Ive got a lot of dirt on the engine... what should I use to give it a good clean? Spray? Sponge? Hard scrub brush? Shop towel? Degreaser?

Whats the best option?

2006 Sedan

 

most engines today can take a good blasting from a car wash. Get some "Gunk" engine cleaner and spray the crap out of it, wait about 20 minutes (vacuum out your car), then hose it off at a car wash. Start it right away and drive it for 30 minutes to make sure all the water is cooked out.

 

Tex, this ^ is how we used to clean our engines! Gunk and a high pressure hose did a great job but in today's world we have those expensive sensors to be concerned about. If your engine is a total mess I'd start with a bucket full of Dawn dish detergent/hot water and a dozen rags along with your sisters tooth brush and a few wooden sucker sticks to get into tight places. Play some tunes while you're working, done right you'll be there for a while...Gary

 

I wouldn't recommend a car wash either, way too many electrical components that can cause larger issues if shorted.

 

I have done is several times to my G and my Frontier, no problems yet. They both have 150K on them.

 

Hose off engine. Spray engine degreaser. Work tough spots by hand with a good soapy rag. Rinse. Stare at your engine in awe.

 

This will be a good place to start, http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-De...-Bay/#overview

 

I do the same.thing to my bay as the exterior. Wash. Scrub, rinse, wax etc.

All of the pigtails are made to withstand harsh environments meaning RAIN. Pressure washing is fine and the way to go, with the right chemicals like the others recommended.

 

Just did my Frontier yesterday, no problems.

 

Take it to a professional detailer every 6 months, don't worry about it.

 

Cover alternator with plastic bag, spray Meguair's APC (4:1 ratio) over the bay, let it sit 15 minutes (keep applying APC if needed), then rinse with a power washer with a WIDE nozzle. I do this with my G and my 4Runner with no problems. G has 143K miles and the 4Runner is at 417K.