Engine bay cleaning...

I only covered the alternator with tinfoil, nothing else. And used a hose with no head on it to rinse.
 
Gave mine a little wipe down last night actually - just used water and a microfibre cloth. Would definitely benefit from a bit of a jet wash though, some hard to reach areas that need dust removing! :D
 
Wouldn't use a jet wash... But snow foam may work if it's that bad.
 
It was just a bit dusty from my week's driving in it :) nice to have it clean at least when you open the bonnet!

Autosol also work's wonder's on the exhaust tips - amazing what it can do!
 
Steam cleaning is normally the preferred method, so I'm quite surprised at the above. Pressure washing can often risk making it's way into connections etc you don't really want, the nature of how the steam cleaner works avoids this. I wouldn't go overboard though, it's something to be very careful when doing.
 
Bing said:
Wouldn't use a jet wash... But snow foam may work if it's that bad.
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+1 also use snow foam and warm water (have a hot and cold feed to my pressure washer)...

Tapatalking...
 
RJS-Z4 said:
Steam cleaning is normally the preferred method, so I'm quite surprised at the above. Pressure washing can often risk making it's way into connections etc you don't really want, the nature of how the steam cleaner works avoids this. I wouldn't go overboard though, it's something to be very careful when doing.
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I think most of us are saying a pressure washer but on very low pressure ... Definitely wouldn't use the typhoon lance :o

For me, steam cleaners are too hot around sensitive electrics, that's why I don't use them.

Tapatalking...
 
most would faint if they seen the condition of my engine bay hahaha :evil:
104k miles and never cleaned from what I can see
 
Mine gets a polish every few weeks but Swiftly's effort's must take the "engine bay clean of the year " award http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=52118 top job :thumbsup:
 
must admit mine is a bit less clean the deeper into the engine bay you go but stiill very clean and no nasty oil or the like, plus i am not a complete anorak, ( he said whilst solvol autosol. ing the ally air con pipes ) :rofl: :thumbsup:
 
As a complete non tech person, but one with OCD, can someone point out which bits I need to cover to clean my engine....what do they look like?!

Always kept them clean from new/previous owners have, but just bought a car that hasn't been cleaned inside the engine bayfor 18 months & want to get it nice again.

Cheers

Matt

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Tonybz said:
IMHO,steam cleaning an engine bay is a definite no no. It certainly used to invalidate VW warranties. I personally wipe the visible plastic with a damp rag,clean out the leaves and shut it till the next time the oil light comes on.... :rofl:
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I totally agree. Life is too short to worry about my engine being clean. :roll:
 
Stug said:
Tonybz said:
IMHO,steam cleaning an engine bay is a definite no no. It certainly used to invalidate VW warranties. I personally wipe the visible plastic with a damp rag,clean out the leaves and shut it till the next time the oil light comes on.... :rofl:
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I totally agree. Life is too short to worry about my engine being clean. :roll:
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That's only because you like it black. :wink:
 
I use this catswool mitt to clean my engine vanity cover.

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Unless the engine bay is filthy I would try and avoid using a pressure washer and definitely not a steam cleaner. Best method is a degreaser, paint brush and good old fashioned elbow grease. Secret is to give the engine bay a weekly once over as part of your routine wash, it only takes 10 mins if that and dress all plastics and rubber with Aerospace 303 or Autoglyms vinyl and rubber care.

The Z4





The Z3



Tim.
 
I've been using steam cleaners/power washers for engine bay use for over a decade, and never had any issues.

it's even safer these days with Ze German obsession of hiding engines behind a load of plastic..

I do turn the power washer down to a 'softer' stream, but don't even bother covering anything up... not sure if this is something that is just an internet leg end, but engines do naturally get wet when driving in the rain... ;)

anyway, spray with degreaser, use a brush if needed.... hose down. start the engine to help dry it, mop up any collections of water with a MF cloth, and then put a finish on it. job done.

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excuse all the Audis....I just have more of them.... :lol: :poke:
 
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