Cleaning X5 (E53) Engine Compartment

[crasshh]

Originally Posted by xxxxxman

IMO, Simple Green is a superior engine cleaner and not as caustic on parts. It makes the aluminum and rubber parts look great. You have to spray it on, let it sit, wash it off, and then wait for it to dry. It seems to keep working on grease after it dries.

At first you will spray it on, and think it isn't working. I don't know how else to explain it.

Thanks for that, I was planning on using simple green because of the bio-friendly aspect of it I use it on my wheels for brake dust and such.

[crasshh]

Originally Posted by Wayne's World

I use Castrol SuperClean. Really powerful stuff to get the heavy grease/oil off the block. I've done this a bunch of times on the X. I put an old towel around the alternator then put a plastic shopping bag over it. That's it. I either use my garden hose or a steam wand at the local DIY car wash. Soaking with degreaser for a while (1hr) will help big time.

What about the other electronic components, such as the headlight modulators, battery terminal; I would imagine to cover them as well, Right?

[Jordo]

Here is how Ive cleaned mine ..... twice.


Opened hood.
Soaked every square inch with Simple Green
Sprayed every inch with a pressure washer, that had HOT water.

Never had any issues of any kind...... other then wanting to eat off of my engine bay.

[gregorio]

No-Touch Foaming Tire Care. Spray it on and walk away. Heavy grime might need another application. Seriously.

[crasshh]

Originally Posted by gregorio

No-Touch Foaming Tire Care. Spray it on and walk away. Heavy grime might need another application. Seriously.

Is that cleaning the compartment or just shinning dust and dirt?

[gregorio]

It dissolves the dirt and grime. After the foam dissapates, the engine looks brand new.

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by crasshh

Thanks for that, I was planning on using simple green because of the bio-friendly aspect of it I use it on my wheels for brake dust and such.

wouldn't it be more bio-friendly to just leave the oil on your engine and on the skid plates than cleaning it off and having it run down the drain or soak into the ground (back to where it came).

[crasshh]

Originally Posted by 1stE53

wouldn't it be more bio-friendly to just leave the oil on your engine and on the skid plates than cleaning it off and having it run down the drain or soak into the ground (back to where it came).

I wash mine at a car wash which has a dedicated sewer. Where do you wash yours after using P21?

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by crasshh

I wash mine at a car wash which has a dedicated sewer. Where do you wash yours after using P21?

driveway!

[Dannyell]

Originally Posted by Jordo

Here is how Ive cleaned mine ..... twice.
Sprayed every inch with a pressure washer, that had HOT water.

Never had any issues of any kind...... other then wanting to eat off of my engine bay.

Same here. I use a pressure washer as well and I never had any issues. Trick is not to flood.