Cleaning Engine Bay - Topic

It was originally designed to be used in space craft back in the day with spf in it to protect the plastics, vinyl, rubber, etc from the sun damage. Works amazing and doesn't leave stuff oily like armor oil (I mean armor all) I even use it on my Italian leather couches. Stuff is great I buy it by the gallon off Amazon.

 

Well I don't want to tell you one thing and then something bad happen. On the can of gunk it actually has a few warning labels that you could short out stuff etc etc. I personally have the thought that if you let it dry long enough you should be fine. Not saying it is the right thing to do but that is how I roll in this situation. It is an engine bay and obviously they get wet from wet roads, off-roading etc. I just try and play it smart and not spray directly at anything electrical if I can. I just kind of let it indirectly get washed if that makes sense.

 

I just cleaned my engine bay as well. Hit a mud hole on the way to a fishing spot a couple years ago and still had mud spray up under the hood! I really just wanted it to look neat, not spotless, so I didn't even scrub. I used Purple Power ($4/gallon at Walmart) diluted to 1/3 strength with water. Used about 10 oz total, so about 40 cents worth. Pre-rinse/spray with degreaser/rinse.

Before:



After:

 

A mechanic told me I can use warm water with the engine running so I don't screw up any electric. So, I have a hot/cold bibb in my garage and that's what I do. Just have the motor up to temp range and hit it with warm water. Maybe a pre spray with Simple Green for extra heavy crap. I've done it several times without a problem.

 

Be careful with purple power, it will etch/corrode aluminum.

 

Yup that is why I stopped using it. After the first time I used it I saw some etching of a few parts.

 

Agreed. Chemicals are usually either idiot-proof and therefore too weak to do much harm (or good), or strong enough to require some precautions. Purple Power is a highly basic chemical. Dilute it and rinse well and you shouldn't have problems.

 

Should've known better given your screen name.

Love using straight Purple Power for pulling oil out of concrete though. Strong enough to do some good.