Best way to clean an engine compartment

[mattsmith467]

ive got a show this weekend and i was wondering the best way to clean my engine compartment. thanks.

[CKTA]

Does your engine have any billet aluminum on it?

If not spray it w/ simple green, let soak and hose off. And real dirty spots can be "hit" w/ a scrub brush and more Simple Green.

[mattsmith467]

ive got a chrome breather and air cleaner, will simple green hurt the finish or something.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by mattsmith467
ive got a chrome breather and air cleaner, will simple green hurt the finish or something.

Not on chrome, but it would dull polished alum. So you have nothing to worry about Simple Green and a hose are all you need. I also like to take my air compressor or leaf blower and dry the motor w/ it and then go over the rest w/ a towel.:cool:

[tmullen]

in this month familyhandyman ( dont laugh:D i still have my honey do list when i'm not working on my truck;) in the back of the maginize there is a kit you can order to convert a gas propane tank into a air tank for about 20 smacks it's portable and works wonder on blowing water and filling up tires,

[91chevy9"lift]

had a quick question...my engine compartment is pretty damn dirty form wheelin recently (sig) and i was wondering do i have to worry about anything in the engine bay gettin wet? i was kinda worried a lil about the alternator.....whats the deal on gettin that wet??thanks for the info- Jason

[Badassilverado]

I've really only cleaned mine once. I used some STP engine cleaner/degreaser. I guess I should've just used simple green. Now to maintain it every few weeks or whenever I see it has any dirt anywhere in there I just get some cheap towels and wipe everything down. All the plastic gets coated in armol all and the rest I just wipe off. Pretty soon though it'll all be painted :rocking:

[CKTA]

Originally posted by 91chevy9"lift
had a quick question...my engine compartment is pretty damn dirty form wheelin recently (sig) and i was wondering do i have to worry about anything in the engine bay gettin wet? i was kinda worried a lil about the alternator.....whats the deal on gettin that wet??thanks for the info- Jason

I would cover the alt. I usually do it w. aluminum foil so it can be pushed/shaped into the exact shape and it atays on when you are hosing/blowing the motor off. Other than that you are good to go!:cool:

Side note: guys w/ MAF's or open element air filters....I usually take it easy or cover them completely too.

[Robinhood]

The best stuff I've found so far is Greased Lightning. It works 10X better than Simple Green. Just don't let it sit in paint too long.

[Z71Silverado98]

with engine running, spray entire compartment w/ a good degreaser (avoiding open air filters) , let sit for about a minute, spray down w/ high pressure wash, shut off engine and spray entire engine down w/ an all purpose leather&vinyl sealant, leave hood up till dry, no need to wipe anything down but chrome/metals.