Engine cleaning

[Cashcrazy]

I want to try to clean under the hood of my car this weekend. I have always just sprayed the motor off with water, but after seeing some of scotts pics I want my engine to look that good! Can someone give me some good methods and products to do this?

[D]

The topic is brought up so often, try searching.

[richy]

Here's the 1st time I tried it..like anything else, the products make the difference.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/9465-04-saab-1st-engine-detail-lots-pics.html

[Jimmie]

Here's another review with an excellent system.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/4682-review-dps-engine-degreaser.html

[scottgt]

really the simple way on OEM engines..i use a half and half mix of degresser and water...i use it in the lawn spray 2 gallon pump bottles...thather the engine really good..getting all the nooks and things...let it sit for about 30 sec....then pressure wash it off...while it is still wet...spray it with AA tire foam..then turn the car on...let it run for about 5 min...open the hood and soak up and puddles of water that is left...i then wipe down any parts missed with megs. 40...this gives it a great look..here are some results

before
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q2/sgs4u14/IMG_2257.jpg


after
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q2/sgs4u14/IMG_2262.jpg


before
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q2/sgs4u14/IMG_1099.jpg


after
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q2/sgs4u14/IMG_1119.jpg



now it CAN'T be done on something like this.....

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q2/sgs4u14/IMG_2667.jpg

[justin_murphy]

Like Scott, I've been using the Armor All Tire Foam process for two years now.

Degrease the motor.
Rinse.
Tire Foam it.
Close hood and turn the engine on for 20 minutes.
Turn engine off.
Let sit for 20 more minutes or while detailing rest of vehicle.
Open and dry up puddles.

It's so easy.

[justin_murphy]

Here's another review with an excellent system.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/4682-review-dps-engine-degreaser.html



Hey I barely remember doing that review!!!

Thanks for bringing it up Jimmie!

[Detail_Guy]

I want to try to clean under the hood of my car this weekend. I have always just sprayed the motor off with water, but after seeing some of scotts pics I want my engine to look that good! Can someone give me some good methods and products to do this?

There are a lot of excellent products and methods to clean the engine compartment. I'm sure you will see a lot of them here. The best advise I can give you is this...

Once you've got the engine compartment clean... keep it clean! Take a few minutes after every wash, and wipe down a few things. You'll be surprised at how clean it will stay if you do that. At the very least, you will only have to give it a light degreasing on the hard to reach spots once or twice a year.

[scottgt]

There are a lot of excellent products and methods to clean the engine compartment. I'm sure you will see a lot of them here. The best advise I can give you is this...

Once you've got the engine compartment clean... keep it clean! Take a few minutes after every wash, and wipe down a few things. You'll be surprised at clean it will be if you do that. At the very least, you will only have to give it a light degreasing on the hard to reach spots once or twice a year.


this is very true...take care of your engine just like you do the rest of your car...you will not believe how much it will add to the sale of your car, or the all around apperence..if people see a clean engine..they will think the car has been taken care of and runs like a champ

[justin_murphy]

this is very true...take care of your engine just like you do the rest of your car...you will not believe how much it will add to the sale of your car, or the all around apperence..if people see a clean engine..they will think the car has been taken care of and runs like a champ

This is SO true!

[Cashcrazy]

Thanks for all the replies! Scott and justin: What brand of degreaser are you using?

[budman3]

Here's the 1st time I tried it..like anything else, the products make the difference.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/9465-04-saab-1st-engine-detail-lots-pics.html


I'm not sure I agree with this statement ... IMO it's the process that makes the difference ... not the product.

And of course, since it hasn't been mentioned yet ... be careful detailing an engine. Too many people open the hood and flood the engine with a pressure washer and degreaser ... one time it'll bite them in the you know what if they're not careful .... cover the altinator, fuse box, plugs, distributor and especially the coil on plug, if applicable.

[Detail_Guy]

And of course, since it hasn't been mentioned yet ... be careful detailing an engine. Too many people open the hood and flood the engine with a pressure washer and degreaser ... one time it'll bite them in the you know what if they're not careful .... cover the altinator, fuse box, plugs, distributor and especially the coil on plug, if applicable.

All the more reason to keep the engine compartment clean with frequent "light" wipe-downs. Then, one won't have to resort to the "heavy-duty" cleaning.