What do you guys use to clean the surfaces under the hood?

[keir]

I've been wanting to get my engine bay really clean and new looking and after seeing some recent pictures here I'd like to get it done.

[leatherneck]

I am getting ready to do an engine swap and I plan to clean the hellout of the engine bay when I do so. Will take some before, during and after pics... As far as what to use... I am not sure yet depends on what kind of grime I find in there....

[Bonnefied_GM]

Well, I never go for show-car quality, so I just do a nice wipe-down on the main stuff people see.

[willwren]

Spray gunk foamy engine brite on it, let it sit (follow the instructions), blast it off with the hose, dry it, repeat the next day, blow it off with compressed air, then detail with CD2.

You can eat off my engines after I do it. In fact, it was my motors that sparked the CD2 craze on this Forum. I kept my secret for a few years before someone at a meet found a can in my garage (fooking canadians).

[Need For Steve]

after i got the motor put back together in the Buick the other day, i mixed up a spray bottle with about 5 teaspoons of "grease cutting" dish detergent and water, covered my alternator and fuse relay with plastic bags and sprayed every metal or dusty surface i could find. let it sit, rinse, repeat. it isn't showroom clean, but at least now if i have a leak it's clean enough that i'll see exactly where it's coming from.

...for a REALLY clean detail, i recommend willwren's solution. it's good stuff

[00Beast]

Simple Green works well too and doesn't make quite as much of a mess.

[01bonneSC]

Ive steam cleaned a couple engine compartments and they came out really really well. Yes cover all important electrical areas. Let it dry over night.

[keir]

Thanks guys.

[02ssei]

at the detail shop i used to work at we used, i believe it's called red thunder and a pressure washer. hmmm that doesn't sound right. anyways, the other day i used power purple and garden hose. it did an amazing job. better than what i expected.

there are alot of ways to clean the engine bay or the whole car for that matter. the biggest thing is, how much time, money, and sweat do you want to put into it.

[keir]

I've thought of taking it to the detailer down the street and having it pressure washed..You mentioned using a hose,what would I have to cover if I go that route?

[01bonneSC]

I've thought of taking it to the detailer down the street and having it pressure washed..You mentioned using a hose,what would I have to cover if I go that route?

You can go to the car wash and do it yourself. Alternator, batt, i would do the coil packs but not sure if its necessary