Engine/engine bay cleaning
 

Can anyone tell me the best way to clean my engine and engine bay? What product works best? My car is a 7 out of 10. With the engine and bay done it could be a strong 8.5. Any help?

I use Simple Green

Me 2,

I'll recommend Simple Green as well. I get some stuff at Wal Mart called "Mean Green" that is a generic for Simple Green. Works just as well for about half the price.

When I had my '69 Sportsroof, I typically cleaned the engine compartment once a year in the spring. I would run the engine til it got warm (not hot.) Then pull the air cleaner, distributor cap and plug wires, and cover the carb and distributor head with plastic bags held in place with a rubber band.

Next, I would spray the engine and engine compartment with Foamy Engine Brite cleaner (available at any auto parts store) - it usually took two cans - and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Then spray the whole thing down with a garden hose. Use an air hose (or reversed shop vac) to blow off any standing water. Finally, wipe any remaining water up with paper towels. Now you can detail the radiator hoses, touch up paint dings, etc.

Last step is to clean the air cleaner, distributor cap and plug wires by hand. GoJo or Simple Green work well on those. Then reassemble everything and run the engine a bit to let it heat dry any hidden water spots.

Hope this helps!