Engine bay cleaning

[How 29]

is it safe to jet wash engine bay. What precautions should I take ??

 

[hard top]

In my book, don't do it.
@t-tony buys some good stuff from the states that he uses, tagged him, he should be along tomorrow morning.

 

[Faheem]

I don't like using more water than is necessary in my engine bay, Ill use a garden hose with the adjustable spray pattern and set the spray pattern so that it sprays really wide, being sure not to spray one area for too long.

When I first got the zed I used a pressure washer to clean the engine which was a bad idea as I managed to get water into the spark plug wells - I had little to mechanical knowledge so I didn't cover anything up. I also tore apart the foam on the undertray as the pressure from the pressure washer blasted some of it away.

Ever since if I clean the engine bay I just use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle set to the widest spray pattern.

You've got stuff like your alternator, coil pack, cone filter (if you've got one) all should be covered up.

I watched this video a while back and the bloke covered the basics really well, worth watching imo:

View: https://youtu.be/PRSoRkM8GcM

 

[AllyZ32.8i]

I've used the above technique a bit of soapy water and elbow grease does give a good clean to the engine bay.

 

[Ianmc]

That video was real interesting, thanks for sharing. I feel some engine bay cleaning coming on now.

 

[How 29]

Thanks for all the advice

 

[Bozzy]

I agree with @Faheem, cover up Electricals etc.
Although I've found that using a 50p pack of wet wipes from Asda in the engine bay works just fine and no water required of course.

 

[t-tony]

Scrubbing bubbles is what you need!

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

I've said it before on here and I'll say it again Cif Bathroom Mousse Not the ramblings of a nutter. They are the UK version of @t-tony 's Scrubbing Bubbles (USA). I sought them out after he mentioned the type of cleaner some time ago.

You spray the mousse on. Leave it 2 minutes. Agitate it with a cheap 2" paint brush. And rinse off with a hose running gently.

You only need to cover the alternator up with a 10p re-useable supermarket bag. And spray a bit of WD40 onto all electrical connections after.

We've used it time and time again, including on engine bays and it works better than ANY purpose made degreaser of ANY price I've ever found. It's £2 a can.

You can use it on the under bonnet insulation but I would remove that first. That will allow you to clean the underside of all the bonnet too. I do tend to put a plastic sheet over the engine when I do that. No need to flood the engine if you help it.i

Here's some photos of an engine out job but we've done several engine bays with it in too.

Before

During

After

Good old Cif

 

[How 29]

Thanks very much that’s helpful

 

[billz]

And it makes the Engine smell nice

 

[Maddusty]

I've valeted and detailed cars for nearly 15 years and ive never once covered anything in the engine bay. I use petrol washers and degreasers and have never had one problem. It's common sense really stay away from fuse boxes, electrical sensors and intake. Just give a good dry with towel before detailing.

 

[g8jka]

I've never really covered anything on mine when using a pressure washer but I take a lot of care where I'm cleaning off. I was cleaning my car once and my mate was around with his old golf. He asked to borrow the pressure washer and set about cleaning his engine bay, 20 minutes later and he got in ready to drive home. Engine wouldn't start, haven't a clue what he had been doing but he killed it. Ended up getting it towed to the scrap yard.

 

[How 29]

I know still think it’s dodgy too many electronics. You get it wrong could be very expensive.