How to clean/detail engine bay?

[Gunmetal87]

With years of dirt and grim built up, what's the best way to clean and degrease the engine bay?
Which product is safe to use and what should I avoid getting wet?
Thanks in advance.

 

[trailinjake]

I know alot of guys that will spray everything down with solvent, then either pressure wash or hose everything. I'm sure that's ok but I take stuff apart, degrease it, clean it, paint it etc... Our cars are fairly simple to do. Inner wheel wells come out. Charge and coolant pipes off etc. I did a lot of powder coating... charge pipes, hood latch, rad support, brackets for accessories etc... Take your time and mark stuff and it will come out great

 

[Joeld]

I am looking to do the same thing and after staring at the motor for long periods of time it struck me that disassembly may be the only real effective approach.

I will try the assembled approach first but doubt I will get it adequately clean.

joel

 

[megawatt]

Good thread on underhood detailing with B4 and after pics

http://turbobuick.com/forums/threads/newbie-from-nyc.383111/#post-3163012

 

[LIVE4RDO]

Subscribed

 

[trailinjake]

A lot has to do with the condition of your parts and accessories. In my area, powder coating is pretty cheap. I used the satin finish for all my plastics (inner fenders etc) powder coated charge pipes, front accessories brackets, rad support, etc. Changing the reservoir tanks is cheap. I also used wire loop on any loose un-covered wiring. It really cleaned everything up nice

 

[trailinjake]

Here's a few pictures. It's not a show car. I'm not embarrassed to pop the hood thou

 

[mgmshar]

Please, do not directly spray water onto anything that has a sealed ball bearing in it. This would include the alternator, the A/C compressor clutch, the belt tensioner, and even the water pump (although it's well shielded). Contrary to popular opinion, the seals on ball bearings are not designed to operate while submerged, and they are not designed to withstand a direct spray of water. Helk, many bearing seals have small vents in them to allow air pressure to equalize when the bearing heats up. Those vents can also let water in to the bearing when it is directly exposed.

I currently work in the bearing industry, and I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain this to automotive customers. If you hit your alternator with high pressure water, don't be surprised if the bearings are making noise soon thereafter.

Hope this helps someone...

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Turbo Buick

 

[williamsGN]

Nothing that carries current, or has bearings as listed above, should be hit with water. I will actually wash parts by hand with Simple Green and a rag.

 

[Gunmetal87]

Thanks guys for all the great info.
Nice pics Trailinjake.
I'm going to do the spring cleaning, replacing hoses and cleaning out intercooler, so I'll go the route of disassemble & cleaning. Maybe even removing headers for coating.

 

[KEVINS]

WD40 is great for cutting grease. Let it soak in good then hose it off. Repeat as needed.

ks

 

[blackdeathtrap]

3 cans of citrus engine brith a case of break cleaner reapeat as needed