Washing the engine compartment - ask the experts

[Vortex]

I feel like I should know the answer but there are folks here that know alot more about this than me; I was looking under the hood of my GM and its getting pretty grotty and Id like to hose it out. I was thinking of driving up to my local carwash place (the kind where you do it with the wand thing) and spraying it out. I havent done that to a car since the early 80's and I think I might have warped the exhaust manifold on my Camaro doing this. Id sure appreciate some advice by the expert detailers types here (GM Joe, your car always looks excellent). Thanks in advance.

[fastblackmerc]

Get a citrus-based engine cleaner from your favorite FLAPS, maybe 2 cans... follow the directions on the can. May need some scrubbing brushes of various sizes to get the really tough spots and thick gunk. After it's rinsed clean, blow off and water left with a leaf blower or compressed air. When dry use some CD2 Engine Detailer to keep it shiny.

[Motorhead350]

I actually use windex and a good cloth for the engine and I am good to go. My car is no best of show and never will be. Just saying if you want a quick fix I use windex. I never powerwash the engine, only the radiator to get all the winter salt out of it to make sure the A/C works.

[Blackened300a]

On a cold engine, Cover the coils and air filter then spray simple green at full strength all over the engine. You'll actually see the dirt and grime run off the engine. Then lightly hose it down. Use a scrub brush for more stubborn area's and repeat the process to get all the dirt and grime out of it. Then start it up and take it for a drive to dry all the water out of it. Use a detail spray to remove any water spots or for touch ups, then use a product by Stoner called "More shine" This is the only spray I suggest. I have tried several others but this stuff completely blows them away. Its also hard to find so you may have to order it. I scored 2 cans at my local car wash and did my GFs Focus engine after giving it the same treatment I described before.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253109_10150200347734530_67033 9529_6749738_6995661_n.jpg

[EMAS]

Yes the car wash works well as does a pressure washer at home. Many car washes actually have an engine degreaser setting but I've found that if it isn't heavily crusted the normal soap does just fine.

[Papillon]

On a cold engine, Cover the coils and air filter then spray simple green at full strength all over the engine. You'll actually see the dirt and grime run off the engine. Then lightly hose it down. Use a scrub brush for more stubborn area's and repeat the process to get all the dirt and grime out of it. Then start it up and take it for a drive to dry all the water out of it. Use a detail spray to remove any water spots or for touch ups, then use a product by Stoner called "More shine" This is the only spray I suggest. I have tried several others but this stuff completely blows them away. Its also hard to find so you may have to order it. I scored 2 cans at my local car wash and did my GFs Focus engine after giving it the same treatment I described before.



And 4 days later after driving it in the rain and to & from Manhattan it STILL looks like that! :up:

[SC Cheesehead]

I use the same technique that Paul uses and the engine bay turns out real well' plus it's quick and easy. The first time around, it may take you a little while, but 10 minutes, once a month, and the engine bay will be spotless.

Like Paul said, More Shine is hard to come by, but Pep Boys and O'Reilly usually stock it.

[Embassy]

Related thread:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70138 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70138)


Good link and great tips.

First, cover up any exposed electrical components or parts you do not want to soak with water, such as the alternator. I use foil since it clings and conforms to whatever you want it to protect.

I shy away from heavy duty cleaners like Simple Green due to the fact they can affect bare aluminum parts. There are safer cleaners out there.

You'll need various sized brushes, from large to really small, to reach between the hoses, brackets, etc. A couple of toothbrushes also help. Just make sure any brush you use will not scratch or damage the surface on which you intend to use it.

A pressure washer is fine if it is not on "full blast".

As soon as the engine is rinsed and ready to be dried, I use a leaf blower to quickly evacuate water from tight spots and to prevent water from collecting and pooling.

Follow up with lint-free towels or microfiber towels (not the same ones you would use on your exterior).

For shine, I use water-based products. Do not use petroleum-based tire shine products because they harm rubber and plastic components.

Plus a lot of spray-on tire shines attract a TON of dust, defeating the entire purpose of cleaning an engine.

For quick detailing before cruises or a car show, I use Griots wipes:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/interior+detailing/vinyl+and+rubber+dressing+wipe s+100+count.do?search=basic&keyword=vinyl&sortby=newArrivals&page=1 (http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/interior+detailing/vinyl+and+rubber+dressing+wipe s+100+count.do?search=basic&keyword=vinyl&sortby=newArrivals&page=1)

And spray:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/wheels+%26+tires/wheel+tire+cleaners/vinyl+%26+rubber+dressing%2C+3 5+ounces.do?search=basic&keyword=vinyl&sortby=newArrivals&page=1 (http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+care/wheels+%26+tires/wheel+tire+cleaners/vinyl+%26+rubber+dressing%2C+3 5+ounces.do?search=basic&keyword=vinyl&sortby=newArrivals&page=1)

Exterior detail sprays and microfiber towels are great on any painted surface. I use q-tips to reach and clean really tight spots like the area around valve cover bolts.

For textured surfaces, I use:
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+G108 10 (http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.asp?T1=MEG+G108 10)

An old Cal Car Duster is great for quickly dusting off a cool engine before a cruise or show.


http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/793589/fullsize/engine.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/761097/fullsize/img_6972.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/761098/fullsize/img_6973.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/710042/fullsize/img_5467-(large).jpg

Hope this helps.

[stryker]

Related thread:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70138 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=70138) Not only likes and helps but motivates as well , I will do the same BP74i needs a lot of care and attention.

[sailsmen]

If it has coil covers after "washing" remove them and blow out the SP wells with compressed air. Once the COPS arc they don't last long.

I don't see the need to pressure wash a private passenger car engine, more potential problems than benefits, dispite what some say the Marauder is not a submarine.

Simple Green makes an auto engine cleaner that does not etch al.

[tbone]

ummmmm:bs:

[AConvertedChevy]

I would actually consider taking a girl out to dinner at your houses and eat off your engine bays

[sailsmen]

ummmmm:bs:

Is this an appropriate response that promotes fellowship?

[sailsmen]

Page 165 of the "owner's guide" - "Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage."

The coil covers are not water proof. Where the wiring harness enters the coil covers from the firewall is often a source of water filling the rear SP Well. The bolts that hold the coil covers down are also a source of water leaking.

Do a search on the internet.

[tbone]

Is this an appropriate response that promotes fellowship?

Chill.
Pressure washing doesn't mean using max "pressure" on every square inch of the engine. You can adjust the nozzle or pull back.
Also, the gaskets over the wells do a good job of keeping water out.

[tbone]

Page 165 of the "owner's guide" - "Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause damage."

The coil covers are not water proof. Where the wiring harness enters the coil covers from the firewall is often a source of water filling the rear SP Well. The bolts that hold the coil covers down are also a source of water leaking.

Do a search on the internet.


It says to "take care when power washing the engine", not that you are barred from doing it. Read what it says.
How often do you force water into the covers from the firewall? Pretty hard to do.
I speak from experience. I don't need to search the internet. Give it up. You are just plain wrong.

[sailsmen]

"adjust the nozzle and pull back" why not just use a hose?

Using a hose on a garden spray setting water has entered the SP wells and gotten the COPS wet.

Vortec asked for advice and I gave him mine. Keep in mind Vortec will be at a public car wash.

Do it how you want.

Calling another member names and personally attacking is not necessary. I am sure you can express your opinion in a civil manner so please do so.

[MM2004]

Cold engine.

1/2 to full bottle of Simple Green all over the engine and bay.

Smoke a cigarette and drink a beer. Or 2.

Shower setting on garden hose and rinse off.

(Only one thing I avoid - CAI filter)

Immediately start car and let it run a good 5 - 10 minutes.

Dry as needed.

;)

Mike.

[sailsmen]

It says to "take care when power washing the engine", not that you are barred from doing it. Read what it says.
How often do you force water into the covers from the firewall? Pretty hard to do.
I speak from experience. I don't need to search the internet. Give it up. You are just plain wrong.

Read what I write. I also speak from experience

"I don't see the need to pressure wash a private passenger car engine, more potential problems than benefits, dispite what some say the Marauder is not a submarine."
"The coil covers are not water proof. Where the wiring harness enters the coil covers from the firewall is often a source of water filling the rear SP Well. The bolts that hold the coil covers down are also a source of water leaking."

[tbone]

Jeez dude. Get a grip.
I did not call you a name or personally attack you.

The little guy with the BS sign is there for a reason, and it is used often. It's supposed to be a friendly, funny way of disagreeing with someone. If it upsets you so much then petition for it to be removed from the boards.

[tbone]

Read what I write. I also speak from experience

"The coil covers are not water proof. Where the wiring harness enters the coil covers from the firewall is often a source of water filling the rear SP Well. The bolts that hold the coil covers down are also a source of water leaking."

I read this and agree with it. But, if the gaskets are in good condition and are installed properly, it is not likely that water will enter the engine. Getting through the two hold down bolts is highly, highly unlikely. Where the wires enter through the back is more likely, but hard to do as well. You would probably have to do it on purpose for it to happen.

You don't have to shout.

[sailsmen]

I do not find your posts funny or friendly. I find a lot of animosity in your posts towards me and others.

I will make it simple and use the ignore list. This way you can continue to post the way you do and it will not affect me.

[tbone]

I do not find your posts funny or friendly. I find a lot of animosity in your posts towards me and others.

I will make it simple and use the ignore list. This way you can continue to post the way you do and it will not affect me.

:banana::banana::banana:

You accuse me of name calling and personal attacks, have no examples of it, and then practice exactly what you are complaining about.

So go ahead and run away and pout.

[tbone]

dispite what some say the Marauder is not a submarine.[/B]


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[BigCars4Ever]

USE NOTHING BUT SIMPLE GREEN, NOTHING BUT SIMPLE GREEN I can't stress this enough. Amonia will etch anything that has an anodized finish as will most commercial degreasers. Citrus based cleaners will turn aluminum dark. I have seen way too many people make their engines look like crap by using the wrong degreasers.