Engine Bay Cleaning. Hot or Cold?

I use the store brand cheap plastic protectant to save money. Any kind will work. Spray it on the plastic parts, hoses, etc. obviously spraying protectant on something like the headers will just burn off.

 

Thank you for responding, I'm that guy that believes all the hype! LOL! "Magic This" & "Miracle That".....I have tried almost everything to clean, wax & keep plastic & rubber looking good....But have found out the hard way, thru the wallet! Just basic stuff works as good...What kinda wax do you use??
Thank you again...

>Gman

 

For the engine bay, yes. But normally you pay for what you get. As for rubber and plastic on the exterior, I highly recommend Ultima. it's very expensive but damn worth it. I wouldn't use any wax under the motor bay unless you have a painted surface that is gloss in tone.

 

I will look into "Ultima" Who makes it???.. Im using that Aerospace 303 now... What Wax do you use on your vehicles exteriors?
Can i get Ultima at WallyWorld?
Thank you for all your assistance ..
>Gman

 

I primarily use detailers domain and autogeek. http://www.detailersdomain.com/

As for wax, it starts to get complicated. Wax is usually just a topper, or gloss enhancer. There are compounds, polishes, sealants, and waxes that all do different types of things to your paint, and are all applied differently.

As this thread is dedicated to engine bay detailing, we might want to stay on topic. Check this out (i think it might help ya.. i also really like this forum http://detailingbliss.com)

If you have any questions on product recommendation, PM me. Ive detailed numerous vehicles, mercedes, bmw, honda's, even a peterbuilt semi. I dont mind helping or giving my 2 cents if you would like to hear it good luck.

 

I use Simple Green on a cold engine and let it sit for a few minutes, I then use my power washer with the electrical components covered with plastic. Finish it off with plastic treatment, wipe down and I am good to go.

 

Warm engine
Cold water
Done that

 

never get your arb compressor wet. or any where near moisture. ever. just a tip.

 

Calvin Klein

 

After cleaning with your favorite degreaser, has anyone tried fluid film to protect metal & plastic? I live in pa where road salts are a fact of life.
I have heard it works great.

 

Sub

 

i used Engine Degreasear.. I bought it auto zone, car wasn't running, but it was hotter then a bitch out, i clean it about once a week, I've had it both running, non running, in the cold and in hot, it typically doesn't matter, it just matters on how you do it and what type of product your using

 

I did mine about a month ago. I used Simple Green cause I had a lot of it on hand and works good. I sprayed the engine down with it and let it sit for about 10 mins. Then I sprayed it down again with SG and washed it off with the hose. I did not cover anything but did not directly hit the alternator or battery terminals. The engine was off and warm to the point that the water evaporated quickly, but was not really hot. It was not perfectly clean but it was much much better. Lastly I used an air compressor to help dry it off. I did all this before starting or running it.

Hotter engines seem to be easier to clean but if its too hot the cold water could crack AL parts.

Cold engines are harder to clean but safer for the engine and take longer to dry.

I like warm engines, just hot enough to evaporate the water quickly but does not hiss or steam much. Give the cleaner time to work and wait to run it until its dry. The goal is to get 80% of the dirt off. More then that is just OCD.

 

Yep. The people that are scared of spraying cool water on a hot engine trip me out.

 

Looks good! I generally don't cover anything either. The vehicle isn't going to blow up if electrical components get wet and the water evaporates anyway. Never had a problem without covering anything...ever.

Better to be safe then sorry I'm sure, but I'm just lazy.

 

I do mine cold...but if its alittle warm I don't feel it will be a issue....I just soap mine down with Dawn Dish detergent ...let it sit for 10-15mins and pressure wash it back off....my engine bay looks show room new....If you clean it 3-4 times a yr ..there shouldn't be any need for anything else.....

 

do you really need the engine bay of a TRUCK to be CLEAN? i say if anything just take the engine cover off and clean that and instantly the truck looks 20x cleaner

 

They now make an automotive Simple Green in blue bottle. The stuff is awesome and use it on everything for my taco. I even used it to remove stubborn stains in my carpet and didn't bleach it out. I do have detailers pro engine cleaning and works excellent also. Just cover your alternator with a plastic bag and other sensitive electronics and your good to go.

 

Did not know about the automotive simple green. Thanks for the heads up!