350Chris Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 (edited) How best to clean my engine bay? Started thinking about this today after watching a detailing video on youtube in which the guy applied a substance akin to bilberry wheel cleaner around the bay and then jet washed off... I dont have a pressure washer, but have always been told that an engine bay is a no go area - understandably so to my logic. The engine bay needs lifting as I add bits to it...but what do people do as far as cleaning method and products? Edited December 29, 2012 by 350Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I use some ChemGuys degreaser agitated and soaked up with a microfibre, and then some AG tyre shine for the plastic bits. In theory you shoud be able to bag off the electric bits and attack with a hose, but there's no way I'm that brave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubapics Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Any degreaser is a good start. I've used gunk as it is readily available from halfords but seems nasty stuff. Now I would use meguiars all purpose cleaner or maybe valet pro citrus pre wash and a paint brush to agitate. I've used hose pipes and pressure washers in the past without bagging anything off to rinse off. I'm careful not to get it near the fuse boxes or ECU and I don't dwell over connections. Just a quick rinse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 PM Wasso Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 PM Wasso Easy tiger, I spent about 8 hours cleaning my bay, I don't want to do another one Although if £££ are in order then I'd be glad to strip the engine bay of intake and plenum and then give it a good scrub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobPhoboS Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 I've done it on a few cars, just cover up the electrical parts, and without a doubt you MUST use a pressure washer (normal hose just chucks out too much water). I typically spray on some bilt hamber 'Surfex-HD' - it's brilliant stuff, just agitate it with a brush and rinse it off. Lastly, I always start the car as quickly as possible, and let it heat up to dry out any water. (keep a can of wd40 nearby just in case ) Failing any of that, check out detailingworld, plenty of great advice on there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downhuman Posted December 29, 2012 Share Posted December 29, 2012 Autobrite tango... Spray on, agitate with paintbrush, remove with damp microfibres... And pressure washer usually fine if you are careful but agree with above point on not a normal hose. Other option is a steam cleaner and microfibres too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilogikal1 Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 I would agree with the above regarding a hose if you're using an open ended hose, however with any sort of spray gun type of attachment I much prefer that to a pressure washer. This is a good step-by-step guide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Or just make sure you have the right fuel and the right oil, save your cash and time and drive the car instead : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Or just make sure you have the right fuel and the right oil, save your cash and time and drive the car instead : Chapter 1 para 2 from the SMD book of Zedding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted December 30, 2012 Share Posted December 30, 2012 Or just make sure you have the right fuel and the right oil, save your cash and time and drive the car instead : Chapter 1 para 2 from the SMD book of Zedding Yep Chapter one is entitled "Stop polishing it and drive the fecking thing" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350Chris Posted December 31, 2012 Author Share Posted December 31, 2012 Yep Chapter one is entitled "Stop polishing it and drive the fecking thing" It goes faster when it is clean though....good wax improves the aerodynamics (or so I tell myself) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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