Underhood Cleaning

[RC]

What is the best and safest way to perform a thorough cleaning of the engine and all components under the hood? Is it either a DIY or strictly a professional job?

[ November 17, 2001: Message edited by: RC ]</p>

 

[Betzel]

I've been advised not to use anything on rubber that will eat away at them (belts and hoses are on the top of this list). This seems to be good advice. Also, the sound deadeners are filled with a sound deadening material that will absorb all your gunk and will not deaden sound anymore. Finally, remember about all those wires and connectors that will get wet if you use water. Is it really needed?

I suggest using something like simple green and hose it off. Let it stand for an hour on a warm day and then start it after the residual water is gone.

I'm no expert, but HTH.

 

[Sun Baked GL]

I thought Simple Green corrodes aluminum.

 

[dieseldorf]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by RC:
What is the best and safest way to perform a thorough cleaning of the engine and all components under the hood? Is it either a DIY or strictly a professional job?

<hr></blockquote>

Ron, all you need to know:

P21S Total Auto Wash is made for cleaning each and every automotive surface, safely and effectively. You'll be surprised how easily and quickly stubborn insect smear, tree sap, exhaust soot and gas tank stains disappear. Under the hood, Total Auto Wash gets your engine sparkling clean without damage to sensitive components. Inside it removes stains from floor mats, seats, door panels and headliners.

Total Auto Wash is safe for paintwork (with or without clear coats), rubber, plastic, glass, chrome and all metals.

..this stuff kicks but...I typically use it at 50% strength and it works very well.

Good luck and good cleaning!!

 

[veedub_tdi]

I purchased an over the counter cleaner, at Canadian Tire (lovingly refered up here as Crappy Tire)

I just followed the instructions, ie warm up car alittle, spray, wait and hose off. The dealer said it was absolutely safe to go ahead and soak the engine down, as VW thoroughly seals all the electric connectors. In fact they do it themselves when you buy the engine shampoo steal. Just be warned though, I soaked my engine down, and it threw a CEL, SOFT code only though, cleared in about two days, but since then i've soaked down the engine a half dozen times, and no problems. That's just my experience though.

 

[RC]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by dieseldorf:
Ron, all you need to know:<hr></blockquote>

....Is where can I get this P21S Total Auto Wash?

Thanks dieseldorf.

 

[dieseldorf]

Ron, here is a good source:

<ul type="square">Classic Motor Acc..[/list]

 

[Metalnerd]

Ron,

I pressure wash mine all the time at the local coin-op place before any engine work. For heavy soils use the engine wash presoak that they have at the coin-up place or your favorite detailing engine cleaner. If you don't let the stuff soak too long, I think the rubber hoses would be fine (mine have been fine with that solvent-based cheapo retail stuff). Avoid spraying the belts with the retail stuff. Avoid blasting the alternator directly with the high-pressure wand.(If you are concerned, wrap it with plastic first). Also avoid the cracks on the bottom of the bell housing, I found out this weekend that I did get the clutch wet and it slipped a little until it dried out.

Environmentally speaking, to avoid adding several volatile organics to the wastewater, you may want to the try the plain hot soapy stuff at the coin-up place - it alone may remove 80% of what you see. Ragarding the cheapo retail stuff, if it is "non-flammable" it may contain chlorinated solvents. If it is flammable - it will smell like kerosene for a couple of hours afterwards.

Happy washing.

 

[red golf tdi]

SIMPLE GREEN

Simple green works fantastic. Just cover the alternator, wet the engine bay, spray Simple Green over entire engine liberally, after 2 minutes hose off. All components look brand new!

Terry
99 Golf TDI with engine heater

 

[jayb79]

Keep it simple, just pick up any can of "Engine cleaner" spay everything down let it soak for a few minutes and rinse it off.
The most important part of cleaning the engine is to RECOAT EVERYTHING with an engine compartment detail spray, that seals everything back up to help prevent oxidation (I got some at an Autozone).
Don't worry about covering things up, just be aware you what you are spaying. Take the car for a drive after washing to dry things up, leave the hood open when you get home, after it cools down spay on the detailer, done.

 

[Old Navy]

After 38,000 miles the engine bay on my NB is almost as clean as new. I have had to wipe up a few dribbles from oil filter change but nothing major. However on my other cars I have use Simple Green since it first came out about 8 or 10 years ago. Who knows how long it's been, at my age the old gray matter isn't what it use to be.

I did check fuel milage today and was pleased with 56 MPG for the trip.

It was interstate and cruise set on 77 MPH. Wife's Toyota Echo will get 38-40 on same trip.

 

[solstar]

just wipe the dirt off!

 

[RC]

Well today I used what I have on hand here, Simple Green. Covered the alternator and cone filter then gave everything a liberal spraying. Let it sit for a few minutes then hosed everything down well. Doesn`t look new but sure looks alot better and didn`t cost much to do with the existing resourses.

Thanks for all your advice guys, I`ll try the other ideas and products when time and $ are more available.

 

[nuke]

Engine degreasing is about the only thing that WD40 is really good for. Apply liberally, let soak, follow up with whatever convenient engine wash formula you can find at your auto parts shop. Works best on a warm, but NOT hot engine.

Cover everything electical and anything that can get water into the engine (intakes, filters, etc).

 

[mehwolfy]

What About the regular steam clean I have to get on my subaru everytime I get work done. Makes even that mess look like new.

 

[Vik F]

Stop

....b4 you degrease you engine and spray the stuff all over......first find out where your grounds are.....they need the grease to prevent corrosion!!

just a heads up