DEEP CLEANING ENGINE BAY

Anyone have any recommendations on some good products that you can buy locally to deep clean your engine bay. Mine is getting DIRTY ! Any help would be greatly appreciated !

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/detailing.32/

 

I’d avoid using water if possible, especially on the idler pulleys toward the front. Honestly a damp microfiber with cleaner sprayed directly onto the towel works just fine. Same with heavy duty wipes. They’ll get it much cleaner than using water heavily only to find poor results. You can follow it up with a plastic dressing cleaner or 303 aerospace on the molded plastic parts. Makes wiping off dirt much easier the next time around.

 

Here's a good video dealing with cleaning your engine compartment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM

 

Ohp TY

 

I feel like the 3rd gens engine bay is nothing but hard to reach spots

 

I quickly spray my engine (always cold) and then turn it on so it evaporates all moisture... been doing this forever with no issues... I try to avoid to hit directly the alternator and fuse box..

 

I use this and paper towels. In fact I use this for cleaning about everything. No shop/garage should be without it.

 

Why not just pay 50 for a steam clean? Super quick and looks sparkling clean

 

Yeah, im not a huge fan of cleaning the engine with water. I would avoid doing so unless its really neccessary.

 

Any all purpose cleaner of your liking and get to scrubbing with a brush. Wipe down with MF towel or something.
I see no issue with using water on your engine bay as long as it’s a light mist. Water and mud gets in your engine all the time from weather conditions.

 

I clean mine with a spray bottle of soap + water, microfiber towels, and a tooth brush

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WWbqi3BlGc4&t=314s

This guy, I believe, is a professional detailer

 

Spray liberally with simple green then use a pressure washer. Be sure to disconnect the battery and let it sit for a few minutes before cranking it back up. I’ve done this for years and we do the same when washing aircraft engines, except we don’t use simple green for aircraft... it’s another solution but just as strong.

 

Be careful with spray on cleaners. MANY cleaners are caustic and will etch aluminum. Simple Green Bike cleaner does not etch and is a great degreaser. I use it on all my vehicles.

 

I've used S100 on engines, and chassis to remove grime, and dirt. Just spray it on...let it sit for a couple minutes and hose it off. Leaves everything looking like new. Wouldn't advise it on a exterior surface like the cab, or bed unless you you plan on a wax job very soon as it does take off a wax surface.

 

You talking a professional steam cleaning or a DIY? Because I've been looking for a good steam cleaner for jobs like this and would love recommendations.

 

Price could be different now but I used to work out of an EMS station that was located inside of a ford dealership. (It was strange but free use of the car wash anytime we wanted and they’d hook us up with service stuff like oil changes, tires, etc... for cheap.) they would steam clean out engines for next to nothing, and the whole engine bays were spotless afterwards. Also works great if you’re trying to locate an oil leak because it stands out much better afterwards.

 

Where at I’d totally pay for it

 

I agree! Underhood electronics + water (especially under pressure) not a good plan.