Engine bay clean

[RLiu]

Been meaning to do an engine bay clean but dont know where all the expensive electronics are in the bay

below is a photo (not my engine bay as too embarrassed)

Anyone kind enough to point out the bits i need to cover/protect?

 

[shawna]

Apply APC - degreaser.

And fire away with the power washer.

Agitate with a brush

Rinse off again with the pw.

I have done over 1000+ cars and never had a single problem

The Z cleans well.

Have fun

 

[TONYMOR]

I tend to play safe and use a garden sprayer with nigh-on boiling water in conjunction with autoglym engine cleaner and a lot of rag.

 

[RLiu]

i am not a mechanic anyone can tell me where the important electrical bits are in the engine

 

[Bing]

They are all pretty well sealed... But I think most of the relays and fuses in the engine bay are in the plastic 'boxes' in very the top right in that photo. Seriously, as long as you use a non-forceful spray to wash everything off you'll be fine. Lots of water gets in just when driving in the wet, it just dries real fast because of the engine temp - so using hot water is a good call. Nosa just did his with a garden hse though IIRC.

 

[Citation 650]

They are all pretty well sealed... But I think most of the relays and fuses in the engine bay are in the plastic 'boxes' in very the top right in that photo. Seriously, as long as you use a non-forceful spray to wash everything off you'll be fine. Lots of water gets in just when driving in the wet, it just dries real fast because of the engine temp - so using hot water is a good call. Nosa just did his with a garden hse though IIRC.

What he said.

 

[mmm-five]

The other advice I got was to start the engine after applying the APC/degreaser and brushing it into the nooks & crannies. Then let it warm up slightly so that any water you spray on that finds somewhere to 'sit' will evaporate as the engine warms.

Then let it cool down so you can do the fiddly bits.

Although a high-pressure (not pressure washer high though) STEAM cleaner can do wonders - even a low pressure one did wonders on mine after it's little oil leak.

Although I find it's cheaper (if you work out what your own time is worth) to pay someone to do it now, usually as part of a regular correction detail though

 

[RLiu]

thanks for the advice will attempt when i get all the bits and pieces

 

[markeg]

I cover the alternator with kitchen foil, then do the APC and low pressure washer thing ...


Tapatalking...

 

[RLiu]

where is the alternator?

 

[srhutch]

On the pic above its at the front right had side at the top of the engine. The silver coloured object with slits in it. You should be able to see the copper windings inside it.

 

[markeg]

^^ what he said....


Tapatalking...

 

[RLiu]

I see it! anywhere else i need to cover?

 

[markeg]

That's the only part I cover. After cleaning I do go round and check catches etc for re-greasing, but don't protect anything else.


Tapatalking...

 

[dan yeates]

I cleaned mine at the weekend. No problem at all hosing it all down. Came up like new in fact! I used a product we have at work called Rib Clean, it's for cleaning boats. I diluted it with warm water and sprayed everything under the bonnet, then agitated with a small brush and rinsed with the hose.