Engine/Engine Bay Cleaning

[Bimmer4125]

I am going to be cleaning the engine and engine bay of my '04 4.4. I am going to use Griot's Engine Cleaner and detailer. I am wondering if there are any component's I need to protect before getting them wet. I remember in the old days you had to cover the carb, air intake, electrics etc. Thanks in advance. John

[dsm2925]

i wouldnt recommend you to do that.... so much can go wrong... about 3 year ago i cleaned up the bay and my alternator went bad.. but i also know people that clean the bay monthly

[faz]

I have never had any problems with cleaning up the engines on any of my cars. Yes, when I was a kid and I was doing my dad's 1971 Mercedes, I would cover the distributor cap, but now, I don't think twice about washing the engine.

In fact, every used car that you purchase in dealership has had the engine shampooed/steam-cleaned as part of its detailing. As a buyer, I personally hate it, for the fact that now any signs of leaks/oil sweat areas/etc. are no longer there for me to see.

When I do it, I normally heat up the engine to its hot operating temperature, spray the cleaner on, and rinse it off. I don't go out of my way to flood the electrical parts with hose... I just kinda quickly spray/rinse with lower pressure water and move on. I also wash the plastic covers/etc. with soapy water too, just like I would wash the exterior of the car.

[Bimmer4125]

I like what you say Faz. Thanks. I will utilize this young ladies frock to dry the engine.

[X5Newb]

I just hurled in my mouth, thanks man!

Now I need to

[TaMbALoLoNg]

That pic is just wrong

[G Man]

[premierX5]

Whose ex-girlfriend is that? Looks like something I'd see while whale-watching at the beach!!!

[PersonaNonGrata]

Check out our Detailing Forum and do some poking around there. There are some amazing engine cleaning photos from Phil.

[mccalia1]

checkout this link....

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...es_engine.html

Might give you a few pointers....but be careful