Engine Bay

[ILoveTuna]

Hi chaps,

My engine bay is looking like is desperately needs a spruce up.

What products/process would you recommend?

[Wooosh]

AutoGlym Engine and Machine Cleaner does the job.

[xjay1337]

Start the car.
Clean it with brushes, APC, degreaser products.

Jet off thoroughly.

Leave running for 10 minutes.

Apply your sealant usually a spray one and follow the usage instructions.

[ILoveTuna]

Thanks chaps project for the weekend. 

[greygti]

APC ,brushes and a handheld steam cleaner works for me

[CarlW]

Anything you need to be wary of when using water / products around the engine? any wires / battery etc to cover up with some tarp or anything?

[xjay1337]

Nope if you have all the battery and fuse box covers you are fine to go.

[gti265]

Just obviously dont point a jet wash at the fuse box for 10 mins and expect it to stay dry insude, but a quick rinse with hose or jet wash will be fine as its all relitavly water tight, just remember if you start the engine dont put fingers in fans etc if its hot enough for them to turn on ;)

Friend learnt the fard way by putting engine on and loosing his sponge in the cambelt, nearly his fingers 2 

Tom

[jocco]

I think its rediculauss and dangerous to wash an engine while its running.

The way I do it, I get it warmed up, turn off, clean, dry as much as you can and then start the engine and let it idle for 10-15 min.

[DanMaytee]

I think its rediculauss and dangerous to wash an engine while its running.

The way I do it, I get it warmed up, turn off, clean, dry as much as you can and then start the engine and let it idle for 10-15 min.

Why is it? Surely as long as you aren't squirting water into the intake you're fine.  I've done it plenty of times with the engine running and not had one problem.  I did avoid the battery, fuse box and alternator though.

[DDM]

only thing i'd avoid is doing it whilst the engine is warm, i've found it can ruin the alternator bearings by blasting it with cold water whilst hot.

[jocco]

If I do it on a warm engine i dont actually use running water from a hose or a pressure washer. I use engine clean or degrease products on a towel, sponge or a brush.
I have pressure washed few engines and its always been on a cold engine. But it takes too long to dry it and at the end I still have to use a sponge or a brush to get all the dirt out.