How do you clean your engine bay?

I was contemplating on cleaning my engine bay with a pressure washer. Is that frowned upon? I heard of some others use it but I’m concerned of getting into the electronics.

What do you guys do, if not the pressure washing route?

If you do use the pressure washing route, any tips and tricks?

 

I just use simple green and a garden hose at house pressure. I wouldn’t want to risk a short

 

Self-serve pressure washer, but the nozzle several feet away from its target.

 

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

 

I get the engine hot, open the hood and wet with the hose sprayer at light pressure avoiding soaking areas such as the alternator, fuse box, etc. Once it's wet I spray a degreaser such as purple power or simple green and agitate any problem areas with a brush. I close the hood, turn off the truck and let it sit and "steam". After about 20 minutes or so I start the truck, pop the hood and rinse everything off. Once rinsed off, but still wet, I spray everything with a foaming tire shine product (brand is irrelevant), close the hood, turn off the truck and allow it to sit for a bit. Last step is pop the hood and wipe anything that has streaks. I learned this technique from a professional detailer and the results are incredible.

 

any chance you have some result pics to share?

 

I’ve watched videos on YouTube on people’s different ideas of how to properly clean an engine bay. Many say no water, many say use water, many say degreaser, many say simple green, many say agitate and wipe with rag no water.

It’s insanity. I’ve had a modern vehicle now for years. I’m 38 and had cars with so much electrical crap under the hood since my first car an 89 Buick Regal (crap car but I was a kid). Every engine bay I’ve cleaned I’ve used water. To me it’s common sense not to mix water and electricity. If you see exposed copper (alternator) try not to point the pressure washer and smash the alternator with 1500 psi. I’ve done just fine and never one time had an issue after washing the engine bay using any method I had available. Primarily always used garden hose and whatever cleaner I had that would eat away grime from under the hood.

 

I feel like one trip down my dirt road would end in disaster after that haha.

Neat trick though

 

Heres a little motor cleanliness OCD for ya! 2.7 yrs old and about 60K

 

I do from my Mustang but I'll have to dig them up.

 

Nice. But does this EVER see dirt and mud puddles from off roading?

 

I used to live down a dirt road and once it's dry it actually somewhat repels dust. I didn't believe it, either. Give it a shot, if it doesn't work you can use the cheap tire shine on your tires haha.

 

Absolutely not heavy OR but did see many trails and 20/30 inch mud holes

 

Was just gonna post this video, love Chrisfix

 

Even nicer. I ain’t going through all that work. My truck has barely got 2,000 miles on it. I sprayed it with a water hose and wiped down the big spots I could reach.

 

Spray it with simple green then hose it off.....

 

Yes, but I have to care enough about wanting it cleaned to do that . Bought an off road with 4wd to enjoy it. I keep the inside of the truck clean as can be aside from grass clippings that get in there and a little dirt in floor mats. Live out in the country and no concrete driveway/garage parking. It stays parked in grass all the time. I’m not worried about a little engine bay dirt until time to trade in or sale.

 

This.... never had any issues

 

Very carefully. The secret is to do it frequently enough so that you don't require strong water pressure and/or harsh cleaners.
I use the below and paper towels mostly.

I will use the below or a combination of the below depending on how dirty the engine compartment is. The 3M is a very good de-greaser, but not as harsh on plastic and rubber as some.The cotton swabs work great for getting into the nooks & crannies. I tend to keep my C7 engine compartment cleaner than my Tacomas.

 

Same here. I don't bother detailing the truck. I have my trucks professionally detailed before I sell them. I care much more about the Vette as far as aesthetics.