Originally Posted By: gj
Does anyone one clean their engine?I've never done it.Afraid I'll mess things up if I spray it.If you do how do you go about it?Thanks
I used to show custom trucks so I know a little about cleaning an engine. I used to clean all my friend's engines when at shows as well. Seems they thought pretty highly about my work.
Alot depends on how dirty the thing is to begin with. If it's grimy, dusty, or just downright awful looking would change how I would go about cleaning it.
Keep in mind that most engine bays have what everything else on your car has - rubber, plastic, metal, paint, etc. It's nothing different other than you have all these types of materials contained and close proximity to each other.
Using water in your engine bay is fine. Cover up what you think you will need to, but I rarely do. I use a very low-flow on the hose and stay away from intakes, wiring, battery, etc. Don't "spray" water - let it flow from the hose. I dry everything with an old, large towel. Drying it is highly important or you'll get water spots.
I stay away from degreasers or any solvents, typically, unless it's a real mess. I would never use anything that would affect paint.
Once you get things somewhat clean and dry, you'll want to shine it up some. WD-40, rubber protectant, and silicone are great items for this. Be choosy on what you want done and don't use too much. Again, wipe everything down you spray.
I'm sure everyone has their own way of doing things. I would avoid pressure washers, anything corrosive, etc. Don't be afraid of getting your arms buried in the engine bay to dry things, but be careful not to pull any connectors, hoses, etc. free from their locations.