Engine Degreaser

[TheGrayAero]

Although it is not my first time cleaning an engine I want to do it right from here on out. I just picked up a 2000 Forester w/69k miles that probably has never been cleaned under the hood. I don't want to use any cleaners that will pit the metal/aluminum and brass coated pieces under the hood. What product is safe that won't etch any of the metals found under the hood?

Thank You!

[LSNAutoDetailing]

Although it is not my first time cleaning an engine I want to do it right from here on out. I just picked up a 2000 Forester w/69k miles that probably has never been cleaned under the hood. I don't want to use any cleaners that will pit the metal/aluminum and brass coated pieces under the hood. What product is safe that won't etch any of the metals found under the hood?

Thank You!

While not a degreaser, I use Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner and it is my go-to: Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner (https://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-total-engine-cleaner.html)

BEFORE:
https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MzllODM0YjUwMmE5N2EyYz cwM2NhZDJlMDRlMDczYjQ=?uid=80254968-5bd6-488d-aa10-6b61ae223ad5

After:
https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6NzBjYWIxMjkwODU5Njc4N2 U5MmM2YTVmZjQ4ZTFiZjY=?uid=3ff4edf0-c78d-4cc8-8773-c0b830479278

For really bad engine bay's I'll use McKee's Engine Degreaser. After the bay is clean you will have to go over everything and trim-detail the engine & bay.

Before:

https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6Y2EyOWI4OGIzYzg5M2Q0YW FkNGI0ZTg0YjU4NmNmNjk=?uid=d64e868a-35de-4436-982c-11b19bd9e5b5


After:

https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MmU2MTJhMTkzYjg0NDc3NT RkYjFhYTRlMzI3OGUwZWY=?uid=b4567478-4521-469d-808d-905d5d600ea7


This is a great article by Nick@Mckee's which explains his process, which I use as well, to include the products he uses:

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/50352-how-detail-your-engine-like-professional.html)

Hope this helps!

[TheGrayAero]

While not a degreaser, I use Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner and it is my go-to: Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner (https://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-total-engine-cleaner.html)

BEFORE:
https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MzllODM0YjUwMmE5N2EyYz cwM2NhZDJlMDRlMDczYjQ=?uid=80254968-5bd6-488d-aa10-6b61ae223ad5

After:
https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6NzBjYWIxMjkwODU5Njc4N2 U5MmM2YTVmZjQ4ZTFiZjY=?uid=3ff4edf0-c78d-4cc8-8773-c0b830479278

For really bad engine bay's I'll use McKee's Engine Degreaser. After the bay is clean you will have to go over everything and trim-detail the engine & bay.

Before:

https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6Y2EyOWI4OGIzYzg5M2Q0YW FkNGI0ZTg0YjU4NmNmNjk=?uid=d64e868a-35de-4436-982c-11b19bd9e5b5


After:

https://cache.nebula.phx3.secureserver.net/obj/NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MmU2MTJhMTkzYjg0NDc3NT RkYjFhYTRlMzI3OGUwZWY=?uid=b4567478-4521-469d-808d-905d5d600ea7


This is a great article by Nick@Mckee's which explains his process, which I use as well, to include the products he uses:

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/50352-how-detail-your-engine-like-professional.html)

Hope this helps!


I already saw that but I was hoping someone would point out a product that is FOR SURE WON'T etch bare metals/aluminum found under the hood. Is the McGees 37 one of those products that won't harm?

[LSNAutoDetailing]

I already saw that but I was hoping someone would point out a product that is FOR SURE WON'T etch bare metals/aluminum found under the hood. Is the McGees 37 one of those products that won't harm?

Wolfgang Total Engine Cleaner will not etch or leave spots. McKee's will not etch anything however, it will leave a white streaking or spots that you will have to detail the engine bay after you're done. So the "FOR SURE WON"T" product would be WGTEC. ;)

How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles/50352-how-detail-your-engine-like-professional.html)

The Mercedes S-550 engine above was cleaned with McKee's Engine degree, then trim-detailed with McKee's Trim-Detailer and Pinnacle Crystal Mist Detail Spray.


https://youtu.be/J3VpJbB4AwU

[SWETM]

Sonax engine cleaner is a safe cleaner. Look at the video with Mike Phillips and the Sonax rep. And you will be safe and good. Was interested in the Sonax Plastic Care too when watched the video. It's a fire and forget plastic and rubber dressing like meguiars hyper dressing.

SONAX Engine Cleaner (https://www.autogeek.net/sonax-engine-cleaner.html)

SONAX Plastic Care (https://www.autogeek.net/sonax-plastic-care.html)

[Mike Phillips]

FWIW


I'm showing the SONAX Engine Cleaner at my class this weekend.

Before I go home I'm going to make a video as I walk around the garage showing SO MUCH STUFF being staged for the 3-day class and post it to my FB page here,


Mike Phillips - Home | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Mike.Phillips.Autogeek/)



And... I'm not done!


I'll make a second video at the end of the day tomorrow showing EVERYTHING plus all the cars will be here.



:)

[TheGrayAero]

FWIW


I'm showing the SONAX Engine Cleaner at my class this weekend.

Before I go home I'm going to make a video as I walk around the garage showing SO MUCH STUFF being staged for the 3-day class and post it to my FB page here,


Mike Phillips - Home | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Mike.Phillips.Autogeek/)



And... I'm not done!



I'll make a second video at the end of the day tomorrow showing EVERYTHING plus all the cars will be here.



:)

How did the SONAX fair? I'm still looking for a reliable non etching engine cleaner.

[TheGrayAero]

How did the Sonax Engine Cleaner test out?

[PA DETAILER]

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/119232-sonax-engine-cleaner.html?highlight=

[FUNX650]

Gunk has a variety of products
that will safely take care of any
type of engine funk. :dblthumb2:


Bob

[FL10AE]

I've been using Simple Green's Extreme Aircraft and Precision Cleaner (diluted at the correct ratio). It's safe on aluminum, plastics and carbon fiber. It does a fantastic job of cleaning oil and caked on grease. In fact, it's become my go-to cleaner for my collection of high end Italian bicycles.

[luvmyrv]

I detailed the engine bay in my wife's Honda CRV today. I used 3D Orange Citrus degreaser, diluted 4:1. That was on the recommendation from someone in the forum here, and so glad they recommended that degreaser, it's a great product and not harsh. Sprayed the degreaser, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then agitated the surfaces using a small brush and rinsed off. I then followed up with applying McKee's Plastic Trim Restorer, another product I have been very pleased with. Cleaned it up real nice!

650136501465015

[Hermes1]

I have had good results with Griot's Garage engine cleaner.

[Billy Baldone]

I’m hungry...... I know SPAM will very well hit the spot!!!!

[dcjredline]

I detailed the engine bay in my wife's Honda CRV today. I used 3D Orange Citrus degreaser, diluted 4:1. That was on the recommendation from someone in the forum here, and so glad they recommended that degreaser, it's a great product and not harsh. Sprayed the degreaser, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then agitated the surfaces using a small brush and rinsed off. I then followed up with applying McKee's Plastic Trim Restorer, another product I have been very pleased with. Cleaned it up real nice!

650136501465015

One of my favs too. Along with the Meguiars Super Degreaser.