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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2014: How to Clean Engine Bay

If your engine bay is full of caked-on grease, clean it using these no-harm instructions.

By Charlie Gaston - September 28, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

Generally speaking, you won't need to clean your engine bay too often. If you own a newer model Ford Mustang, you probably won't need to clean your engine bay at all or at least not for quite some time with regular use. If you do need to eliminate signs of rust, grime or other contaminants, the good news is you won't need to hire a professional. That's right. You can complete this easy do-it-yourself project right from the comfort of your own home garage. The total cost for this project is minimum and so is the time required to do it, so let's get started!

Materials Needed

  • Degreaser
  • CD-2 Engine Detailer
  • Cleaning brush, like a fingernail brush
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Microfiber cloth

Step 1 – Protect surrounding components

Start by popping the hood of your Mustang. Next, using plastic bags or some other protective material, cover up your alternator, air filter, ignition coil, battery and fuse box.

Figure 1. Protect surrounding components before getting started.

Step 2 – Spray on some degreaser

With all surrounding areas fully protected, spray on a thin layer of degreaser. You'll want to use a high quality product, such as WD-40 or diluted Simple Green, and spray the entire engine bay, starting from one end and moving to the next. It's recommended that you spray from side to side to ensure an even layer of product is applied. Allow the product to work for 20 minutes; you may lower the hood of your car, but do not lock it while this process takes place.

Figure 2. Use a commercial degreaser; soap will not get the job done.

Step 3 – Scrub away grime and other contaminants

Using a brush, scrub away grime and other contaminants. We recommend using a fingernail brush. It's effective, and best of all you won't need to purchase any of those expensive detailing brushes. Work the product into the engine bay one section at a time using a circular motion.

Figure 3. Scrub the engine bay components using a brush.

Step 4 – Rinse away the degreaser

Using a spray bottle, rinse away the degreaser so your engine bay is free of all product. Be sure to remove any stubborn residue that might appear along the edges. Rinse the engine bay more than once if necessary, and then dry it using a microfiber cloth. It's recommended that you follow up with an engine detailer, such as CD-2 Engine Detailer. This product works miracles and is trusted by many Mustang owners to deliver high performance and shine.

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