Any "How To" for washing engine compartment?

[ChicksHateMe]

I just went through some work on my car. Had to have practically the whole Brake system replaced. Booster, Vacuum, Check Valve and Master Cylinder.

It took two attempts to fix my problem over a few weeks, but now it's done. After first attempt I noticed things weren't cleaned up well. I wiped off some brake fluid from the top of my engine, and now I worry it may have splashed around in other area's as well. I've heard break fluid isn't kind to paint, so it's probably not great on many other things in the engine compartment either.

So, I'd like to find some type of cleaner that's safe to spray around the engine that will remove or neutralize the brake fluid and let me wash it away. It's been three weeks, but I figure better late than never.

Any suggestions?

What to use as a cleaner?
What to Cover?
How to do it?

Thanks in advance....

 

[SuperSonicRS]

Most auto parts stores carry a engine cleaner/ degreaser.

Cover battery, fuse box, air filter, alternator, pretty much any electronics.

Don't use pressure washer.

 

[Chevy2012sonic]

No what actually work really well. Scrubbing bubbles. All I do is spray it on anything but electrical and let sit for about 5 min come back and just hose it down


2012 chevy sonic

 

[ChicksHateMe]

Thanks for replies...

Of all the cars I've owned, I washed one engine. A 7x Chevy Impala's. I covered just the carb and just went at it. I don't want to just go at it with this one. I want to do it right.

I don't have many choices of where to wash it. I'd like to do it at a car wash, but the one I go to has pressure and trickle. I hope the trickle is enough or I could be standing there a while.

After I'm done, and if I didn't mess it up and it starts, I'll probably use my Air Compressor to blow out as much leftover water from any cracks and crevices as I can.

 

[Stew]

For cleaning up lightly dirtied engines I've had excellent results with Simple Green. I spray it on a cool engine, let it sit for a few minutes and hose it off with a gentle spray with a hose. Plus it smells better than most of the harsher chemicals out there.

An air compressor is also handy to have to blow out water if needed.

On older really dirty engines with caked on grease, engine degreasers and power washers do the job well but you have to be much more careful around electrical connectors and such.

 

[Papasonic]

A pressure washer is not your friend under the hood of modern vehicles:
Too many potential electrical/electronic components that are sensitive to moisture contamination. I agree to using a mild spray on cleaner. After covering electrical components, hand wash what you can reach; there are wash tools available that have soft replaceable sponges on a handle that are useful for cleaning hard to access areas. Then rinse with a gentle stream of water. Compressed air is an effective tool to dry off under the hood; just turn down the pressure, so as not to force water into sensitive components.

 

[Wooksquatch]

Your best bet would be to take it to the dealer and tell them that they left a huge mess under the good and it needs to be cleaned up. Most dealerships will gladly clean the area after a messy service and honestly it should have been done before they gave it back.

 

[NR552]

I use to do a lot of engine detailing on my former vehicle. Here's what I use.
1) go buy a bug sprayer 2.5 gallon from home depot (the pump to pressure style)
2) buy some paint brushes of various sizes (medium firmness, small medium and large)
3) fill bug sprayer with water, add some liquid soap + some simple green
4) shake well, and only spray on a cold engine (IE not running, not warm, but also not a frozen one either!)
5) lighting mist the engine area, and stay away from the electronics, fuse box, etc.
Use the paint brushed to help break up the dirt and grime (whatever brush fits the area).
6) Once you've done that, you can empty out the sprayer, use straight water, and do it again to rise off your engine. Use a towel/rag to wipe down everything dry. Start your car afterwards to confirm everything is good, plus it'll dry areas you missed.

If you do this on a regular basis (once a month for me) your engine will look great, plus no issues with electrical problems as you aren't soaking the engine.

Good luck!

 

[Hulty]

Simple. Get a good $250-$300 works package from the best detailer in your area that will include a comprehensive engine cleaning and steaming. Nothing works as well as a half hour of thick steam permeating the engine area with the hood shut. And you get the added bonus of every other part of the sonic being spotless as well!!


Sent by carrier pigeon.