So checking my oil during a fill up today I noticed my V8V engine compartment has become quite dirty, mostly with dust & pollen. Just wondering what you guys are doing product & procedure wise to clean out your engine bays?

 

Im also interested to know, have not pressure washed my engine bay yet....I had the disappointment on Friday to drive my car in the rain for the first time since it left the factory, the Wx came in unexpectedly while I was out.

Look fwd to hearing from the detail kings

 

I used a pressure washer on mine with the pressure turned down to about 1/2 full pressure .
Before using the pressure washer I soaked everything with Simple Green at full strength solution .
Don't do anything crazy like pointing the nozzle of the pressure washer right into the alternator. Start the engine once your done and let it idle and dry out .

 

I would never pressure wash an engine. That is just asking for trouble. I have used quick detailer in the engine bay with good success. All you need to do is dust the engine off unless you have a leak otherwise use simple green to clean the grease off.

 

I do a thorough cleaning about once a year.

Wrap the alternator, electrical connections, fuse boxes etc. in aluminum foil or cling wrap. Mild degreaser sprayed all over & left to sit for a few minutes. Agitate with a brush if needed. Rinsed with a gentle indirect spray from low pressure hose. Dried with a leaf blower. No issues.

Wipe down occasionally between to keep it tidy.

 

Many thanks for the tips. Where is the alternator and what do you use for your degreaser?

 

Using a pressure washer in an engine bay is common practice at most car detailers . If you saw some of the stuff they do to cars in the environmental testing labs you would realize that a "tickle clean" from a pressure washer is the least of your worries .

 

I sprayed a mild degreaser on the engine. Let it sit for a few minutes then brush the engine and hoses with a soft short handled brush. Spray everything off with a light pressure washing and dry with a terry cloth towel.

 

I found most grime can be removed with P21S Total wash. Use a soft paint brush and rinse with water. I sometimes use a portable steam cleaner.

 

so is it necessary to wrap anything?

 

I wouldn't, the tin foil on the alternator is the worst idea hopefully nobody has attempted to ground the + thru a conductive material. Simple green, rinse and dry. Apply silicone spray to hoses and plastic.