Cleaning engine compartment

[chetJ]

As all of you know winter here in the great frozen North had been a killer this year. I hate all the salt, especially as I have seen it accumulate inside the engine compartment. I want to use a low pressure water spray to clean off the salt. Are there specific areas that I need to absolutely cover before using the water? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
DJ

 

[jrandom]

What is low pressure? Water out of a hose? Nozzled? Pressure washer on the lowest setting? Squirt bottle?

Just use common sense just be mindful of your electrical, vacuum system, and fragile parts, ie fuse box, vacuum lines, wire bundles, small hoses, ect. If you do soak something, just let it dry out.

 

[Antman]

As all of you know winter here in the great frozen North had been a killer this year. I hate all the salt, especially as I have seen it accumulate inside the engine compartment. I want to use a low pressure water spray to clean off the salt. Are there specific areas that I need to absolutely cover before using the water? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
DJ

Every vehicle I have owned was traded in with an engine compartment that was as clean as new. Here's what I do:

First, with the engine cold, I mist the entire engine bay down with a hose. MIST. The goal here is to get everything wet but not soaked.

Next I spray it down with Simple Green- don't spray your outside paint because it will strip the wax- and let it sit for a few minutes while wiping everything down with a micro fiber towel.

Then I mist everything down again and immediately start the engine. I let the engine run until everything is dry.

Once dry, I turn off the engine and get any spots I missed.

DO NOT EVER wipe down anything in the engine bay while the engine is running (unless you want to lose a few fingers!).


This method works great for me!

 

[Biggcrisp]

Here is what I do:

Pressure wash wheel wells spaying into all those nooks & crannies while washing the body.

Spray WD40 inside the engine bay, only on the areas that look dirty, not on the engine or exhaust (did I really need to tell you this?)

Dry the body, wipe the door jams, then open the hood to wipe-off dirty areas with damp towel (no I do not use a shammy).

Lastly throw away grimmy towel or die at your wife's hands.

Just my lazy method done a couple times per summer.

 

[Hadelson]

Every vehicle I have owned was traded in with an engine compartment that was as clean as new. Here's what I do:

First, with the engine cold, I mist the entire engine bay down with a hose. MIST. The goal here is to get everything wet but not soaked.

Next I spray it down with Simple Green- don't spray your outside paint because it will strip the wax- and let it sit for a few minutes while wiping everything down with a micro fiber towel.

Then I mist everything down again and immediately start the engine. I let the engine run until everything is dry.

Once dry, I turn off the engine and get any spots I missed.

DO NOT EVER wipe down anything in the engine bay while the engine is running (unless you want to lose a few fingers!).


This method works great for me!

Agree on use of Simple Green and misting water. Whenever you wet down area with electronics and electrical connections, there is always some risk.

I too mist compartment, spray with Simple Green and let soak for 10 Minutes and then light spray, mist off. I then use air compressor, start engine and use compressor to blow off any areas with pooling water. Works pretty good and never had an issue

 

[chetJ]

Thank you so much for all the input ! Sincerely appreciate it guys !

 

[chetJ]

[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] - I have never used the simple green solution before. Is it safe to use on all the plastic covering the engine? How about the various hoses and tubes? Please let me know.
Thanks

 

[Hadelson]

[MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] - I have never used the simple green solution before. Is it safe to use on all the plastic covering the engine? How about the various hoses and tubes? Please let me know.
Thanks

Not Antman.......but yes, Simple Green is safe. Does not mar plastic nor hurt rubber hoses.

 

[vicpick58]

I have also used simple green on auto engines for years, it works great and does not seem to damage anything.

Only problem I ever had was not running a Jeep engine long enough to get it completely dry once. It just ran rough for a while, water in the ignition system somewhere I guess.

Now once I am finished cleaning the engine, I take the vehicle for a long drive to be sure everything dries out good.

I also try to avoid getting too much water around electrical components.

 

[Hanau]

Honda brite is what I use

 

[DiskDoctr]

Do NOT leave Simple Green on aluminum components for extended periods. In other words, make sure you get it rinsed off.

It'll make it nice and shiny with short periods of exposure.