Engine cleaning

[The Red Baron]

Ahhh... the sight of a new engine. So squeaky clean and shiny. Then we drive the car. The miles pile up. Dust and dirt settle all over. Fluids leak a bit and spread. Others condense for a while, attracting dirt.

So... what's the best way to keep our engines looking "showroom" new? Back in the "good old days" I just took a high pressure sprayer with some detergent, and cleaned the engine when it was cold. But with all the sensors, gadgets, computer modules, etc..., I'm afraid that won't work any longer.

What's the procedure on our new, complicated, fancy cars?

Baron

[Darkwing]

I pressure wash mine with care not to get wiring and sensitive areas too wet. You gotta figure that there is some water resistance in these parts because the area underneath is so open to rain and splashing. No problems yet doing this to mine. I would rather find a problem washing it than I would out on the road in a rainstorm.

[rich71]

As I am in upstate new york, the corrosion capital of the world, I NEVER drive the car on a day that may even BREATHE MIST on my car. I just wipe it down, with turtle wax ice(works for me) and call it a day.

[StarlightSky]

I use SHARK hand held steam cleaner to loosen all the dust or grime. Hand wipe it down afterwards. No engine degreaser or "showshine" spray ever again, I learned my lesson when I did that to my '97 Mustang 4.6 GT Convertible, it took months to get the junk off it as every little dust particle and piece of lint and dirt stuck to it like glue afterwards.

[MidniteBlues]

Steam cleaning is the way to go IMO. Using a pressure cleaner gets to much water into areas that should not get wet IMO unless you are very careful or cover up the electronics, filters (like the GMPP CAI) etc. Steam on the other hand altho water in another form, is hot and "melts" away oils and grease dirt etc and not a stream of under extreme presssure. I try to stay away from spraying cleaner chemicals in my engine bay if possible.. Finally I mostly stay away from engine cleaning, hard enough to keep the outside clean & purdy..

[Ahnuld]

whats the most you guys have had your cars? 12-18 mos? Are the engines really that dirty? I guess wet road dirt can splash up underneath... but unless its leaking oil i cant believe they need to be cleaned.

I opened up the hood of my 2002 Dodge a few weeks back... and was amazed at how clean the enginewas

[Darkwing]

Originally Posted by Ahnuld

whats the most you guys have had your cars? 12-18 mos? Are the engines really that dirty? I guess wet road dirt can splash up underneath... but unless its leaking oil i cant believe they need to be cleaned.

I opened up the hood of my 2002 Dodge a few weeks back... and was amazed at how clean the enginewas

I think its easier to keep them clean than it is to wait until things are totally filthy and then try to clean up the gunk.