

98EXL

I've never done that, but some say yes, others say no.....

TSXtc

For whatever its worth, I've cleaned countless numbers of engines using P21S TAW or S100 TBW and have never covered anything and have yet to have a problem. If done properly you'll just need to turn the engine over and let it run while you wash the remainder of the car. I normally finish off with something low gloss to make it look nice but I dont prefer to use a high gloss trim shine due to its "cheap" look.

daniel1113

What do you mean by "turn the engine over"? Thanks.

TSXtc

Start the engine

keejoonc

Somehow the thought of spraying water into the engine bay doesn't make me feel comfortable. I heard from somewhere that you need to cover up some places like the alternator etc, although I don't know if there's any truth in that.

TSXtc

I never have before, and have yet to have a problem. The trick is to spray and rinse lightly, thats all thats needed anyway to remove your cleaner. Then just make sure to turn the engine on right away. Your engine compartment gets wet in the rain anyway. Though not as wet as when you are going to do a job like this, but I assure you it can handle it.

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

Engine Detailing

slo007

Good suggestions. Our 4Runner could use some cleaning.