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Old 07-08-2011, 01:11 AM   #1
saabaru11
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desert silver

Default Total noob on washing engine bay

Need some input on how to correctly clean your engine . Do I spray the engine down 1st? If so what can I not wet? I hear simple green and a tooth brush work the best. Thanks for the help!
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Old 07-08-2011, 01:44 AM   #2
XanRules
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cover your air filter if it's open.
Spray the rest of that **** down.
Simple Green and a brush.
Dress plastic if desired.
Done.
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Old 07-08-2011, 12:29 PM   #3
STiwestMA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XanRules View Post
cover your air filter if it's open.
Spray the rest of that **** down.
Simple Green and a brush.
Dress plastic if desired.
Done.
+1 works excellent.
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Old 07-08-2011, 08:36 AM   #4
buki_JB
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^^ This. Just did it last night...you will be surprised how awesome it works.

Also, sometimes if the bay is super dirty, it's best to let the simple green soak in for a bit to really penetrate through the muck that's on there.
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Old 07-08-2011, 10:41 AM   #5
AspenScoob255
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Add do not blast the alternator with H2O to Xan's list.
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Old 07-08-2011, 11:50 AM   #6
buki_JB
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AspenScoob255 View Post
Add do not blast the alternator with H2O to Xan's list.
Why? I feel like it gets plenty of water on it while driving in the rain, what's the difference?
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Old 07-08-2011, 12:07 PM   #7
AspenScoob255
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Driving in the rain and shooting pressurized water into it are 2 different things. Besides it is covered so most rain water is deflected or rerouted anway.
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Old 07-08-2011, 12:26 PM   #8
96max2fast
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I would put a plastic bag over it and an exposed aftermarket air filter just to be certain and hose the rest of that sucker down!
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Old 07-08-2011, 12:57 PM   #9
SubieDugie
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If you run the engine while spraying water on it you will find out pretty quick what can't get water on it. If you do though, don't run the engine long enough to get hot, which isn't long. You should never spray any cleaner on anything hot especially your engine. Basic engine rule is stay away from all electrical components to include wiring/connectors. Be careful using any APC/cleaner undiluted on your engine especially rubber/plastic, and never on bare aluminum. Follow the manufacturer's recommended dilution mix for the job at hand. Only spray a direct stream of water where it really needs like oil/grease build up areas. A little APC and some mild scrubbing/agitation works better than straight blasting with water. If in doubt keep the water away; take the time to cover things using al foil, plastic bags, and tape. Avoid getting any undiluted APC on the paint and headlights, and any cleaner you get on the paint/hdlts make sure you rinse off immediately or wipe with a clean, wet microfiber clothe. To dry your engine without starting it and possibly getting steam build up into electrical connection or loose seals on things like headlights, use the blow side on a shop-vac and wipe things down with a towel to avoid water spotting especially on the rubber, plastic, bare al/metal, and non-clear coated paint under the hood. If you dress the engine use a true protectant for the surfaces your are dressing. 303 Aerospace Protectant is great because it's non silicone based so it won't attract dirt and build up like armor-all type sprays. Dressing the motor, or any other area for that matter isn't just for looks. It keeps the material from deteriorating from heat/dirt buildup. Recommend using a spray detailer/spray wax on the painted surfaces to brighten them up and give a little protection as well. Spray detailers/waxes/sealants can be sprayed on during the drying step to save you time and help reduce marring the paint/glossy surfaces and make drying easier/faster usually. To clean the fire retardant material attached to the underside of the hood, spray a mild cleaner onto a damp cotton terry clothe and dab the fire retardant material taking care not to rub hard. Whatever you do don't soak the stuff then scrub it and pull at it. There are cleaner designed for cleaning electrical components like connectors and electric motors; you can find them on autogeek.net that I know of.
Have fun and be safe.
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Old 07-08-2011, 02:36 PM   #10
renob123
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SubieDugie View Post
and never on bare aluminum
The Simple Green in the blue bottle (Simple Green in a blue bottle...that makes no sense) is apparently safe for aluminum. I used it once with no disastrous results.

Jacob
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Old 07-08-2011, 02:28 PM   #11
saabaru11
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Thank you all for the input. Sounds like I got a fun project this weekend.
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Old 07-08-2011, 02:38 PM   #12
Cbgrandtheftauto
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I cover the filter and purple power the **** out of everything and hose it off. Make sure to have the car aiming toward the sun when you start. Once you are done leave the hood up for an hr or so and let the sun dry up the remaining water
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Old 07-08-2011, 03:21 PM   #13
SubieDugie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cbgrandtheftauto View Post
I cover the filter and purple power the **** out of everything and hose it off. Make sure to have the car aiming toward the sun when you start. Once you are done leave the hood up for an hr or so and let the sun dry up the remaining water
Great point. Just make sure that you take it out of the sun and let the eng bay cool before applying any dressings/protectants, as to prevent streaking.
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Old 07-11-2011, 05:41 PM   #14
veener79
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Old 07-11-2011, 09:40 PM   #15
The Duke
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Disclaimer - POTENTIALLY it MAY harm your engine. I am not responsible, etc.

Now, seriously, some say that washing a motor is bad and that it could cause damage to the electronics. I have washed my share of motors and never had a problem with electronics, wiring, failing parts, slipping belts, etc. If you're stupid about this I'm sure there's a way to kill the motor, but otherwise you're golden. You drive a car with a big whole in it anyways...


Thing you need:

Degreaser (Non-acidic cleaner preferrably. Won't harm metals)
Brush (for Agitating)
Towels (Cloth or paper)

Process;

Start:



1)With the engine cold/slightly warm at best (we don't want warping) lightly spray the motor. Some prefer to cover the alternator, battery, or other sensitive areas. If you want (I never do and I never have a problem) cover it with plastic wrap.

2) Apply cleaner, being agitating with brush.



3) Rinse off with hose. Use low pressure and avoid sensitive areas (if uncovered, don't drown the alternator for example. Getting it wet is fine, but don't spray it for 5 minutes on full blast).


4) Wipe excess. Use a towell or brush to wipe off the motor and any standing water. Good for removing water from plug holes, belts, etc.


5) Optional - Engine Dresssing.
Some prefer to spray the engine with a dressing that will keep it shiney and protect it. I've used CD2 engine cleaner and I liek it (follow direction) but it was nice just to clean the motor honestly. I like the bare OEM look, and it's nice to not have to wipe my hands when touching my motor. If you choose, usually it's spray it on a cold engine and turn the motor on to bake it it (it's a resin). Then wipe excess away.

6) Clean-up.
Spray/clean the dirt spot on the drive that you will have.
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Old 07-13-2011, 03:47 AM   #16
kateviliams
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simply use green or aluminium cleaner or polish.
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Old 07-13-2011, 09:00 AM   #17
Aaron'z 2.5RS
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Jus beware of high pressure water, use the low pressure setting at the CW or stand back a ways... the engine is pretty well sealed, besides the obvious... but it's not sealed for typhoon pressures.. lol..
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