Engine cleaning 101
 

I need to try and get to cleaning my engine bay but I am not sure on just what I have to be carefull with and what needs to be covered(wrapped)? Obviously, I need to cover the CAI filter.

I don't have the under carriage plastic so it will get messy again soon.

That's probably about it. Avoid spraying the battery cover directly just so nothing gets in there. Remember to disconnect your negative battery terminal.

There is a DIY on this that has links to some videos of a guy doing it.

Things you want to cover: alternator, connectors, battery terminals, ignition system and the intake system.

The reason to have the alternator coverd is because its the electrical componet that is not protect from weather or water. It mostly an open case with nothing really protecting it

Connector usually have weather pack seals around the terminals and connector parts. So this are usually protected from water and the weather.

With the intake, Since it open for incoming air. You have to cover the inlet part of the intake. You don't want water getting into the engine, causing a hydro locking.

I try never to let it get dirty enough to need more than a wipe down 12k and still like new ..

I just gave up because of not having any of the underbody plastics. so it gets rather dusty in the engine compartment.

I have been trying to make time to get this done and also detail it on the same day.

i need visual pictures :bowrofl::confused2:

Not on a G35, but a recently engine detail I did:

http://bayarea-imports.com/index.php?topic=107.0

You can get almost every thing wet in your engine bay, all connectors and wires are generally sealed and will dry quickly if the car is warm.
you can also get the alternator and starter wet. the alternator, even if wet makes electrical current through rotating a a electric magnet trough copper wires creating alternating current so unless your poring a bucket over it while ruing it will be fine thought i wouldn't hold a power washer over it for to long :)

In regards to your battery getting wet . it will be fine even if the water connects the 2 post together thought i wouldn't submerge it, lol the only real reason u want to cover the terminals is to prevent corrosion but u can easily fix that by getting terminal or die electric grease and putting over them after cleaning also makes it look nicer.

try to avoid spraying if amusing your using a power washer directly into any connectors to prevent any water from being forced passed the seals.

If the engine is hot try not to spray to much water on the headers or around the are quick drops in temperature are likely to creak cracks in metal from quick expansion and contraction of the metal.

hope this helps :)

this is my method of getting showroom shine....

first get a clean rag (that u dont mind getting dirty) and saturate it with rubbing alchohol(or diluted simplegreen). now hit EVERY little crevice you can get your hands on! I MEAN IT. get every built up grease, dirt, green radiator stains around reservoir etc.

i think turtle ice is crappy but its awesome for detailing engine bay and rubber/plastic components. hit EVERY surface with turtle ice, engine cover, battery trays, AC lines, radiator shroud etc... shine lasts too!

no need to cover anything. i did mine without covering anything and it turned out just fine.

thread revivals are so 2009

^^ Lol

Just wanted to send a real quick reply after I ran on this. Take Brake Cleaner that you can purchase from your regular automotive store or even Wal-Mart, spray it all over the engine bay and believe me, the engine will be clean.

There is nothing that you can possibly damage in the bay unless you remove the oil cap and spray some in there :banghead:, but you never know.

Let me know if that works, I use it all the time and it has worked for me,

Best,

seriously?? those stuff seem to have a lot of strong chemicals

3 years 27,000mi,you tell me is she clean?http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/s...SHER31/002.jpg

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/s...SHER31/001.jpg