How do you clean an engine easily??/

[lucky472]

I was just reading another post and there were pics of a nice engine compartment. I've had my car for 1.5 years and have never once done anything in this area with the exception of a quick wipe once or twice. This area on my GTI tends to be dusty and was wondering if theres a quick easy way to clean. I'm freaked out to spray water in this area but assume that this can be done if its done properly. Are there any spray products that you can just spray then rinse. Again, I'm looking for something easy and safe. Please share your techniques and products

[Finemess]

I use Gunk spray foam when I first get a car. The stuff works great, but smells bad for a while. Then maintain with APC and brushes and a hose.

[ihaveacamaro]

If it's only dusty, use a waterless wash.

If it's dirty, use a foaming APC like Meguiars's APC, scrub around with a wheel brush and assortment of brushes, and then rinse it clean.

Nick has a thread of doing just that somewhere around here...

[thebamboo23]

if youre to scared to spray your engine with a hose. than have a spray bottle full of water and mist it to areas that you will be treating. get an APC and dilute it 10:1 or maybe 4:1 if its really bad. use a variety of brushes to get into all the nook, crannies, crevices, etc

it is as easy as that.. if youre looking for something to just spray over the engine and rinse down. it will be nowhere near as effective

OR just get some damped towels, doesnt even need to be MF, and go to town

[thebamboo23]

If it's only dusty, use a waterless wash.

If it's dirty, use a foaming APC like Meguiars's APC, scrub around with a wheel brush and assortment of brushes, and then rinse it clean.

Nick has a thread of doing just that somewhere around here...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...fessional.html

[Ricky_L]

You can use a steamer as well if you have one. Pre spray with apc, then brush if gunk is tough, then steam and wipe dry.

[RTexasF]

I use Amazing Roll Off and a pressure sprayer. Now obviously you don't blast the area from inches away so common sense is required.

[PA DETAILER]

1. cover batt & alt. (plastic bags)
2. wet engine down with water.
3. spray APC on engine.
4. let soak or brush heavy soil.
5. rinse off with water.
6. spray megs hyper dressing mixed 4:1 on engine. walk away. perfect engine every time.

[Crazy Diamond]

Roll off is some amazing stuff, it cleans everything.

[daveinsweethome]

have used roll off on engines for years. i just use cheap mf towels to cover elec. parts and use a pressure washer carefully. no problems. older cars have points and elec but newer cars have computers. if your gti is newer just keep at it with towels and rinseless.