Fifthwind

I've had it steamed a few times at a detailer, but I'm never had the nerve to do it myself at home.

I've looked everywhere online and there are a lot of different opinions on this. Basically everyone agrees to spray it down with degreaser then hose it off. Some even like to use tire shine on the hoses and such. That's not my worry.

Lot's of people say that you have to cover certain components with trash-bags or foil. But, there seems to be a lot of different opinions on that. I just don't want to short anything out or cause corrosion.

So, what's the best safest way to clean an engine bay?

Thanks in advance.

3fan

Well i would never use a hard spray of water if your gonna spray it down with cleaner then let it do the work. I always take the sprayer off my hose and just let the water run over it. I dont let water run over the fuse and relay area or battery. Let car run to dry off any exces water should be fine. I have heard people leave the car run while they do this but dont wanna get to much water on the belt.

Hope that helps.

Blacksmoke

Um I would NOT run the car while you do this.
If any wires happen to be exposed u be fahcked.

2005mystang

Lol... who said anything about the op's safety... we are worried about the car here.

JimC

The owners manual actually tells you what needs to be covered (intake, fuse box, and battery).

I cover those up and use the spray car wash - no problems ever.

RAT281

Soak a rag in water, ring it out, and wipe down the areas that are dirty. I would avoid using a hose and would def not do so with the car running. The last thing you want to do is suck up water through the intake

alkemist

^ +1

I just hand wipe and clean with a moist rag and detailing spray on plastic components.. it's long and tedious but it looks great. Haven't done it in awhile though.

night7519

Since mine is a daily driver I collect plenty of dirt/dust in the engine bay. So I hand wash mine with the same soap and water I use for the exterior. Then I rinse it down with low pressure and blow as much water off as possible with an air compressor. I don't cover anything but try to keep the water away from the battery and CAI.

I bought a gallon of water based dressing and mix it with water in a spray bottle so can control the glossiness. Add more water for less shine. The water based dressing attracts less dirt/dust that petroleum based products. I lightly mist the entire engine bay with the dressing and then use the air compressor to move the dressing around as needed to cover the parts I want to dress. This gives everything a more even coating of the dressing as opposed to trying to wipe it on. Once everything is done, I use a rag and some quick detailer to wipe down any painted parts or anything else under the hood that I don't want dressed to remove any overspray or remaining dirt/dust that I missed in the wash process.

Here's a couple pics of the finished product.