Want to clean but scared.
 

I want to clean up my engine bay, but im scared to do so because the thought of all that stuff under the hood getting wet, elec. stuff, and the thought of water getting into something and messing it up. Whats the best approach at doing this? Cleaning products? Things not to get wet? Speacial way to was the engine? Anything will help, thanks

i have only once had a issue, (had a dash light on after the washing) But it went away after it got dry. you have to realize that things get wet under there all the time unless you dont drive in the rain) IMO the best wat to get things nice and clean is the spray some sort of degreaser/cleaner on and let it soak in for 5 mins, then wash it off, A pressure washer (not to strong) will help with this greatly ;)

Ok say I was to get some degreaser, and spray it on can I use one of the wasers at a do it your self car was? If so what should I set it on to was her down?

Just nail it. I've never had an issue on either car.

The only thing to be careful of is an exposed filter on a CAI.

Be careful of your alternator too, I got some degreaser seeped into my rear alternator bearing and it ran the bearing dry and started making cracking noises unbelievably loud afterwards. Otherwise, yes, you can just SLAM that thing with a pressure washer, I do it monthly now, its pretty easy to not get the alternator DRENCHED without really trying, over spray is fine, water won't really hurt it either, just be sure not to get degreaser in the bearings.

If the alternator is dirty, parts stores sell cans of electrical parts cleaner, usually made to clean up alternators specially and make em all clean, but usually not an issue. The quickest and easiest way to do it is to drive it over to one of those pressure washer DIY car washes, then get the engine nice and wet, soak it in degreaser, bring a toothbrush, they're very helpful, you can then also hit it with the wash solution they have on hand and then just BLAST it clean. Don't worry about getting ANYTHING else wet, get the WHOLE engine bay clean. Just make sure not to get an open K&N wet, and you're good to go.

Fair warning tho, there is good chance that once you start, you may not wanna stop until its perfect :lol: ;)

Alright thats what I need to know thanks alot you all were a big help, im begining to love this club, is there a sertin degreaser that you all would recomend?

I would recommend Gunk Engine Brite, really does a good job.

I actually hit my car with just a pressure washer i have at my house (electric one from wally mart). It worked pretty good all by itself. I only sprayed a little simple green just to see how good it would do. The thing that sucked was I accidently sprayed my altanater too hard. It died midway through my next trip out. However it was a rebuilt alternator from a guy my father knows that custom did it for higher amp output. Maybe that has something to do with it? anyway, I couldn't locate that guy so i just let the dealership fix it seeing as it was over there anyway. And to my regret, I was installing new wires and noticed the 105 amp rating on it. :x GRRRR.

The next time i cleaned with the pressure washer i put some painters tape over the openings of the alty and everything was fine! 8)

Which reminds me it wouldn't hurt to do it again soon! This time i will use some Gunk engine brite. :D

Rubix

I cover nothing.. spray it the engine and area (not direct alternator) with whatever good cleaner is around.

Let it sit for minute or two

Start the car and hose the heck out of it.

Let it run until it's fairly dry.. wipe down the remainder.

Oh..and don't forget that there's an underside to your engine as well.