How to clean Engine and Engine compartment

MyFirstcamaro · 04-25-2019, 03:07 PM

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

Glen e · 04-25-2019, 03:21 PM

Everyone should read/watch all the autogeek videos…

https://www.autogeek.net/engine-guide.html

SnakeEyeSS · 04-25-2019, 05:42 PM

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.

KirkH · 04-25-2019, 05:52 PM

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.

peteric · 04-26-2019, 01:52 AM

I use CG Orange Degreaser and rinse with a garden hose sprayer.

hawk02 · 04-26-2019, 07:47 AM

My all-time favorite engine bay cleaning "how to" video.

MyFirstcamaro · 04-26-2019, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawk02

My all-time favorite engine bay cleaning "how to" video.

Is that your favorite video because she is so hot? lol

Mick0311 · 05-24-2019, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawk02

My all-time favorite engine bay cleaning "how to" video.

Just became mine.

KirkH · 05-24-2019, 02:37 PM

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.

bobby35ny · 05-24-2019, 03:11 PM

I always saran wrap my fenders first...

Snakebt6 · 08-05-2019, 02:29 PM

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.

SSport16 · 08-06-2019, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakebt6

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.

I completely agree! I always keep after mine, only takes a few mins after a wash, go over everything real quick under the hood, my car is coming up on 4 years old and looks perfect under the hood.

Nitefall17 · 08-06-2019, 10:58 AM

I use a damp car towel and a Dewalt Leaf Blower.
Try not to use water or any cleaners.

NeverDie · 08-12-2019, 02:13 PM

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.

04-25-2019, 03:07 PM	#1
MyFirstcamaro Drives: 2019 Camaro 2SS Black Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Arkansas Posts: 6	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
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,048	Everyone should read/watch all the autogeek videos… https://www.autogeek.net/engine-guide.html __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

04-25-2019, 05:42 PM	#3
SnakeEyeSS Drives: Camaro 2SS & ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 856	*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. __________________ 2017 Camaro 2SS A8 Bright Yellow NPP MRC 2023 Camaro ZL1 A10 Radiant Red Last edited by SnakeEyeSS; 04-25-2019 at 05:57 PM.

04-25-2019, 05:52 PM	#4
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	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. __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

05-24-2019, 02:37 PM	#9
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	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. __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

04-26-2019, 01:52 AM	#5
peteric Drives: 2016 camaro Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: GA Posts: 133	I use CG Orange Degreaser and rinse with a garden hose sprayer.

05-24-2019, 03:11 PM	#10
bobby35ny Drives: 18 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South East, FL Posts: 3,024	I always saran wrap my fenders first... __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Bog City, 2013 ZL1 M6, 2010 2SS M6 ZL1::J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS

08-05-2019, 02:29 PM	#11
Snakebt6 Drives: Rally Green 2020 ZL1 1LE A10 Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 402	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. Attached Images

08-06-2019, 10:58 AM	#13
Nitefall17 Drives: Camaro 1SS A8 Vert Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Tx Posts: 303	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
NeverDie Account Suspended Drives: 2017 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: AZ Posts: 429	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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