View Full Version : How to clean/wash motor/engine bay safely?
04allstock
04-03-2018, 08:57 AM
Couldn't find this anywhere. I'd like to get my engine bay looking fresh like when I bought it. What are the dos and donts?
fastblackmerc
04-03-2018, 09:16 AM
Buy a citrus-based engine cleaner from any FLAPS or Walmart. Follow the instructions on the can. You might want to get some small paint or cleaning brushes for the hard to reach and crusty spots. DO NOT use high pressure water to rinse. Blow dry and use an engine dressing. You want something that will not attract dust and dirt. DO NOT use WD40 or silicone-based products. Once it's clean a quick spray with the hose will keep it looking good.
SOSA03
04-03-2018, 03:28 PM
I wipe my motor down with Meguiars quick detail spray and a microfiber towel
fastblackmerc
04-03-2018, 03:39 PM
I wipe my motor down with Meguiars quick detail spray and a microfiber towel������
After the initial cleaning............ right?
tbone
04-03-2018, 03:42 PM
I "power" wash it holding the tip 1" from vital electronic components. ;)
Grimrepairman
04-04-2018, 09:58 AM
Castrol super clean works wonders on the heavy grease and grime. May have to experiment with dilution rates. Used to powerwash the sludge off of school buses before inspections. It's biodegradable too.
BlackBeauty_bb
04-04-2018, 12:20 PM
Couldn't find this anywhere. I'd like to get my engine bay looking fresh like when I bought it. What are the dos and donts?
Just bought another Marauder recently. 04 Silver Birch. And I had the same question. I recently found someone on youtube named ChrisFixIT. Heres the link to the video. Very clear about everything to avoid. and Dos and don't's hope it helps you like it helped me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM
04allstock
04-17-2018, 03:27 PM
Thanks, dudes.
TrilogyMarauder
04-17-2018, 03:49 PM
My engine bay doesn't get dirty. :confused: :dunno:
crownvic97
04-17-2018, 05:36 PM
Just bought another Marauder recently. 04 Silver Birch. And I had the same question. I recently found someone on youtube named ChrisFixIT. Heres the link to the video. Very clear about everything to avoid. and Dos and don't's hope it helps you like it helped me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM
That’s a great video!
BAD MERC
04-19-2018, 03:39 PM
I use diluted Purple Power and a hose. I dry it with a leaf blower and use a silicone-based aerosol dressing. Eagle One makes an excellent one and it's just like using spray paint. No need to be accurate, thorough, or even wide afterward.
https://i.imgur.com/rRpl5yx.jpg
BAD MERC
04-19-2018, 03:43 PM
Holy crap - still learning Imgur and resizing is gonna be necessary.
TrilogyMarauder
04-19-2018, 04:23 PM
That's almost actual size! :P
Grimrepairman
04-19-2018, 07:23 PM
Very nice. I don't think mine will ever be that clean unless it gets a frame up.
NXSBOB
04-23-2018, 01:22 PM
Here are before and after "EZ Pour Purple Power". Then use Meguiar's "Hot Shine Tire Spray? on black parts.
ctrlraven
04-23-2018, 06:42 PM
I always use some diluted Simple Green in a spray bottle with a parts cleaning tool and tooth brush. Spray and wipe down large areas, use brushes for tight small areas and wipe dry or use some air from the compressor.
Eastern_Front
06-17-2018, 10:57 AM
Castrol super clean works wonders on the heavy grease and grime. May have to experiment with dilution rates. Used to powerwash the sludge off of school buses before inspections. It's biodegradable too.
Don't use this on your Marauder's engine unless you rinse the Fu%& outa it.. Castrol super clean will wreak havoc on your aluminum!!
simple green if you have issues with grease though I must say these cars are not chevy's so oil leaks should not be an issue..
Guittard22
06-17-2018, 11:20 AM
Buy a citrus-based engine cleaner from any FLAPS or Walmart. Follow the instructions on the can. You might want to get some small paint or cleaning brushes for the hard to reach and crusty spots. DO NOT use high pressure water to rinse. Blow dry and use an engine dressing. You want something that will not attract dust and dirt. DO NOT use WD40 or silicone-based products. Once it's clean a quick spray with the hose will keep it looking good.
Iuse the WD-40 to greaser works pretty good for the crevices like a silver and purple can - but after I use that I clean it with a mild cleaner and soapy water completely dry after .
gdmjoe
06-18-2018, 08:28 AM
Excerpted from the Simple Green web site FAQ ...
Aluminum — Is it safe to use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner on aluminum?
When used with caution and according to the instructions, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has been safely and successfully used to clean aluminum. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, Crystal Simple Green Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser, and Simple Green Pressure Washer Concentrates have been used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, contact times for unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes. Large cleaning jobs should be conducted in smaller-area stages to achieve lower contact time. Rinsing after cleaning should always be extremely thorough - paying special attention to flush out cracks and crevices to remove all Simple Green product
residues.
Unfinished, uncoated or unpainted aluminum cleaned with Simple Green products should receive some sort of protectant after cleaning to prevent oxidation.
Me ...
http://www.gdmjoe.com/detailing-dawn.jpg
*Solution in a spray bottle.
.
MyBlackBeasts
06-27-2018, 04:28 PM
Me ...
http://www.gdmjoe.com/detailing-dawn.jpg
*Solution in a spray bottle.
Yep! :up: :D
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