I have been looking for diy's for a while for engine cleaning. Found one but all the pics were gone. I know that for a lot of you its a simple task but I just want to do a write for people who might be afraid to take a hose to their engine.

So far I know to cover the alternator, intake and maf. I was also thinking of unbolting simple things like the coolant reservoir, engine cover, grille etc. to get more area to wash.

If any of you have tips/pics before I wash my bay and do a write up, let me know.

Also any product suggestions that are easily available at local stores. I picked up some simple degreaser. Was thinking of picking up some kind of plastic restorer to give the plastic a new look, nothing glossy but that clean matte look. Looking for some kind of brush to use too. I want to make my guide aimed at people who don't already have random materials lying around. The only materials I'll assume people already have is a bucket, hose and some dirty towels.

Thanks!

 

i use gunk engine cleaner, or simple green. never had any problems

 

I've never been a fan of "washing" an engine....sounds like a recipe for disaster. I usually just wipe down everything within reach every time I detail the car and it keeps the bay pretty damn clean.

Best of luck.

 

I've also never "sprayed" an engine bay with a water hose even if it was with little pressure. I've also used Simple Green for years on different cars and never had a problem with it.

 

Spraying water or anything on our VQ motors is asking for issues with those high $$ sensors. I use a heavy duty cleaner on old t-shirts wrapped around a screw driver to reach those impossible areas like the dip stick guide....that's always dirty. Everything else is polished so use the detail spray before breaking out the Mothers metal polish and Cosco Micro towels....Gary

 

Best DIY engine cleaning thread out there.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...ur-engine-bay/

 

^ Link doesn't work

 

*fixed*

 

I saw that one ^

Its a good write up but I think our engines might be a bit harder than that to wash. There are too many covers on that engine and he barely talked about covering components. Thanks for the link though !

 

I've used this method several times but with cheaper cleaning products from the local parts store and it does a great job. I wouldn't just do this for a car show but for generally looking good it gets the job done. As far as covering stuff, you're not really using a lot of water or pressure.

 

I just take my engine cover off & cover the intake. Spray simple green & hose off. No problems.

 

Hmmm am i the only one who has never seen simple green at the auto store - _-. I thought it was one of those products that were a regional thing or available online. Going to look for it tomorrow.

 

Try walmar