Engine bay cleaning?

[z3cade]

Having recently got the 330ci home it could do with a good clean under the bonnet.
Can anyone recommend products and best procedure to deep clean under there?

The underside of the bonnet is abit oily/dirty and the same around the engine.

Any recommendations would be appreciated

 

[t-tony]

Hi Liam, my personal choices are, for the paintwork, clean with brake cleaner to remove any oil and grease then go to work with the colour magic. I find good results this way. Tony.

 

[Jamezee]

Hi, just did the engine on my seven, used megs engine cleaner and engine detailer. Did a good job. The weirdest bit was hosing the engine bay down. Will be doing Zeddys engine next.

 

[Aceman]

I use autoglym clean machine which works a treat getting the grime off with the aid of a good stiff brush. I then use some cockpit shine or similar on the plastics etc.

 

[z3cade]

Thanks, so is it ok to rinse under the bonnet with a light hose? After it's been de greased

 

[Rev]

Should be, I've just power washed a car under the bonnet and it's fine. I don't point it at electrical components though.... I'm a chicken on that one!!

 

[Jamezee]

I just covered the alternator and fuse box with clingfilm and sprayed away
A good selection of brushes comes in handy

 

[Boysie]

Thanks, so is it ok to rinse under the bonnet with a light hose? After it's been de greased

I have often washed under the bonnet even with a low pressure washer. New cars are sealed a lot better these days, I have often rinsed with the engine ticking over, I also do my van , I wouldn't do the sprite though

 

[Zeti]

I have often washed under the bonnet even with a low pressure washer. New cars are sealed a lot better these days, I have often rinsed with the engine ticking over, I also do my van , I wouldn't do the sprite though

I believe, for the engine, the best it's the dry cleaning because electronics and water don't like each other . I prefere to leave some spots but to not "disturb" the "Lord Electronic". Therefore the traditional rugs and solvents are emotionless for me!

 

[Daz3]

Anyone ever tried using a steam cleaner?

 

[t-tony]

In my experience steam cleaners are the biggest no no simply because the steam causes condensation to form inside components producing moisture where it is definitely harmful to electronic components where cold or cooler washers don't. Wherever water is used it's best to blow dry with compressed air(best to wear eye protection too)

 

[z3cade]

Thanks for the comments so far guys, today I gave the car a once over and I just used a damp cloth under the bonnet. It still needs a de greasing. Will get some products in the week and go for it next weekend with the hose!

 

[Rev]

I've used a small steam cleaner in the past, but just a domestic one. It did a good job, but as before I'd keep it away from any boxes of electrical tricks.

A lot depends on how much room you have etc.

Before doing anything I usually run the engine for a while so that everything dries quicker.

 

[Jamezee]

Crap old i phone snap but this is my clean seven engine

 

[t-tony]

Crap old i phone snap but this is my clean seven engine
View attachment 4160

Looks awesome Jamezee, mine was this time last year and boy is she ready for another good clean before hitting the road this time around.

 

[Summit Detailing]

Any sort of all purpose cleaner (sainsburys value @ £0.50/500ml) is great! couple of pastry brushes to agitate & rinse away!

 

[Boysie]

Any sort of all purpose cleaner (sainsburys value @ £0.50/500ml) is great! couple of pastry brushes to agitate & rinse away!

I'm assuming anything that doesn't leave a white residue
What about Mr Muscle grime cleaner ?

 

[z3cade]

Any sort of all purpose cleaner (sainsburys value @ £0.50/500ml) is great! couple of pastry brushes to agitate & rinse away!

Will get the flash cleaner out the cupboard then! Good tip

Waiting for the weekend

 

[Summit Detailing]

I'm assuming anything that doesn't leave a white residue
What about Mr Muscle grime cleaner ?

I'm sure that would work too!
If you get any white calcium water spots use some vinegar on a microfibre

 

[oldcarman]

Thanks for the tips Chris, will use those when the car arrives which will be sooner with your assistance. The Canada Food InspectionAgency that handles all imports recommends steam cleaning the entire vehicle. Not so much to clean but kill bacteria, fungus, etc. Hopefully whoever does my car will be very careful around those electrics. JIM