cleaning engine compartment?

[soggytaco]

What is the best way to clean your engine compartment? I am affair spraying water on it will ruin the electronics.

 

[gmjunkie]

All the electronics are sealed up!! I don't use any kind of cleaner!! Just HOT water and a pressure washer!! junk!! ps if it's got a Opti Spark cover it with a plastic bag or something!!

 

[Aurora40]

How dirty is it? If it's not that dirty, I'd suggest you just wipe it down a piece at a time to clean it. You can usually spray water on them (except LT5's) with no problems, but better safe than sorry if it's not that dirty.

Another thing I've done is to use a mild APC, spray it down, scrub it up with a soft nylon brush (I use the big long-handled kind that are made for exterior washing), and then I spray the APC off with distilled water from a pump-up garden sprayer. The water volume and pressure is low, any leftover water won't leave spots when it dries, and it doesn't launch water and crud all over the place, you could even do it in a garage provided it's sloped such that the water will run outside.

 

[JJS]

What is an APC?

 

[Aurora40]

Sorry, an All Purpose Cleaner. They are usually strong enough to remove grease and grime, but less strong with less potential for damage than a degreaser or other strong cleaners. I use Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus, though they no longer make it. Simple Green would be considered an APC, though one I've found to be somewhat corrosive (I'm not a Simple Green fan).

 

[gmjunkie]

Sorry, an All Purpose Cleaner. They are usually strong enough to remove grease and grime, but less strong with less potential for damage than a degreaser or other strong cleaners. I use Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus, though they no longer make it. Simple Green would be considered an APC, though one I've found to be somewhat corrosive (I'm not a Simple Green fan).

That's why I run 200 deg. water through my Pressure washer!! junk!!

 

[JJS]

Sorry, an All Purpose Cleaner. They are usually strong enough to remove grease and grime, but less strong with less potential for damage than a degreaser or other strong cleaners. I use Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus, though they no longer make it. Simple Green would be considered an APC, though one I've found to be somewhat corrosive (I'm not a Simple Green fan).

Thanks!

 

[coolblu]

I like to use the Mr.Clean car wash system. Spray suds on and let sit a few minutes, then rinse with spot free water rinse. Blow out any "puddles" with low psi air hose, and wipe off under side of hood and other painted areas.

 

[slapshot]

As far as cleaners go, I use Simple Green. Make sure to mix it no stronger than 50/50!!!!!! DO NOT USE IT FULL STRENGTH AND DON'T GET IT ON THE PAINT!!!!! I spray the entire engine compartment down with the Simple Green and let it sit for a few minutes. Then I scrub any really dirty areas with a brush. Lastly, rinse off everything.

Like the others said, make sure to cover any electical components with plastic. I have done it without plastic before, and haven't had any problems. It's a gamble, nothing may happen without plastic or you could damage something that is expensive to fix.

After the engine compartment is clean, I spray it all down with a 50/50 mix of Armor All and water. Once the water evaporates, it leaves a light shine to everything, yet isn't as slimy/messy as full strength Armor All. You can play with the mixture a little to get the shine you want.

Once you get it cleaned thoroughly, you won't have to do it very often. I freshen it up 1 or 2 times a year by giving it a quick rinse and a fresh coat of Armor All. This keeps it looking new.

 

[jcdouglass]

Armor All?

I heard that stuff destroys rubber

 

[6 Shooter]

I steamed my LT4's engine bay 2 times!

 

[vett boy]

Pink stuff and warm water.Try to keep it off the paint.