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Author Topic: Cleaning the engine bay  (Read 3685 times)

Offline no golf clubs at all

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Cleaning the engine bay
« on: June 04, 2009, 07:46:26 am »
I've noticed my engine cover is a bit grubby with oil marks, any suggestions over that to clean it with? Actually I'd like the whole engine bay given a good freshen up (am I sad), any advice folks?
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Offline 08micsta

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2009, 08:17:32 am »
TC can we please move this to the detailing section?

There are a few products available. I would give the entire engine bay a good dosage of APC undiluted. Agitate with a paintbrush or normal brush and then hose it down with a High pressure washer.

You can then use a plastic dressing on all the plastic bits and some Autosol metal polish on the metal bits to make it shiny  :happy2:

With regards to what products to use I cannot help as Im not sure what you guys have available to use.

Mike
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Offline SteveP

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2009, 08:25:41 am »
TC is currently heading down the M6 toward Millbrook  :party:, so I have moved it for you Mike  :happy2:
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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2009, 06:41:07 am »
Thanks guys. Sooo not going near my engine bay with my kaarcher..... Pretty sure I'd soak the electrics and fook it up.

 
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Offline 08micsta

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2009, 08:34:16 am »
Actually it would be better to use the Karcher.

The Karcher emmits less water than a conventional hose which means less water is entering the engine bay with more cleaning power. Try not to use the hose as all it does is soak the engine bay.

Mike
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Offline gazbutS3

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2009, 09:48:48 am »
so are you saying its ok to use a pressure washer on the engine bay, just got the misses a Seat Leon and the engine bays a bit grubby so wanna spruse it up a bit :happy2:
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Offline 08micsta

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2009, 01:27:49 pm »
Yup! Use some degreaser. Agitate with a brush and karcher off.  :happy2:
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Offline bennylenny88

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2009, 02:29:07 pm »
do we have to take the battery out?
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Offline 08micsta

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2009, 04:28:41 pm »
No benny.... The mk5 has an enclosed battery and even if it didn't you can't really harm the battery... Obviously when using the karcher I suggest you keep it about a half a metre from the actual parts...

Mike
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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2009, 06:51:59 am »
What about the alternator it's open casing looks prime for a soaking and a short circuit. Should I keep the engine running whilst kaarchering?
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Offline 08micsta

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #10 on: June 06, 2009, 08:04:33 am »
No. Just spray it. Like I said. Keep the karcher about half a metre from the actual parts. I have karchered numerous engine bays and never had any issues.

Mike
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Offline bennylenny88

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2009, 03:54:16 pm »
right ok ill give it a shot next week thanks dude
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Offline JPC

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2009, 11:13:29 am »
i always try to cover up the alternator when im doing engine bay work. and obviously any air intakes. foil is a good think to use.

I normally have the engine running whilst rinsing off the engine bay too. makes it less likely for water to settle in any unwanted areas! ;)
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Offline NEWEY

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #13 on: June 09, 2009, 11:28:54 am »
im building up to doing this on the mk2 but im worried i wont get it started again after, as everything is open. Jay what should i look to cover ?
« Last Edit: June 09, 2009, 12:06:16 pm by NEWEY »
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Offline JPC

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Re: Cleaning the engine bay
« Reply #14 on: June 09, 2009, 11:31:15 am »
alternator is the main one, along with any fuseboxes you might find or delicate exposed parts.

it would be right to say that newer cars are more suitable to cleaning engine bays than older ones.

I dont want to put you off doing it, but do take care! ;)
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