Prefered Method to Clean Engine and under hood

[Chief Brody]

What is your freferred method to clean the engine and under to hood....keep in mind I have a carburetor...

I'd like to give it a good cleaning to remove the residual dust from when it was in the body shop...it's still on there...

Any problems with steam cleaners or pressurized car washes?

 

[rebelgregory]

Depends on the vehicle. Comes down to how waterproof you are under the hood. A modern vehicle with weatherpac electrical connectors is generally ok. On older rigs, you have to protect things like carbs, distributors, and electrical plugs from moisture.

On my K5, I use foamy degreaser to clean and then a garden hose with no sprayer to rinse it off. High velocity/pressure water and steam work well, but have a tendency of going places they shouldn't.

 

[Chief Brody]

You think the foamy degreaser would clean the dusty stuff off...I don't have any grease on my engine yet..

 

[Chief Brody]

the video says not to get it on painted surfaces...how do you prevent that...and what will it do?

 

[tRustyK5]

I'd try a bit of soapy water in a spray bottle, and a soft brush. Then rinse. The degreaser can be a bit harsh I think, and doesn't sound necessary for your engine bay.

 

[Chief Brody]

anybody dress the engine afterwards...and with what....we got real hard water here and it always leave water spots...

 

[rebelgregory]

I've got painted stuff under the hood, but it's factory stuff like inner fenders, air cleaner and valvecovers, etc. Never hurts 'em. However, mine's not show-y like your. I understand the hesitance. I agree with trying something milder on yours.

 

[n4xplay]

I have always liked simple green and a garden hose

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Simple green or purple power and rinse off..

 

[crawlink5]

If no grease or oil use simple green. Rinse off and spray on a protectant of your choice (like armor all) while wet and wipe with rag. This will keep it new looking forever.

I know someone who did this and when he brought his truck in for maintenance the mechanics were always astounded. Looked new.

BTW - simple green will also remove oil, but it is not as strong as purple power.