+1!!!

 

If your car is real dirty and greasy underneath, get a can of Engine Gunk stuff from your auto store, and follow the instructions. Stuff works GREAT. Now, be sure to do it one day or evening when you won't have to drive it right away, as you MIGHT get water some places you shouldn't, and cause it not to start or maybe idle very rough! But don't worry, let it dry out for several hours and it should be good.

When done, then soak all the rubber/plastic parts with a tire foam or CDC Engine Detailer as suggested above - makes for a great "show" finish

 

I work at a ford dealership detailing cars, and this is the process i use.... First wet engine real fast with a quick spray of the water hose. Then spray degreaser all around the engine. Turn the power washer on and spray everything off. After that, i spray a chemical called engine shine, its a white liquid. Let it sit for a little bit and come back to wipe off the excess. Here is an example of motor in my 87 firebird...

Before cleaning....


After cleaning and engine shine....


Hope that helps

 

Hey 91fox - the top of the drivers side shock tower/mount looks pretty rusty - even after the clean. Might want to pay that some attention, unless I'm seeing things

 

You can get almost the same results as above using full strength (or extra stength automotive) Simple Green! I use it all the time and never have to worry about desolving my driveway payment, killing the grass and gardens or screwing up sensitive plastic and aluminum/alloy parts. Not to mention the finish of your car. Most all engine degreasers are strong, harsh chemicals. I much prefer the simplicity and safety of Simple Green.

On a slightly "warm" engine, spray Simple Green liberally over the entire engine, accessories, firewall, battery, etc. Wait about 40 seconds and spray off with the hi-speed stream setting on your common garden hose nossle. You may have to reapply the dirtiest areas and losen any impacted areas with a brush or other similar device. Most of today's engines will not be caked up that bad as they all tend to run pretty tight so dirt, grease and road film does not have a chance to build up to a thick mess. Let air dry for about five minutes and you will be amazed how good your engine with look! It will even cause any brightwork you may have to shine like it was just polished. I must do my engine at least 6 times a year. No hassle, in less that five minutes you are done.

PS: Use Stoner's Tire Shine.....best stuff going! In less than a minute a tire you will be done and have a great, long lasting shine.

 

we cleaned my brothers engine bay with a pressure washer. the only thing that went bad was hte next day his belts were squeeking. lasted for about a week. couldnt take it anymore so we went out and bought new belts.

 

So it wont hurt it if you spray the engine with water?

 

Personally I wouldn't use a pressure washer on my engine bay.
I agree with Deannostang Simple Green works the best. I spray the engine bay with a spray bottle full of good old water. Then I spray it liberally simple green. Let it sit for a minute or two. I have different sized brushes that I use including a toothbrush. Scrub all areas that I can and then re spray with it with the water bottle until it is completely flushed out. You can use the garden hose on low pressure. I just don't like to. I wipe all the areas I can get my hand in and onto. A bit of Mother's aluinimum (sp) polish on some of the metal surfaces and I finish up with 303 on the hoses and other black surfaces.

[IMG]local://upfiles/35438/0796BEBC877044F28AEA3603AB4DF28E.jpg[/IMG]

 

Hey HotWheels - that looks like an Electric Red fox. That wouldn't by chance be a 93LX hatch would it?!?!

 

You'll be fine just leave the car running and stay away from the coil packs and alternator and go easy on the battery and fuse box.
Spray degreaser all over before hand.
P>S> don't sray too close to your headliner....you'll shred it apart. But do clean it!!!