im a noob at cleanigng engines. so i was wondering how do i prep the enginge so i can clean it. i ahve the w210 in need of a engine clean.

 

You first should start with a cool engine. Then you're going to want to rinse it down on a "mist" setting of the hose so you don't damage the alternator/expensive electronics in the engine bay. Once it's gotten a bit wet, take a good all purpose cleaner (APC) such as Meguiars APC+ or from our sponsor DetailersDomain, P21S Total Auto Wash (TAW) is really good, and what I use almost all the time.

So you're going to want to spray it liberally on the engine cover, radiator hoses, and the paint work and let it dwell for a couple of minutes. Then take a soft-bristled brush such as the Swissvax Wheel Brush (also at DD) and agitate the dirty areas that you've just sprayed with the degreaser. Once you're satisfied with the work it's doing, rinse it off again (on "mist" or "shower") but don't keep in one area, keep the hose constantly moving so it doesn't soak in the important stuff .

Once it's rinsed down, continue washing the rest of the car. Once the rest of the car is done, dry off the car, and then with the semi-damp waffle weave drying towel (I use a separate one, but it's up to you) dry off the engine bay, as well as the bottom of the hood. Then use a good dressing such as Meguiars Hyper Dressing, and spray it on a rag, and wipe on the engine cover/rad pipes, what ever else you prefer to be clean.

Then sit back, and admire your new-looking engine bay .

Hope this helps!

 

thank you soooo much!

 

No problem!

 

so i dont have to prep anyhting like the electroics and stuff?

 

It can't hurt to do a quick job putting a grocery bag over the alternator and the fuse box.

The main thing to remember is to not wash the engine bay with water. Use water just to get it wet and rinse off the cleaning agent AND don't wash a hot engine.

 

On modern cars, this doesn't include Ferrari or Lambo as Italian cars are a bit finiky, you can pretty much not worry about covering anything. The only thing to remember is to cover any exposed intake like on a Porsche.

The trick that I use is to run the engine for about 5 minutes to bring it up to temp. This way, the water your do spray on turns into steam. Then spray on a safe and biodegradable citrus cleaner such as P21S Total Auto Wash or Zymol Strik. Allow to dwell for about 5 mintues. Aggitate with a soft bristle brush, then rinse again, and turn the car back on and allow to warm up to steam the water. A trick I use is DI water and an Airmax blower. This assures me no water spots and makes any water sitting around history as the blower further dries the engine bay. Finally, I'm not a fan of putting anything on the engine like a dressing. This just attracts more dirt and the mechanics working on your car hate rubbing their hands and elbows on greasy surfaces. Hope this helps.

 

when i clean the engine is it ok to use the car soap or do i need something special?

 

You should NEVER clean an engine when it's hot, because yes, while the water hitting the engine would turn to steam, the water AROUND the engine will spot extremely faster. It's a good rule of thumb to keep you, and the engine safe to run it when it's cool/cold. I've never heard of anyone cleaning an engine after they've let it run.

And second, that's why you use a non-silicon (water) based dressing, and don't spray it like the drive-through car was guys. Something like Meg's HyperDressing is water based, so it leaves no greasy residue. And you don't spray it directly on the covers/etc., you wipe it on do get an even spread of the product, as well as eliminate any possibility of a greasy feeling. Lastly, if you use a dressing such as 303 vinyl protectant it will actually reduce the static cling of the panels, actually producing LESS dust. But that's only on certain dressings.

It is ok to use car soap, however a degreaser will be a lot more effective in the cleaning properties, as well as ease of use over car soap.

 

thanks guys! you all are a great help!!!!

 

The engine shouldn't be hot, warm enough to steam the water. If you use di water, you won't have any issues with spotting. If you're going to start washing your car, it's a good idea to invest in a DI system like the CR Spotless. It comes in handy in many ways.

As for the dressing, it's a personal choice. Usually a nice wipedown with a detail spray leaves the engine compartment looking like I want it.

 

I agree, not to the point where the cold water/hot engine could result in thermal fatigue- but the evaporation process will aid in efficiency and the final result.

And if it's a weekend only/low mileage car I often use a non silicone dressing pending customer request, but in most cases prefer plain clean to shiny. A non petroleum product is a better alternative and will reduce any of the typical brown/black residue.

 

be carefull with a v8 audi. I washed my engine and ended up with seven new coils. now I will remove the coils b4 I wash the engine. the dealer says they see this all the time, mostly coming from detail shops

 

Audi/VW coil packs have always been tempermental when degreasing their engine bays. Obviously the more models a detailer encounters, the higher probability for water damage and ultimately the more knowledgable in terms of what to avoid he or she becomes.

Nothing says experience like having to take off a distributor cap to get a car started again.

 

what about a porsche 996tt? I would love to clean the engine area but now i'm gun shy. does anyone have experiences to share with modern porsche engines?