I'm thinking about washing my engine compartment. It has a minor buildup of oily dust crap everywhere from lots of hard use. Whats the best "engine bright" type cleaner and what do I need to be careful of? Thanks for any input in advance.

 

Just be sure the engine is cool, cover the air filter w/ something impermeable to water. Some or most of the sensor plugs will get wet, so have some contact cleaner on hand w/ dielectric grease. Might even want to cover the alt. As far as cleaning it, make sure to use something thats safe around plastic and metals. Use a garden hose and not a pressure washer.

 

I like to use simple green on the oily and greasey parts along with a garden hose and a rag. On the dusty parts i usea spary bottle with just water in it anda rag. My engine compartment come out looking very good everytime. A rag, simple green, and water plus an afternoon works well for me.

 

I like Gumout Engine Brite and follow directions.

 

I am not an expert but I use the cheapo stuff from Wallmart. But (as 06Ram2500 said) cover the Alt. Also, try not to hit the electrical box on the drivers side lower block with too much stuff. Dont know what all it does but it looks important.

 

Simple Green plus care mentioned above....

 

i also use simple green

 

Thats your ECM. And it's the heart and brain of the engine.

 

Another Simple Green user.

MikeyB

 

http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detai...detailing.html

 

I also subscribe to the school of thought that it's best to avoid spraying off a hot engine. Also I just avoid directly spraying the alternator, computer and other sensitive stuff.

I try to clean frequently enough that simple green and a garden hose will do the trick. Keeping the tops of the batteries sprayed off seems to keep the cable clamps from corroding.

If it's something really greasy, I'll hit it with Gunk engine cleaner when hot, let it sit on there until the engine is cold, then hose off.

Occasionally I'll use the coin car wash pressure washer, but keep some distance so as not to blow water or grit past any seals or connectors.

 

Ithink simplegreen is best for that job

 

I would like to use that TV salesman Billy Mays face to clean my engine with. Gawd that guys voice is annoying.

 

x2......i would probably clean it w/ his face to except i would run it up to about 90mph for about an hour first,then pull right over then use his face lol

 

I like it!