How to Clean the Engine Bay
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
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How to Clean the Engine Bay
Never once have I cleaned the engine bay because I am scared/worried of how it should be handled.
For example, this one guy, literally hose down his engine with water...
I think it is unsafe so I do not follow through with his method.
Another guy sprays on WD40 and wipes the excess dirt off. For that, I am too worried if it somehow contacts with the belt.
Anyhow, I don't care what those people use to clean their engine because they do not have a Acura TL
So, my question is, how do you guys go about in maintaining your engine to look clean and shine?
Thorough answers would really help, once again, I do not like taking this chance and somewhat self conscious of any type of liquid touching the engine.
Thanks.
For example, this one guy, literally hose down his engine with water...
I think it is unsafe so I do not follow through with his method.
Another guy sprays on WD40 and wipes the excess dirt off. For that, I am too worried if it somehow contacts with the belt.
Anyhow, I don't care what those people use to clean their engine because they do not have a Acura TL
So, my question is, how do you guys go about in maintaining your engine to look clean and shine?
Thorough answers would really help, once again, I do not like taking this chance and somewhat self conscious of any type of liquid touching the engine.
Thanks.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 92,751
Likes: 4,680
From: ShitsBurgh
^ good write up there, water contacting the engine is fine as long as you cover any essential electronic pieces, and you ONLY wash the engine when it is cold. I cover my battery, headlight ballasts, alternator, distributor, and fuse box. It's a bit of overkill but I have done a lot of wire modifications and don't want to damage, short, or rust anything. Then I use some kind of degreaser, my preferred one is Chemical Guys Grime Reaper, after rinsing the engine, spray it on, aggitate with a brush, and then rinse clean. You then want to dry the engine thoroughly, and apply some sort of protectant (don't use armor all) use something better like 303 Aerospace Protectant. I will be doing this in a few weeks and can post pics if you would like
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
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^ good write up there, water contacting the engine is fine as long as you cover any essential electronic pieces, and you ONLY wash the engine when it is cold. I cover my battery, headlight ballasts, alternator, distributor, and fuse box. It's a bit of overkill but I have done a lot of wire modifications and don't want to damage, short, or rust anything. Then I use some kind of degreaser, my preferred one is Chemical Guys Grime Reaper, after rinsing the engine, spray it on, aggitate with a brush, and then rinse clean. You then want to dry the engine thoroughly, and apply some sort of protectant (don't use armor all) use something better like 303 Aerospace Protectant. I will be doing this in a few weeks and can post pics if you would like
haha thanks man!
but if pics are too much of a problem, don't worry about it
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Sigh... got to get over this fear and get my baby clean!
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6
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From: Spring, TX
Clean Engine Bay
I spray degreaser everywhere and then power wash the egine bay. Just make sure not spray too much water by the spark plugs because it will cause it to miss fire but if that happens all you have to do is dry the coil or just let it dry on its own. You will love the way it comes out, trust me! mine is spotless! i wash it at least two times a month and i've never had a problem with anything and i've never covered anything up either. you should try it and let me know how it comes out. I use the "Purple Power" degreaser from autozone.
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10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
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I spray degreaser everywhere and then power wash the egine bay. Just make sure not spray too much water by the spark plugs because it will cause it to miss fire but if that happens all you have to do is dry the coil or just let it dry on its own. You will love the way it comes out, trust me! mine is spotless! i wash it at least two times a month and i've never had a problem with anything and i've never covered anything up either. you should try it and let me know how it comes out. I use the "Purple Power" degreaser from autozone.
Also, did it come out clean with just water?
******
Thanks for all the help guys.
It seems like, it would be okay to wet the engine bay as long as you wait couple hours for the "electric" components dry up. Same concept as washing down your keyboard and let it dry so the circuits don't go hay wire.
I will make this daring move this coming weekend...
10th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
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I covered up my intake filter but that was it. I didn't spray the water as a stream but more of a mist. I sprayed some APC and let that sit for a little bit, and scrubed with various brushes. Came out ok for 15 minutes of work.
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,001
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From: Florida / England
Protection of Electrical Components
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
Notes:
1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed I'd talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
Notes:
1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed I'd talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Protection of Electrical Components
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
Notes:
1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed I'd talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
Notes:
1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed I'd talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
Thanks for your comment.
At least I have a general idea of what type of precaution to take before cleaning the engine bay.
Probably just going to end up not doing this...
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