Cleaning Engine Bay
06-10-2002, 10:55 AM
#1
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Cleaning Engine Bay
I used simple green over the weekend on my rims and it did wonders. I heard you can do the same for your engine bay. My question is.... what parts do you need to cover with a plastic bag so I can clean my engine bay. I dont want anything shorting out so can you please give me all and detailed information? Thanks HT members!!
Sorry .. can a mod please move my post to the Cosmetics forum? Thanks!!
[Modified by Civic LX 29, 7:58 PM 6/10/2002]
Sorry .. can a mod please move my post to the Cosmetics forum? Thanks!!
[Modified by Civic LX 29, 7:58 PM 6/10/2002]
06-10-2002, 11:08 AM
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Civic LX 29)
Nah, your post will be fine here 
Battery, fuseboxes, distributer, and headlight housings would be better off without a strong direct spray, and try not to flood then spark plugs either.
[Modified by sackdz, 3:08 PM 6/10/2002]
Battery, fuseboxes, distributer, and headlight housings would be better off without a strong direct spray, and try not to flood then spark plugs either.
[Modified by sackdz, 3:08 PM 6/10/2002]
06-10-2002, 11:15 AM
#3
Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Civic LX 29)
Let the engine cool a bit. Warm is OK, but definately not hot. I've 'hosed' mine a few times. Avoid the alternator. Try not to direct a forcefull stream of water at electrical connectors, or the fuse box, or the exhaust manifold (It's cast iron, holds heat a long time, and may crack with cold water). Afterwards, you can start the engine to heat it up and help speed drying. BTW, I don't use anything stronger than a garden hose. I would avoid using a 'presure washer'.
06-10-2002, 11:18 AM
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Perfectionist)
Thanks sackdz!!!!
Perfectionist do you cover all of what sackdz listed? Or do you spray the water on the engine bay by not covering anything? Sackdz information was good but he didnt list the alternator.
If anyone else has a suggestion please post!!
Thanks!
Perfectionist do you cover all of what sackdz listed? Or do you spray the water on the engine bay by not covering anything? Sackdz information was good but he didnt list the alternator.
If anyone else has a suggestion please post!!
Thanks!
06-10-2002, 05:32 PM
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Civic LX 29)
Anyone else have any techniques? How do I cover the areas listed above? I really want to clean my engine bay because its so dirty so lets see your posts people!!
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06-10-2002, 08:50 PM
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Civic LX 29)
I used engine degreaser from kragen. it worked great. It gives instructions on what to bag. Try not to get water into your air filter or spark plugs and cover the distributor and battery. Ive never heard anything about the alternator but that kinda makes sense. Also, if you use degreaser, keep it off vacuum lines and belts and anything else rubber because it can break them down if its the strong stuff.
06-10-2002, 09:11 PM
#11
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (SpoonSportsEF7)
Engine degreesers work well, not much better than simple green; however smell like gasoline and is awful for the enviornment! Use simple green w/ 10:1 ratio w/ water. Cover air filter and misc. parts with plastice bag. When done cleaning let car idle for 5 mins of so to dry off...
06-12-2002, 10:18 AM
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (reefer_bob)
Dude i let my engine cool chill at the car wash for 10 mins smoke a cigg or something... pull in cut it off use the engine wash **** if u have it (crazy green color or simple green) spray it down then set to rinse... spray down keep away from fuse box in left corner really its protected it does rain u know every part of your engine has gotten wet so don't sweat it just let it COOL DOWN....later
06-12-2002, 10:36 AM
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Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Acronym)
Keeping an engine clean does more than to enhance its appearance. Oil and fluid leaks will be easy to spot. A clean engine will run cooler and is easier to repair and maintain.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start your engine cleaning routine by putting a plastic bag over the engine air intake. You may also want to protect other parts from moisture, such as the distributor and electrical parts. Aluminum foil often works where it is not possible to use a plastic bag.
Washing the engine is different from washing the exterior of the car since the dirt and grease can be tougher to remove. Making it easier is the fact that since most of the engine compartment does not have a glossy finish, we don't have to worry about scratches. For that reason, it is ok to rinse using high water pressure. You can then go at it with liberal amounts of soap and water. Unlike the exterior, it is ok to use common dishwashing detergent, since its grease cutting abilities can make the job go faster. You should use a mitt or sponge other than the one used on the car body however. If you've been regularly cleaning your engine, then an application of soap and water should do the trick. If grease and grime still remain, more drastic steps may be required. Stronger cleaners or solvents will handle the problem areas. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and water will make a good homebrew grease cutter. If necessary, use a putty knife or paint brush, with its bristles cut short for stiffness, to loosen the tough areas. SOS pads also work well on metal surfaces. A toothbrush can be used to take care of detail areas. Dry using an assortment of hand towels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battery corrosion and the battery box can best be cleaned with a 50-50 mixture of water and baking soda. The towels or rags used to clean the battery should not be used on any other part of the car.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dressings can be applied to plastic surfaces and electrical insulation for a clean, new look. We don't recommend that you attempt to clean a hot engine, since it is dangerous and some parts could be damaged. We also hesitate to recommend steam cleaning. It can do an impressive job on those engines that have years of grime on them, but the process is harsh and can destroy valuable decals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a nice final touch, wash and wax the underside of the hood. It'll set the engine off well and complete the job nicely.
got this off of http://www.web-cars.com it is just about auto detailing.
[Modified by Mr. Furious, 7:37 PM 6/12/2002]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start your engine cleaning routine by putting a plastic bag over the engine air intake. You may also want to protect other parts from moisture, such as the distributor and electrical parts. Aluminum foil often works where it is not possible to use a plastic bag.
Washing the engine is different from washing the exterior of the car since the dirt and grease can be tougher to remove. Making it easier is the fact that since most of the engine compartment does not have a glossy finish, we don't have to worry about scratches. For that reason, it is ok to rinse using high water pressure. You can then go at it with liberal amounts of soap and water. Unlike the exterior, it is ok to use common dishwashing detergent, since its grease cutting abilities can make the job go faster. You should use a mitt or sponge other than the one used on the car body however. If you've been regularly cleaning your engine, then an application of soap and water should do the trick. If grease and grime still remain, more drastic steps may be required. Stronger cleaners or solvents will handle the problem areas. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and water will make a good homebrew grease cutter. If necessary, use a putty knife or paint brush, with its bristles cut short for stiffness, to loosen the tough areas. SOS pads also work well on metal surfaces. A toothbrush can be used to take care of detail areas. Dry using an assortment of hand towels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battery corrosion and the battery box can best be cleaned with a 50-50 mixture of water and baking soda. The towels or rags used to clean the battery should not be used on any other part of the car.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dressings can be applied to plastic surfaces and electrical insulation for a clean, new look. We don't recommend that you attempt to clean a hot engine, since it is dangerous and some parts could be damaged. We also hesitate to recommend steam cleaning. It can do an impressive job on those engines that have years of grime on them, but the process is harsh and can destroy valuable decals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a nice final touch, wash and wax the underside of the hood. It'll set the engine off well and complete the job nicely.
got this off of http://www.web-cars.com it is just about auto detailing.
[Modified by Mr. Furious, 7:37 PM 6/12/2002]
06-12-2002, 12:23 PM
#17
Re: Cleaning Engine Bay (Mr. Furious)
Keeping an engine clean does more than to enhance its appearance. Oil and fluid leaks will be easy to spot. A clean engine will run cooler and is easier to repair and maintain.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start your engine cleaning routine by putting a plastic bag over the engine air intake. You may also want to protect other parts from moisture, such as the distributor and electrical parts. Aluminum foil often works where it is not possible to use a plastic bag.
Washing the engine is different from washing the exterior of the car since the dirt and grease can be tougher to remove. Making it easier is the fact that since most of the engine compartment does not have a glossy finish, we don't have to worry about scratches. For that reason, it is ok to rinse using high water pressure. You can then go at it with liberal amounts of soap and water. Unlike the exterior, it is ok to use common dishwashing detergent, since its grease cutting abilities can make the job go faster. You should use a mitt or sponge other than the one used on the car body however. If you've been regularly cleaning your engine, then an application of soap and water should do the trick. If grease and grime still remain, more drastic steps may be required. Stronger cleaners or solvents will handle the problem areas. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and water will make a good homebrew grease cutter. If necessary, use a putty knife or paint brush, with its bristles cut short for stiffness, to loosen the tough areas. SOS pads also work well on metal surfaces. A toothbrush can be used to take care of detail areas. Dry using an assortment of hand towels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battery corrosion and the battery box can best be cleaned with a 50-50 mixture of water and baking soda. The towels or rags used to clean the battery should not be used on any other part of the car.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dressings can be applied to plastic surfaces and electrical insulation for a clean, new look. We don't recommend that you attempt to clean a hot engine, since it is dangerous and some parts could be damaged. We also hesitate to recommend steam cleaning. It can do an impressive job on those engines that have years of grime on them, but the process is harsh and can destroy valuable decals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a nice final touch, wash and wax the underside of the hood. It'll set the engine off well and complete the job nicely.
got this off of http://www.web-cars.com it is just about auto detailing.
[Modified by Mr. Furious, 7:37 PM 6/12/2002]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start your engine cleaning routine by putting a plastic bag over the engine air intake. You may also want to protect other parts from moisture, such as the distributor and electrical parts. Aluminum foil often works where it is not possible to use a plastic bag.
Washing the engine is different from washing the exterior of the car since the dirt and grease can be tougher to remove. Making it easier is the fact that since most of the engine compartment does not have a glossy finish, we don't have to worry about scratches. For that reason, it is ok to rinse using high water pressure. You can then go at it with liberal amounts of soap and water. Unlike the exterior, it is ok to use common dishwashing detergent, since its grease cutting abilities can make the job go faster. You should use a mitt or sponge other than the one used on the car body however. If you've been regularly cleaning your engine, then an application of soap and water should do the trick. If grease and grime still remain, more drastic steps may be required. Stronger cleaners or solvents will handle the problem areas. A 50-50 mixture of kerosene and water will make a good homebrew grease cutter. If necessary, use a putty knife or paint brush, with its bristles cut short for stiffness, to loosen the tough areas. SOS pads also work well on metal surfaces. A toothbrush can be used to take care of detail areas. Dry using an assortment of hand towels.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battery corrosion and the battery box can best be cleaned with a 50-50 mixture of water and baking soda. The towels or rags used to clean the battery should not be used on any other part of the car.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dressings can be applied to plastic surfaces and electrical insulation for a clean, new look. We don't recommend that you attempt to clean a hot engine, since it is dangerous and some parts could be damaged. We also hesitate to recommend steam cleaning. It can do an impressive job on those engines that have years of grime on them, but the process is harsh and can destroy valuable decals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a nice final touch, wash and wax the underside of the hood. It'll set the engine off well and complete the job nicely.
got this off of http://www.web-cars.com it is just about auto detailing.
[Modified by Mr. Furious, 7:37 PM 6/12/2002]
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