I only use a damp rag with water to wipe up my engine.
I just dont like the idea of spraying the engine down, covered up or not.

The hoses can be a BITCH though to clean.
I was wondering what product most people use to clean up
the plastic and rubber hoses.

I also was wondering if you can just use the product with a towel, rub the
hoses clean, then go back over them with a wet rag instead of spraying them.
Would this leave cleaning material residue that could damage the hoses or no?

I actually was wondering about stuff to clean the actual engine too.
I would like a product that if some was left on... would not hurt the car.
Because I would again... just go back over it after using the product, with a wet rag to get the product off.

I am getting ready to put some underhood goodies on and
my engine bay needs a clean up before that time.

Thanks!

 

i saw a writeup from a detailer from Adams Polishes and he used their waterless wash, sprayed down the engine and wiped with their waterless wash waffle towel...you can try that way

 

I personally use Meguiars Quick Detailer, I spray it around avoiding the sensitive areas and then just wipe up. Everything comes out looking nice and clean so unless someone tells me this idea is bad, that's how I plan on keeping up with my engine cleanliness!

 

Hrm. I went to their website.
They said to use the all purpose cleaner for the engine.
Their video used this.
They also used a hose to wash it off

Looks like one person was doing what the company said
not to do.
That is a no go for me.

 

I normall use wheel cleaner on my motor..let it sit and then spray it off..your not going to hurt anything as long as your not going full blast on stuff..just light rinse on it. Then I get out my Blower and blow out all the standing water and anywhere I cant reach. Then i use Griots undercarriage spray
http://autogeek.net/griots-undercarriage-spray.html

Then I take a Microfiber and wipe down all the hoses and make sure there is no dripping product anywhere and its uniform

 

Here is my rundown.

I use a lance that has a cup to fill with soap so you get a soapy water spray.

Start with a slightly warm engine.
Cover the ecu, alternator and air filter with plastic bags.
Hit the firewall and strut towers full blast with my soap lance.
I hit any other areas with built up dirt and debris.
Any stubborn areas get treated with a spray of simple green.
I turn off the soap and rinse everything.
I take off the plastic bags, close the hood and go for a ride. The heat from the engine creates a steam clean effect.

After the drive I hit the hoses with foaming tire dressing and use Mothers Mag polish on the A/C lines.

This has always kept my cars engine bay looking spotless.

 

careful with simple green. If you use the regular stuff thats not for automotive it will etch aluminum

 

I use regular engine degreaser first, wipe everything down, then spray tire foam over all the plastic and just leave it. That last step is the key for keeping plastic and rubber looking good. Then you just have to touch it up periodically

 

This time I just used dishwashing soap that had some
degreaser in it.

I just dipped a towel in it and rubbed the parts.
Then I went over them with a dry towel IMMEDIATELY.
I did not rinse the parts at ALL. just used the damp towel then went over with a dry towel.

BTW it looks like most of you guys have replaced your wiring covers.
Mine are cracked in spots all over and have electrical tape that is
halfway on and off in spots.

Have most of you done this or what?