Engine compartment

Inferno Sonoma · 05-10-2003, 01:40 AM

Whats the best way to clean out the engine compartment? I don't think its EVER been done, Little piles of sand starting to build up in some places

duece · 05-10-2003, 01:42 AM

engine degreaser, water hose?

smullen · 05-10-2003, 02:42 AM

Someone told me touse that crap that you spray on your tires and don't have to wash it off, I think NO Touch...

Anyway they said go to the Carwash, spray the engine compartment down with that and let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes and then spray it off with the Hi Pressure car wash sprayer...

Anyone know if thats really a good idea or not??? Mine is not terrible, no grease or OIL, but a lot of dust and dirt...

Scott01 · 05-10-2003, 10:41 AM

If you spray it down with water...Keep it away from the alernator.

Any of the foaming tire cleaners work good.Just dont get it on the belt.

AnthonyJ124 · 05-18-2003, 01:04 AM

i definately use "engine bright" or "foamy engine bright" when i do it. Directions say to use it on a cool engine and to hose off high pressure or low pressure is fine, this is a product that works the way it says, i've gotten more compliments when i've got my hood up because its spotless then when the truck is sitting. Use engine bright, its made for (gasp) the engine compartment. And like he said don't spray water directly at any electrical components. After washing use a little armor all or even the tire shine on the black plastics to make them stand out.. you'll like the results. take it easy!

lilredxtreme · 05-26-2003, 05:07 PM

I have had verry good luck with SIMPLE GREEN. I now buy it by the gallon. I just spray down the engine compartment with the hose. Just a spray not a jet streem. Then i spray it down with the SIMPLE GREEN and rinse. Do this before you wash your truck.

Inferno Sonoma · 05-26-2003, 08:19 PM

Alright I will try some of those ideas..Thanks! - Chris

JSimone · 05-26-2003, 09:19 PM

simple green is the best for cleaning the engine.. and if you want the plastic **** to shine up just use the tire shine or black magic type stuff afterwords.

RbF_dark420 · 05-27-2003, 01:51 PM

I just got a used 96 S10 and the engine wasnt really dirty but mainly just had sand all over, i bought the Gunk engine bright, and Gunk Engine Bright Foamy, and both are completely worthless !!!, the foamy is the same as the reg engine bright execpt it foams for like 3 seconds then turns into the regular liqiud form, then i washed it off with a high pressure wash. And not only did it NOT clean off any of the dirt now i got a whole new layer of white film over the old layer of grim.... i have bottles of simple green and thinking of trying this idea.

atomicsonoma01 · 06-12-2003, 02:18 AM

ok guys here's the scoop comin from a pro. i use simple green half with water in a regular 32 oz spray bottle spray the whole engine bay down and make sure u get in every crook and cranny dont even let it sit. spray it off immediatly with a high pressure hose and that will do the trick.we done this to every car that come in at my old shop for 3 years solid.(wont hurt the motor or n e thing) trust me i do it to mine once a month and i have had my truck for a year and havent had n e probs yet. trust me.

atomicsonoma01 · 06-12-2003, 02:19 AM

w/e u do. do not use armor all or n e thing like that afterwards. that just collects dust and makes u have to clean it more often. trust me i know that from experience.

Futuresweets10 · 06-14-2003, 10:05 AM

I clean my engine every two weeks. I usually armoral it just cause it doesnt matter how much dust gets on it with how often I clean it. I am an auto detailer and we use a basic Citrus cleaner, (about the same as simple gree, just orange instead of green)

03 SS · 06-19-2003, 05:34 PM

Use high pressure sprayer after soaking it with greased lightning orange cleaner. Then spray off with hig pressure then turn the knob to spot free rinse. Some engine degreasers will leave a little film & thats what the 2001 cleaner is for. I cover the distributor with a plastic store bag that I tie around it with the handles. There is a product called SHEILA SHINE that an old friend who worked maintainance at apt complex uses. It is used for protection of the floors or something. Anyway he had given me about 10 spray canisters of it. WOW! You sray it on & let it dry. It looks just like armor all but last for around 3 months & does not collect dust. It will finally wear away & you respray it. It makes plastic, metal, or anything under the hood look great & it protects. I need to find a disrtibutor of it because it is the shiznit!! I used it for a couple years till I ran out

89s10customizer · 06-24-2003, 07:19 PM

The detailers up here in the North Cal dirt use Floor Striper on everything but the rubber. Its killer to the black color on the rubber so thats your warning. Then use the pressure washer. Make sure to cover the altenator and ditributor in a plastic bag and a rubber band. If your car wont start take off the distributer cap and use wd-40 and cotton balls to dry it up. Just my 2 cents.

mde83 · 06-25-2003, 10:35 AM

I have used CD2 engine cleaner and engine detailer (2 spray cans). The cleaner works well, but maybe not quite as well as simple green, but still good. The detailer is great, its not silicone based, but some kind of polymer or resin. You can spray it on everything in the engine bay except the distributor and and it doesn't attract dust or sand any more than it would without. It makes everything look like you sparyed it with armorall, but the best part is that grease and dirt will wipe right off anything for quite a while. It usually lasts about 6 months for me before I have to do spray the detailer on again. You can get these 2 products at just about any auto parts stores.

Anyway, each time I was my truck, I take the towel I am drying with and wipe down the engine bay. Keeps it looking good and less work down the road. I only have to use the cleaner about once every year to 18 months.

beefy queefy · 06-26-2003, 09:48 PM

i just got my 1995 s10 and the engine runs good but needs heavey duty cleaning.where should i start.

hardlydangerous · 06-28-2003, 01:32 AM

I put a plastic bag over the alternator.

Spray it down with simple green and hose it off.
I have used Castrol superclean mixed 50/50 with water in the past but the simple green leaves a nicer shine.
I wash my engine every few weeks

smullen · 08-03-2003, 07:25 PM

I have used that CD2 to detail or really shine it up after I did some extensive cleaning using a toolbrush and some other goodies..

The CD2 is hard to find, but I like it..

Quote:

Originally posted by mde83
I have used CD2 engine cleaner and engine detailer (2 spray cans). The cleaner works well, but maybe not quite as well as simple green, but still good. The detailer is great, its not silicone based, but some kind of polymer or resin. You can spray it on everything in the engine bay except the distributor and and it doesn't attract dust or sand any more than it would without. It makes everything look like you sparyed it with armorall, but the best part is that grease and dirt will wipe right off anything for quite a while. It usually lasts about 6 months for me before I have to do spray the detailer on again. You can get these 2 products at just about any auto parts stores.

Anyway, each time I was my truck, I take the towel I am drying with and wipe down the engine bay. Keeps it looking good and less work down the road. I only have to use the cleaner about once every year to 18 months.

Derek · 08-05-2003, 08:30 PM

Use the simple green. It is the best stuff on the market. I detail cars in my spare time and use simple green on almost everything. Spray with simple green and then use high or low pressure water to get it off. Then just wipe down the engine bay. Also works well on tires. Just my $.02!

Derek

Derek@2020Kustoms · 08-12-2003, 01:32 PM

I just bought and used simple green and I would recommend it.

Derek · 08-21-2003, 01:09 AM

once a month and this is what it look like using simple green

dgb1891 · 09-03-2003, 11:34 PM

I was at the car wash the other day and some old guy there told me to use white wall cleaner and high pressure rinse. Just spray everything and then rinse but he said to be sure to leave the engine running. Does that sound right to anyone, leaving the engine running?

I've never cleaned my engine bay before so it really needs it but for some reason I'm antsy about spraying water directly into it.

Inferno Sonoma · 09-03-2003, 11:37 PM

I don't think its really a problem..don't spray water on the alternator! or if you have some aftermarket Cold air intake don't spray the filter..

lilredxtreme · 09-06-2003, 02:50 PM

I dunno about the high pressure but i spray everything with mine. If you have an open element air filter just put a plastic bag over it. I do mine with a reg hose and not running and i have never had a problem. I spray everything down with water then the simple green then rinse. No plroblem yet.

03 SS · 09-26-2003, 05:28 AM

If you have big grease & whatnot a garden hose wont cut it like a high pressure sprayer. Put a plastic bag from a store over your distributor & cone intake(if applicable). The guy who said leave it running has probably gotton water in his distributor cap before & couldnt start it. You dont want to spray the engine while its hot so let it cool down. If you leave it running.....ITS STILL HOT!!

g_visser1 · 09-26-2003, 03:46 PM

All I did was soak it with SIMPLE GREEN and let it soak in for 15 minutes then sprayed it off with the garden hose. To add shine i just lightly put LEATHER LOTION on a rag and wiped it down a little leather lotion doesnt attract dust as much as armoral does.

JCamacho · 10-01-2003, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by duece
engine degreaser, water hose?

....after that a full can of WD-40. all over the compartment.

V6MaroFL · 10-01-2003, 09:58 PM

g_visser1, thats damn nice looking. I'm gonna hafta try the leather polish. :thumbup:

MidwestJimmy · 10-17-2003, 12:28 AM

Hey u guys say don't spary the alternator, u mean with the just the cleaner right. I'm not going to pour the water on it but it is ok to get some water on it right or none at all. No body has told to stay away when washing it. It makes since to stay away it is just I have never don't it before so i want to know what is going on before i mess something up. Let me know. :confused:

Thanks

Inferno Sonoma · 10-17-2003, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MidwestJimmy
Hey u guys say don't spary the alternator, u mean with the just the cleaner right. I'm not going to pour the water on it but it is ok to get some water on it right or none at all. No body has told to stay away when washing it. It makes since to stay away it is just I have never don't it before so i want to know what is going on before i mess something up. Let me know. :confused:

Thanks

I'd say get as little as possible on it, maybe try to cover it with a bag or something...

MidwestJimmy · 10-17-2003, 08:52 PM

Alright thanks Inferno Sonoma
I was wondering if i should do that

Inferno Sonoma · 10-17-2003, 08:58 PM

No problem

THE BAG HAG · 11-04-2003, 12:47 AM

My have grime on like half(nearest the engine) of my alternator, suggestions on cleaning it?

05-10-2003, 01:40 AM	#1
Inferno Sonoma What next?? Age: 25 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,457 Location: Melbourne, Florida User is: OffLine	Engine compartment Whats the best way to clean out the engine compartment? I don't think its EVER been done, Little piles of sand starting to build up in some places
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-10-2003, 01:42 AM	#2
duece CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 677 Location: outskirts of bawcomville User is: OffLine	engine degreaser, water hose?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-10-2003, 02:42 AM	#3
smullen Network Pimp Age: 36 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,110 Location: St. Louis User is: OffLine	Someone told me touse that crap that you spray on your tires and don't have to wash it off, I think NO Touch... Anyway they said go to the Carwash, spray the engine compartment down with that and let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes and then spray it off with the Hi Pressure car wash sprayer... Anyone know if thats really a good idea or not??? Mine is not terrible, no grease or OIL, but a lot of dust and dirt...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-10-2003, 10:41 AM	#4
Scott01 ZR2 member Age: 37 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,903 Location: Northeast Ky User is: OffLine	If you spray it down with water...Keep it away from the alernator. Any of the foaming tire cleaners work good.Just dont get it on the belt.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-18-2003, 01:04 AM	#5
AnthonyJ124 '98 Gnome-ahh Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 234 Location: Albany, NY User is: OffLine	i definately use "engine bright" or "foamy engine bright" when i do it. Directions say to use it on a cool engine and to hose off high pressure or low pressure is fine, this is a product that works the way it says, i've gotten more compliments when i've got my hood up because its spotless then when the truck is sitting. Use engine bright, its made for (gasp) the engine compartment. And like he said don't spray water directly at any electrical components. After washing use a little armor all or even the tire shine on the black plastics to make them stand out.. you'll like the results. take it easy!
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-26-2003, 05:07 PM	#6
lilredxtreme Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,035 Location: Corning NY User is: OffLine	I have had verry good luck with SIMPLE GREEN. I now buy it by the gallon. I just spray down the engine compartment with the hose. Just a spray not a jet streem. Then i spray it down with the SIMPLE GREEN and rinse. Do this before you wash your truck.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-26-2003, 08:19 PM	#7
Inferno Sonoma What next?? Age: 25 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,457 Location: Melbourne, Florida User is: OffLine	Alright I will try some of those ideas..Thanks! - Chris
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-26-2003, 09:19 PM	#8
JSimone Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 301 Location: NJ User is: OffLine	simple green is the best for cleaning the engine.. and if you want the plastic **** to shine up just use the tire shine or black magic type stuff afterwords.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-27-2003, 01:51 PM	#9
RbF_dark420 Registered User Age: 88 Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 353 Location: Can't Modd in Virginia User is: OffLine	I just got a used 96 S10 and the engine wasnt really dirty but mainly just had sand all over, i bought the Gunk engine bright, and Gunk Engine Bright Foamy, and both are completely worthless !!!, the foamy is the same as the reg engine bright execpt it foams for like 3 seconds then turns into the regular liqiud form, then i washed it off with a high pressure wash. And not only did it NOT clean off any of the dirt now i got a whole new layer of white film over the old layer of grim.... i have bottles of simple green and thinking of trying this idea.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-12-2003, 02:18 AM	#10
atomicsonoma01 BLING BLING! Age: 25 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 195 Location: mcminnville,tn User is: OffLine	ok guys here's the scoop comin from a pro. i use simple green half with water in a regular 32 oz spray bottle spray the whole engine bay down and make sure u get in every crook and cranny dont even let it sit. spray it off immediatly with a high pressure hose and that will do the trick.we done this to every car that come in at my old shop for 3 years solid.(wont hurt the motor or n e thing) trust me i do it to mine once a month and i have had my truck for a year and havent had n e probs yet. trust me.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-12-2003, 02:19 AM	#11
atomicsonoma01 BLING BLING! Age: 25 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 195 Location: mcminnville,tn User is: OffLine	w/e u do. do not use armor all or n e thing like that afterwards. that just collects dust and makes u have to clean it more often. trust me i know that from experience.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-14-2003, 10:05 AM	#12
Futuresweets10 former title junky mod Age: 23 Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 6,453 Location: Biloxi MS User is: OffLine	I clean my engine every two weeks. I usually armoral it just cause it doesnt matter how much dust gets on it with how often I clean it. I am an auto detailer and we use a basic Citrus cleaner, (about the same as simple gree, just orange instead of green)
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-19-2003, 05:34 PM	#13
03 SS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,380 Location: User is: OffLine	Use high pressure sprayer after soaking it with greased lightning orange cleaner. Then spray off with hig pressure then turn the knob to spot free rinse. Some engine degreasers will leave a little film & thats what the 2001 cleaner is for. I cover the distributor with a plastic store bag that I tie around it with the handles. There is a product called SHEILA SHINE that an old friend who worked maintainance at apt complex uses. It is used for protection of the floors or something. Anyway he had given me about 10 spray canisters of it. WOW! You sray it on & let it dry. It looks just like armor all but last for around 3 months & does not collect dust. It will finally wear away & you respray it. It makes plastic, metal, or anything under the hood look great & it protects. I need to find a disrtibutor of it because it is the shiznit!! I used it for a couple years till I ran out
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-24-2003, 07:19 PM	#14
89s10customizer Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 17 Location: User is: OffLine	The detailers up here in the North Cal dirt use Floor Striper on everything but the rubber. Its killer to the black color on the rubber so thats your warning. Then use the pressure washer. Make sure to cover the altenator and ditributor in a plastic bag and a rubber band. If your car wont start take off the distributer cap and use wd-40 and cotton balls to dry it up. Just my 2 cents.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-25-2003, 10:35 AM	#15
mde83 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 132 Location: St. Petersburg, FL User is: OffLine	I have used CD2 engine cleaner and engine detailer (2 spray cans). The cleaner works well, but maybe not quite as well as simple green, but still good. The detailer is great, its not silicone based, but some kind of polymer or resin. You can spray it on everything in the engine bay except the distributor and and it doesn't attract dust or sand any more than it would without. It makes everything look like you sparyed it with armorall, but the best part is that grease and dirt will wipe right off anything for quite a while. It usually lasts about 6 months for me before I have to do spray the detailer on again. You can get these 2 products at just about any auto parts stores. Anyway, each time I was my truck, I take the towel I am drying with and wipe down the engine bay. Keeps it looking good and less work down the road. I only have to use the cleaner about once every year to 18 months.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-26-2003, 09:48 PM	#16
beefy queefy Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 6 Location: miami florida User is: OffLine	i just got my 1995 s10 and the engine runs good but needs heavey duty cleaning.where should i start.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-28-2003, 01:32 AM	#17
hardlydangerous H-D motorsports Age: 34 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 654 Location: Ontario, Canada User is: OffLine	I put a plastic bag over the alternator. Spray it down with simple green and hose it off. I have used Castrol superclean mixed 50/50 with water in the past but the simple green leaves a nicer shine. I wash my engine every few weeks
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2003, 07:25 PM	#18
smullen Network Pimp Age: 36 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,110 Location: St. Louis User is: OffLine	I have used that CD2 to detail or really shine it up after I did some extensive cleaning using a toolbrush and some other goodies.. The CD2 is hard to find, but I like it.. Quote: Originally posted by mde83 I have used CD2 engine cleaner and engine detailer (2 spray cans). The cleaner works well, but maybe not quite as well as simple green, but still good. The detailer is great, its not silicone based, but some kind of polymer or resin. You can spray it on everything in the engine bay except the distributor and and it doesn't attract dust or sand any more than it would without. It makes everything look like you sparyed it with armorall, but the best part is that grease and dirt will wipe right off anything for quite a while. It usually lasts about 6 months for me before I have to do spray the detailer on again. You can get these 2 products at just about any auto parts stores. Anyway, each time I was my truck, I take the towel I am drying with and wipe down the engine bay. Keeps it looking good and less work down the road. I only have to use the cleaner about once every year to 18 months.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-05-2003, 08:30 PM	#19
Derek Beginner's Luck Age: 29 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 259 Location: KY User is: OffLine	Use the simple green. It is the best stuff on the market. I detail cars in my spare time and use simple green on almost everything. Spray with simple green and then use high or low pressure water to get it off. Then just wipe down the engine bay. Also works well on tires. Just my $.02! Derek
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-12-2003, 01:32 PM	#20
Derek@2020Kustoms Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,536 Location: Windsor, Ontario User is: OffLine	I just bought and used simple green and I would recommend it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2003, 11:34 PM	#22
dgb1891 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 76 Location: near Memphis, TN User is: OffLine	I was at the car wash the other day and some old guy there told me to use white wall cleaner and high pressure rinse. Just spray everything and then rinse but he said to be sure to leave the engine running. Does that sound right to anyone, leaving the engine running? I've never cleaned my engine bay before so it really needs it but for some reason I'm antsy about spraying water directly into it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2003, 11:37 PM	#23
Inferno Sonoma What next?? Age: 25 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,457 Location: Melbourne, Florida User is: OffLine	I don't think its really a problem..don't spray water on the alternator! or if you have some aftermarket Cold air intake don't spray the filter..
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-06-2003, 02:50 PM	#24
lilredxtreme Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,035 Location: Corning NY User is: OffLine	I dunno about the high pressure but i spray everything with mine. If you have an open element air filter just put a plastic bag over it. I do mine with a reg hose and not running and i have never had a problem. I spray everything down with water then the simple green then rinse. No plroblem yet.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-26-2003, 05:28 AM	#25
03 SS Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,380 Location: User is: OffLine	If you have big grease & whatnot a garden hose wont cut it like a high pressure sprayer. Put a plastic bag from a store over your distributor & cone intake(if applicable). The guy who said leave it running has probably gotton water in his distributor cap before & couldnt start it. You dont want to spray the engine while its hot so let it cool down. If you leave it running.....ITS STILL HOT!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-01-2003, 12:33 PM	#27
JCamacho Audiomentry Age: 35 Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 611 Location: VA User is: OffLine	Quote: Originally posted by duece engine degreaser, water hose? ....after that a full can of WD-40. all over the compartment.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-01-2003, 09:58 PM	#28
V6MaroFL Make Way for the Bad Guy Age: 26 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 821 Location: Tallahassee, FL (FSU) User is: OffLine	g_visser1, thats damn nice looking. I'm gonna hafta try the leather polish. :thumbup: Last edited by V6MaroFL : 10-01-2003 at 09:58 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-17-2003, 12:28 AM	#29
MidwestJimmy Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 17 Location: Indiana User is: OffLine	Hey u guys say don't spary the alternator, u mean with the just the cleaner right. I'm not going to pour the water on it but it is ok to get some water on it right or none at all. No body has told to stay away when washing it. It makes since to stay away it is just I have never don't it before so i want to know what is going on before i mess something up. Let me know. :confused: Thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-17-2003, 12:52 AM	#30
Inferno Sonoma What next?? Age: 25 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,457 Location: Melbourne, Florida User is: OffLine	Quote: Originally posted by MidwestJimmy Hey u guys say don't spary the alternator, u mean with the just the cleaner right. I'm not going to pour the water on it but it is ok to get some water on it right or none at all. No body has told to stay away when washing it. It makes since to stay away it is just I have never don't it before so i want to know what is going on before i mess something up. Let me know. :confused: Thanks I'd say get as little as possible on it, maybe try to cover it with a bag or something...
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-17-2003, 08:52 PM	#31
MidwestJimmy Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 17 Location: Indiana User is: OffLine	Alright thanks Inferno Sonoma I was wondering if i should do that
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-17-2003, 08:58 PM	#32
Inferno Sonoma What next?? Age: 25 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,457 Location: Melbourne, Florida User is: OffLine	No problem
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2003, 12:47 AM	#33
THE BAG HAG THE ANTIBOWTIE OUTKAST!!! Age: 39 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 2,230 Location: NOR CAL User is: OffLine	My have grime on like half(nearest the engine) of my alternator, suggestions on cleaning it?
	[Reply w/Quote]