Tips for cleaning engine bay & components?

[crispy23c]

Hey guys. i don't post here much as my life has been very busy the last few years, but has anyone r&r'd their engine bays to look brand spanking new? I would especially like any tips for the cam covers & aluminum bits before I do a trial & error run on it.
I have a '04 SB with a moon roof and only 76k miles on it, the paint & interior are outstanding but the engine bay needs some beautification ATM. Tips would be appreciated, thanks!!! :beer:

Chris

[RubberCtyRauder]

lots of elbow time, small brass/stainless brushes, scotchbrite, don't flood the engine compartment with water, don't even soak it..best bet really is to remove cam covers and have powder coated if possible

[loud2004marquis]

I followed this guys video last year as a guide for my first time washing an engine. I used a garden hose though, not a pressure washer. Have washed my grand marquis' engine twice and just got done with the Marauder for the first time. No issues at all, have fun!

JDFcvBxq1k8

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/1062759/fullsize/maraudereaton-detailed.jpg

[cat in the hat]

I followed this guys video last year as a guide . . . . .


I can tell you right now, I don't have the nerve to just pop the hood and, without covering anything - not even the alternator - soak everything down with degreaser and then hit it with a pressure washer. I wish I did !

I got this method from some of the old threads on here :

First I take off the intake at the TB because its in the way.
I tape plastic bags over the TB, the alternator and some of the bigger electrical plugs.
Then I spritz everything down with 50/50 mix of blue (aluminum-safe) Simple Green and water.
I use a nylon brush on whatever needs it, and then rinse it down with a light mist of water from a garden hose.
I stay away from the COP covers with the cleaner and water as much as possible, and wipe them down with a rag.
Then I uncover everything, put the intake on and run the engine until everything is dry.
I wipe everything down with protectant on a rag. I haven't found anything I really like to shine everything up yet, so I use 303 because that's what I have.

This isn't as easy as the way the guy in the video does it, and doesn't come out as good, but it doesn't make me cringe, either :o

[BeeDamn]

I use Simple Green Degreaser wipe all things with a rag then use Maquiars Engine Dressing.
Good luck and post pictures if you finish :)

[sailsmen]

No matter how hard I try not to 50% of the time water gets in the SP Wells. After you wash it and before you start always remove the COP covers and check for water.
I use compressed air and Qtips to check/get the water out.

I have had good success with Prefect Solution, 50%/50% H2O.

[fastblackmerc]

First I'd never never ever use a pressure washer.

I use gunk degreaser with citrus. Follow the directions on the can. Use low pressure water to remove the degreaser. You will probably have to hit some areas with additional degreaser, brushes and some elbow grease. I use a compressor to blow it dry, starting from the top down.

When everything is clean I use CD2 engine shine - you may have a tough time finding it.

Don't use Armoral or any silicone-bassed products as they will attract tons of dirt.

Cleaning the bare aluminum parts - upper and lower intake, throttle body, cam cover and coil covers and keeping them clean is a big job. As stated you'd be better off getting them powder coated.

[Davco]

That guy wasn't scared at all. Pressure washer was 6 inches away from all kinds of electrical things.
Looks good though.

[Lowndex]

First I'd never never ever use a pressure washer.

I use gunk degreaser with citrus. Follow the directions on the can. Use low pressure water to remove the degreaser. You will probably have to hit some areas with additional


Same as you except no water at all, unless you count the dozen or so damp white shop towels. Just lots and lots of elbow grease and time.

I paid for a brand new set of coil packs when I use a pressure washer. Not doing that again.

[ledahettice]

WD-40 works wonders as a degreaser,cleaner,makes all rubber and plastic look real nice,and for the aluminum get some aluminum restorer or etching mag wheel cleaner...must know how to use it,put it on dry aluminum but DON'T let it dry out or get into your alternator,gently rinse off.You can dilute it in some water in a bucket and use small brushes to get in tight places,really makes aluminum look new.Rinse off very well,any remaining will leave drip trails.Never put it on coated wheels or aluminum,only bare metal.

[fastblackmerc]

My engine compartment after leaning with a citrus based cleaner and CD2 Engine Detailer

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Valve%20Covers/Rightside.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Valve%20Covers/Rightside.jpg.html)
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Valve%20Covers/Leftside.jpg (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/fastblackmerc/media/MM%20Mods/Valve%20Covers/Leftside.jpg.html)

Personally I'd never use WD40 or any silicone or oil based cleaner as it stays wet / greasy and will attract dirt.

[fastblackmerc]

BTW... I spray down the engine compartment at least once a month, and detail it before every car show / cruse -in.

Once you clean it, stay on top of it it easier to keep it clean.

[tbone]

Just because it's called a "pressure" washer doesn't mean you hold the wand 2" from what you are cleaning to blast the dirt off. The spray tip is also adjustable from a pinpoint to a fan.

It can be as gentle or as harsh as you see fit. It's a tool like a wrench. You don't crank bolts down as hard as you possibly can, do you?

I've been using them for 35 years + on cars, engines, boats, motorcycles, atv's, snowmobiles, house, whatever and never once had an issue. You just have to know how to use your tool....;)

[1stMerc]

Two tips.

Next time you change spark plugs. Put a small bead of silicone sealant on cop cover gasket, especially the wire connector section. Dont over tighten the bolts when reattaching. Keeps water out of spark plug holes.

Also, use jet setting on nozzle to shoot water through slots in wiper cowl to force the leaves/seeds of spring and fall out the trap door. Keeps water from accumalating in the valley of the wiper motor and taking it out.

[lifespeed]

Same as you except no water at all, unless you count the dozen or so damp white shop towels. Just lots and lots of elbow grease and time.

I paid for a brand new set of coil packs when I use a pressure washer. Not doing that again.

OK, good to be cautious. But to be fair the OEM coils (the ones that shipped with our cars, not their replacements) are not known for their longevity and solid design.

[88CuttyClassic]

i've used mothers back to black on all the plastics. I liked it.