My engine is very dirty. Just wondering what the best way to clean it up is? I was thinking about blowing it out with a air compressor then using a damp cloth to clean it up better. Does this sound right or is there something else I should be doing?

 

Sorry not engine bay.....actual engine.

 

I would wash it. I use a hose and water. Just let it run for a while when you are done to burn off the moisture or better yet take it for a spin. Don't worry too much, overspray from the road is going up there anyway if you daily drive. The car is designed to handle water in the engine bay.

 

Right on thanks!!

 

Im guessing you would have to cover some things no? Hosing the bay seems sketchy to me IMO

 

i had a post here sometime a go and it got some very nice responses from our brothers from saying it was ridiculous to wash the engine to you need to cover a few things. essentially what i did was cover the alternator and the intake to the filter. used low pressure water and some degreaser. after that she started right up. took her for a drive to dry and everything was fine.

 

Spark plugs and coils are underneath behind the real wheels. Aside from the alternator and air filter ther is not alot of electrical components to hit. Just use sound judgement.

 

I wash my engine. I remove air box and cover air intake with plastic and rubber band. I put baggies secured with rubber bands over electrical connections and cover the alternator with another larger baggie. Spray simple green and hose it all down with a garden hose. Wash the air box separately. I have never had any sort of an issue, but I do have a nice clean engine and bay. If I have been driving down a dusty road and just need a light cleaning I hose it off with everything in place, just not directly spraying the alternator.

 

I just recently washed my engine compartment, did a search on this site. I used P21S Total Auto Wash and low pressure water from garden hose. Didn't cover anything, but placed a shop towel in the air filter intake. Engine came out great, took it for a drive to steam off any water that was left.

 

Check the Simple Green label carefully. It corrodes aluminum.
There's no way I'd use that stuff anywhere on my car.
Other folks feel differently.
But when there are so many alternatives, like P21S, that don't have a problem with aluminum......why risk it?

 

Great info right on thanks everyone!