How to clean the engine bay

@AFMurse2014 I don’t think he’s read your thread........

 

I know over the the detailing thread there is a lot of info on corossive sprays.....

 

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simple-Green-24-oz-Bike-Cleaner-and-Degreaser-0400000113075/206624119

Simple Green Bike Cleaner does not corrode and is not caustic. Works great.

 

All you need is an all purpose cleaner aka APC, degreaser if it’s really that bad, an assortment of brushes and micro fiber towels, and something to dress all that plastic like 303 aerospace to protect it and make it look like show room quality.

 

https://youtu.be/6LwCbmvLYb0

 

I just use a gently rain shower, low,pressure with the engine running. I do not use any cleaner, soap, or cleaning products. I do this after using compressed air to remove any loose dust.

 

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and contributions. I think this will be a useful thread to come back to. I ended up just spraying lightly with a garden hose after disconnecting the battery and covering. I didn't cover anything else, but used a fairly weak spray in spurts, nothing continuous flow. That broke most of the dirt up and I used a hand sponge to wipe off the tougher areas. I rinsed a few more times and got 95% of it out. All that remains are a few areas of surface dirt on some hoses but nothing near mechanical parts. I left the hood open in the sun in about 80 degree weather so everything dried rather quickly.

Next time, i'll probably cover the alternator as well and use simple green first before rinsing. Not sure I'm comfortable using a pressure washer yet unless it gets really muddy. I think if it gets cleaned regular, the build up should be minimal.

 

cool story bro

 

Why cover the alternator? I did not think water could damage it.

 

Agreed that this is a really good video and one that I'll follow. However, I must say that this is the first of his video's that I've seen, so I don't know about the rest of his content. Thanks for the input as I too was wondering about removing various parts. Taking out the battery I can understand.

 

His videos are decent. You don't need to remove parts for some spring cleaning. This a deep dive for a restro or if you were going to sell this car for top dollar.

 

Your head would explode if you opened my 2004 Xterra's hood then. I offroad it a lot and I've never cleaned the engine bay because...who cares?

 

A lot of people care. Not everyone is OK with things they spend money on looking like shit cause they are too lazy to spray some water under the hood. Plus it helps with the longevity of the components in the engine bay. Dirty and grime increase heat and make it a pita when you do need to work on something in the future.

 

Got a problem? Good input. Dont wax your windshield that's a big no no. Chris fix is a hack.

 

This input was better? Enlighten us all as to why waxing a windshield is the worst thing ever.

 

No wiper chatter with a Sealant?

 

I used degreaser and a tooth brush. Then followed by a garden house and repeat. Covered the starter and the alternator with bags. First gen but same idea. Before / after

 

No... no he hasn't...