04-25-2019, 03:07 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2019 Camaro 2SS Black Join Date: Apr 2019
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How to clean Engine and Engine compartment
I have been reading a lot of great info on detailing the exterior of the car, but what about the engine and the area under the hood? I would like to hear you Pros give some advise on cleaning that area.
thanks Lance |
04-25-2019, 03:21 PM | #2 |
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04-25-2019, 05:42 PM | #3 |
Drives: Camaro 2SS & ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2018
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WARNING
The red Camaro lettering on the fuel rails is of poor quality, and comes off easily. I'll list stuff you can get at local stores: That said, you shouldn't need much agitation if any. The only car I really had to scrub and spray multiple times had 260k miles on it and looked like it had never been cleaned. Don't let any strong chemicals dry, it can and probably will discolor the plastic. I have even used straight simple green or super clean (not recommended if your are new at this, try diluted 1:1 if it's nasty) but try not to let 30 seconds go by without rinsing it off. Get some aerosol trim spray like Stoners trim shine. Heat of the engine will evaporate any excess next time you drive, or wipe it off with a lint free cloth after it has set for a bit. Don't spray a strong (pressure washer)stream of water directly on an electronic parts or connectors. An old toothbrush will come in handy for hard to reach spots.
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04-25-2019, 05:52 PM | #4 |
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I use Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner and a Tornador blaster, followed by a rag and then I spray all the plastic and rubber with Duragloss 265 Ultimate Detail Spray.
Don't be scared of getting stuff wet. It won't hurt it. I watch a guy at a dealership spray a garden hose into the engine of every car that comes through.
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04-26-2019, 01:52 AM | #5 |
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I use CG Orange Degreaser and rinse with a garden hose sprayer.
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04-26-2019, 07:47 AM | #6 | |
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My all-time favorite engine bay cleaning "how to" video.
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04-26-2019, 11:12 AM | #7 |
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05-24-2019, 02:08 PM | #8 |
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05-24-2019, 02:37 PM | #9 |
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Heres a tip I just learned. Alkaline cleaners leave white residue on the engine. Use ph neutral or acidic cleaners to avoid the white residue.
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05-24-2019, 03:11 PM | #10 |
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I always saran wrap my fenders first...
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08-05-2019, 02:29 PM | #11 |
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Best way is to stay ahead of it.
Once you do, I take a few minutes..(like 5) after I'm done washing my car to go though with a damp towel to wipe everything down. I also use a Swiffer duster as well. That's it really. A little waterless car wash on some things now and then in there. My car is a year old 11k miles and 6 track days and that's all ive done to keep it like it looks. Not much effort really. |
08-06-2019, 09:34 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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08-06-2019, 10:58 AM | #13 |
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I use a damp car towel and a Dewalt Leaf Blower.
Try not to use water or any cleaners. |
08-12-2019, 02:13 PM | #14 |
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pH neutral cleaners (I use Meguiar's APC, they're all basically the same. Diluted 4:1). Acidic cleaners will 'stain' the unpainted aluminum.
Start by blowing all loose dirt/leaves/anything you can get out of there with an air compressor/leaf blower or vacuum it up. With a warm, NOT HOT engine spray the cleaner on and agitate. Rinse off. After rinsing I will spray the entire engine compartment with CarPro PERL diluted 6:1 and then proceed to blow dry with an air compressor followed by smoothing and distributing the product with a clean MF towel. Use a variety of brushes that are shapeable, or have longer handles and smaller heads to get to tight areas. Avoid working on a HOT engine, cover any sensitive electronic components you're worried about (you shouldn't be, but anyway...) with something like plastic or foil (I use foil because I can shape it accurately). I tend to clean my engine bay just before I change the oil to ensure I don't get any moisture in my oil from the steam created and humidity of the process. It's really quite simple and you shouldn't be too concerned. A pressure washer on a low setting is a better idea than flooding with a garden hose as well. |
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