Cleaning: Tackling Engine Bay

[domhart10]

Hi guys,
I am looking at tackling the engine bay, it hasnt been touched in over a year and is incredibly grimy with oil / dust etc etc

What good products do you thing would be great to use to restore the look of the metals and plastics in the bay?

Im guessing I will need all sorts of brushes to do this as well, and maybe tackle the bottom of the engine as well, what would be good to remove any rust etc?

[T5R92011]

+ YouTube Video

[Thekilt]

His videos are great, watched quite a few of them.

I’ve been doing bits of mine while I’m doing the PCV diaphragm changeout (still waiting for it from Poland!!!) and Ben using mucoff with stiff brushes. I tried to clean up some of the alloy engine block you can see as that looks bad with slight corrosion but it’s a mare to sort out.

As I have the airbox and intake out it makes it all that bit easier.

[ITSv40]

The method I use is:

Warm the engine - not stupidly hot, but warm. Spray Autoglym Machine Clean liberally over the entire engine bay and work in with a paint brush, apply more as needed and work in with paint brush until muck is loose and emulsified.

Using a garden watering can with a rose fitted wash off with clean warm water from the hot tap. usually two to three watering can fulls is sufficient.

Whilst still wet, spray Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care liberally over the entire bay and engine. Start engine and take for a drive of 15 -20 mins, return home lift bonnet and leave to cool whilst having a cup of tea, coffee, beer - insert refreshment of choice. Then buff top surfaces with a microfibre cloth - I remove the engine cover to make sure there is no residual moisture underneath. Job done - takes all of an hour and little effort. I repeat as and when needed.

Attachment shows the C70 after cleaning.

[domhart10]

Thanks for all the replies, is it ok to just pour water over the engine bay? What about all the electrics?

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by domhart10

Thanks for all the replies, is it ok to just pour water over the engine bay? What about all the electrics?

That is the reason I use a garden watering can, there is no pressure to force its way into electrics - I would never go near with a steam or pressure washer. The only precaution I take is to remove the engine cover afterwards to make sure there is no water standing underneath and on top of the engine, a bit of kitchen paper soon deals with any.

I have been using the same method on all three cars for the last 20 years and not had any problems. It was how Autoglym demonstrated on a club visit.

As you can see from the attachment, it will not produce a stupidly polished bay that has taken hours to achieve, but an original factory fresh look that looks cared for.

[4x4]

I never used water in an engine bay. Turps/paraffin even WD40 and an old paintbrush for stubborn parts and wipe up the residue with a cloth

850 engine bay


XC90 engine bay

[domhart10]

Originally Posted by T5R92011

This guy mentioned that cleaning his engine bay was worth an extra 50bhp?! thats hilarious! dont bother mapping, just clean the car

[domhart10]

4x4, that looks brilliant. am I bit hesitant spraying water in the engine bay at the moment.

[4x4]

Don't allow turps/paraffin/WD40 onto any rubber parts i.e. timing or serpentine belts, coolant hoses or engine mounts. You can use warm soapy water applied with a brush to clean them up and wipe off the residue with a cloth. For alloy parts that are covered in white oxidised powder give them a light rub over with a green scotch brite pad