Cleaning engine bay? Steam cleaning worth? and if so where is best in the north east area?

[Rustie]

Pretty much what the title says, my engine bay aint too pretty atm. Last owner obviously wasn't as anal as some of us on here.

[japcarsbrett]

Hi, not sure about the steam cleaning, as i do all the cleaning myself as i prefer that and it gives me something to do , anyways if you want to clean it yourself i use engine cleaner/degreaser gets everything off nice and easy, a load of rags or cloths some black trim polish for all the black trim and pipes and wires etc in the engine bay using that it will make them shine up nice and look new, my engine bay was pretty dirty when i got it too and i hate that, but since i have been using above and not done everything i want to yet and not spent that much time on it, it really does look near new in the bay i'll post a pic soon. Just wish i had a before and after lol.

 

Though this All depends how quick you want it to be clean and the price you want to spend to get it clean

[Rustie]

Thanks bud, what products do you use? Price isn't a massive problem. I would like to see that pic When i do mine i will do a before and after pic to show you too.

[Ridz]

I've just done my engine bay for the first time and was very nervous with regard to protecting the electrics.

 

I decided against a steam clean and opted for degreasing and a very gentle open ended hose down. Used cling film to cover all electrics.

 

My advice is to be quite careful and ensure all electrics are covered.

 

Dry the whole bay off with microfibre cloths or old towels, then start the engine and run for a couple of minutes to warm through.

 

Detail the bay with products of your choice, I've found 303 Protectant to be very good, following recommendations from forum members.

 

Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

[a2orry]

No to steam cleaning of eny type of engine way to many electrics.spray can and a cloth is the safe way to go.

[Mopedmark]

My way was to take all the easy access parts off then I use carbcleaner on a rag and with a little hard work it degreases and tidies and cleans in one.Take your time it's not a race.

[WhackyWill]

My way was to take all the easy access parts off then I use carbcleaner on a rag and with a little hard work it degreases and tidies and cleans in one.Take your time it's not a race.

 

Great result.

[Rustie]

My way was to take all the easy access parts off then I use carbcleaner on a rag and with a little hard work it degreases and tidies and cleans in one.Take your time it's not a race.

WOW doesn't get any cleaner then that. Can i pick up Carbcleaner at halfords? Was there any other products to use? You have just made me picture what mine could be like so yeah i am really excited to start this now.

[ro88ie]

I've also been considering a steam clean as I have oil everywhere underneath following my engine letting go. Just wondering if there's any potential problems I could encounter leaving it , should I get it cleaned ?

[The Bounty Bar Kid]

I've been told that steam cleaning is good for show to sell but not good if you're going to keep your car. Better to clean with products. Like a degreaser. Look at meguiars products for a cheap solution.

[Rustie]

Just ended up getting some Gunk degreaser (the spray can one) so i will see how that works out on the weekend hopefully. On the can it says to remove it it rinse through with a strong stream of water, would it be better of and safer to just wipe it off with a micro fiber cloth?

[Paddy78]

You should be fine spraying water into the engine bay as long as you're careful. Disconnect the battery and cover your intake and any electrical connections with cling film. Then spray the degreaser, leave to do it's thing then agitate. Rinse of carefully with a hose (Low pressure only), then leave to dry for a bit before taking the cling film off and reconnecting the battery. Start the car and let it get up to temperature (Helping with the drying), then spray on some engine dressing.

 

As long as you're careful you can't do any damage... remember the engine bay isn't totally sealed from the elements! Watch some vids on Youtube showing the proper technique. If in doubt do it on a really hot day and wait until everything has dried before reconnecting the battery.

 

Here's quite a good one, but the guy has the most boring voice in history!

 

Edited April 2, 2014 by Paddy78

[Mopedmark]

Rustie you only need cheaply carbcleaner mate spray onto a cloth then clean the area keep adding more onto the cloth and work the area it will remove all grease and dirt the better you clean now the easier it will become later when doing your bay

[Paddy78]

In fairness, I'd take Mark's advice over mine... his evidence stands up much better than mine!

[Vlad]

I've used autoglym tar remover with couple of brushes (tooth brush and wheel brush) and few rugs

Before

After

[Stutopia]

I've used autoglym tar remover with couple of brushes (tooth brush and wheel brush) and few rugs

Before

After

 

I like the blue tubing everywhere, is this sprayed blue or ordered in?

[Vlad]

Just engine dressing mate

http://bit.ly/1bjXDKf

 

[14N]

If, like me, patience isn't your strong point, there's always the jetwash! But I'd follow the advice given above if I were you....

 

[Mopedmark]

14N straight in there mate brilliant

[Rustie]

Thank guys really helpful. Got alot of stuff ordered for cleaning now. Got this carbcleaner, hope its ok. and also got some Meguiars engine dressing.

[pmorg4]

I use some gentle water flow, some APC cleaning product along with a soft paintbrush to aggravate the nooks & crannies. Finish with autoglym trim.

[Mopedmark]

Yep that carbcleaner is perfect

[pmorg4]

Is there no risk of damaging painted surfaces with carb cleaner?

[Ricey]

Is use Wynns carb cleaner for cleaning parts......good stuff.

[Ricey]

Is there no risk of damaging painted surfaces with carb cleaner?

 

I've used cellulose thinners before now (carefully!) so I shouldn't think so!