any advice on engine compartment cleaning?

[Battlefront]

Supposedly, there is an engine in this video:

Engine Cleaning Video | Vehicle Detailing | Car Care

Watched the whole video and I didn't see an engine once.

 

[justvettn]

I notice you have that brown dirt that has collected and imbed itself into the rubber parts. I find spray nine works well at lifting that crap off. Always stock up when it goes 50% off at my local auto store.

 

[RaptorSteve]

I heard a guy in a restaurant yesterday telling another guy that simple green works well for engine compartment cleaning.

 

[TheJoker]

Supposedly, there is an engine in this video:

Engine Cleaning Video | Vehicle Detailing | Car Care

Ok, so I just need some soap, h2o, a hot blond, and a video camera. Got it!

 

[Wilson]

I used simple green after sdbr I did not have Adams but I would not have the engine running. IMO more opportunity to suck water in. I did mine with it off.

 

[Marcs]

^point is that the engine is warm.....

 

[MKSVT]

I used simple green diluted with water. Works great. Stay away for any dressings afterwords. All it will do it collect more dirt/dust ect.

 

[AdamsPolishes]

Some good info and some not so good info in here.

Our video shows the safest and most effective way to clean an engine bay. The basics in a nutshell:

Engine cold and not running
Spray down with hose-pressure water
Liberally apply All Purpose Cleaner
Agitate with soft-bristled brush of your choice
Rinse with hose-pressure water
Apply more APC/agitation for stubborn spots
Start engine to aid in drying process
Treat/dress as desired

 

[Wilson]

This^

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Here's what I've done with great success:

1. Go to DIY car wash place with sprayer and foaming brush (bring quarters)...

2. Keep engine running

3. Open the hood

4. Look for the under hood electronics

5. Note to self: Avoid under hood electronics directly

6. Spray (water only as I don't want to spray soap and then spray again with water) under hood and engine

Done!

You could add spraying Simple Green or another degreaser to the above and then spray water to rinse. I've use SG and water only and both work very well.

Buying and using any other products, especially if you off road, seems to me to be a waste of time and money.

If you use common sense (don't spray into electronics) you can do this and the engine compartment including the hood liner, will come out nice and clean.