I've had my gt for a while now. Haven't really cleaned the bay except occasionally when I wash my car but I use a towel with water. Ppl tell me that they power wash there engine but idk about that because the alternator and stuff. I would think if water hits it, it can be damages. Does anyone know of a best/safe way that I can make my engine spotless? I am open for suggestion.

 

This is one of those questions that gets debated over and over on all sorts of forums and I'm not sure if there is a good answer.

For what it's worth, the detailers we use on our cars at work do use a pressure washer and they do get the engines spotless. BUT probably two or three times a year (out of the hundred or so cars we have detailed) we do end up with a car that has issues as a result of something getting wet that shouldn't. In those situations our detailer takes responsibility for any damaged he may have caused.

If you engine is really dirty I honestly would say check into local detailers around you and find one who has experience cleaning engine bays and will take responsibility if they cause any damage. Have them do it once so you have a great starting point and then work on maintaining that level of cleanliness under the hood every time you wash.

 

I start my engine detailing by using my vet dry vac and some small disposable paintbrushes to vaccum any loose dust and debris. I have an extra the 1.25 inch crevice tool that I insert a straw into, tape off the rest of the openng and use that to initially vacuum the tight spaces.

I then use a water based citrus degreaser, an assortment of paintbrushes, a fine mist of water (I have a nozzle with a misting feature) and use a leaf blower and my wet dry vac to dry the area. I use the 1.25 inch crevice tool that I used previously used to suck out any moisture remaining from my cleaning regimen. If you have the original airbox, it is a great tool to get the water out of the nooks and crannies of the airbox lid.

I then use an older microfiber to dry off the inner lips of the fenders and under the hood.

 

HOLLY CRAP ....Your one dedicated dude!!

 

I use a citrus based all purpose cleaner and an assortment of brushes to tackle my bay. Liberally spray the cleaner over just sbout everything (i mask iff and wires and connections) and use the brushes to break down any dirt or grime in the bay that i can reach. In harder to hit areas i use a daytona wheel brush (works wonders) and then i use a spray bottle filled with de-ionized water to rinse the bay clean. Then its a leaf blower to shoot off most the water and a few microfibers to finish the job

 

And now you see why he's also a long time member and respected contributor to autopia.org

 

Just follow the simple directions:
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/clean...e-factory.html

Oh, I'd use tire dressing over clear coat.

 

What i have done in the past is get some simple green and spray down the engine.I did cover the alt and coil with with foil let it sit for a bit and use a garden hose to rinse i wouldn't use a high pressure wash though and make sure the engine is cool before you rinse it ..I usually do my engine every summer and never had any problems..

 

This^. For the most part anyway.

Step 1: Start engine, make sure its warm before you do anything else.
Step 2: Cover any critical parts such as the alternator with foil.
Step 3: Hose down the engine, you will see steam (Thats good).
Step 4: Spray Simple Green all over. Put down the hood and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Open hood, scrub any places you believe need scrubbing, then rinse off entire engine.
Step 6: Start the engine. Let it run for a minute or two.
Step 7: Take a tire dressing of your choice and spray all over (try not to get any on the belts and watch out for over spray).
Step 8: Come back in a little while and admire your beautiful engine.

 

same here except all hand cleaning...small brushes and q-tips. everything wiped down, harder to do with your hands but still hand wipe.
if the hand/arm cannot reach, one of the cleaning tools i have will.
if you cant see it on my car, it still gets cleaned.

 

All dressings ever did for me in an engine compartment is hold dirt on easier. Almost like it was attracted to it...

 

Dont spray down your engine bay - its lazy and just asking for trouble.

Dilute some Simple Green and go to work with brushes and some cheap MFs. If there is stubborn rust around bolts or something then break out your dremel and give them a quick hit with a metal brush.

 

What about the sensors? Can't u damage those if they aren't covered?

 

Yes. That's why you cover any critical parts, as well as have a warmed up engine. The warming up lets the water steam off, and the steaming off helps to remove/loosen the grime. And you are not power washing, which will blow water into a simple foil covered alternator. You are hosing it down... meaning your garden hose and a sprayer, and moderate pressure.

It'll be fine. People do this alla time.

 

This.

 

Definitely gonna use these tips.
Thanks a lot

 

Btw, you could always wash the engine when its cold. I just prefer to do it when its warm. Never wash the engine when its hot. Good luck!

 

I have always rinsed mine for years about every other wash. Just don't spray it directly on to critical components. Then hit it with a blower followed by microfiber wipe. You can't go wrong with some Adam's in/out dressing.