D.I.Y. Maintaining a clean looking engine bay
 

Here's a quick writeup on how to pressure wash your engine bay when it gets dusty/dirty.
The following writeup shows the most basic engine cleaning using the most basic tools.
This is not detailing, but just a simple washing/cleaning of your engine bay.
This should be done every spring if you drive your car through a winter, or every fall before you store your summer car.

Products/Supplies used in this article:

- Kleenol All Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser
- Poorboy's Natural Look Dressing
- Drying Towel
- Brush
- Garden Hose

Here's the place to buy this the stuff: eShine Canada - Detailing Supplies


Here is where we start, Always work on a COLD engine !!
**Cover the distributor cap and alternator with a plastic bag for extra peace of mind.
This will help avoid moisture/water getting into these electrical components.

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash1.jpg

Here is Kleenol All Purpose Cleaner diluted 1:4 (Kleenol:Water).
Simply spray the Kleenol on the entire engine bay. Agitate any stubborn
spots or any thich deposits with a light brush or terry towel.
Try not to spray any liquids directly onto the alternator.

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash2.jpg
https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash3.jpg


After Kleenol has sat for a few minutes simply spray off using a garden hose.
With a quality All Purpose Cleaner such as Kleenol, it is not necessary to use
a pressure washer. Pressure washers on engine bays can cause damage if
not used correctly. The high pressure can get under seals designed to keep
water out under normal circumstances. If you can not resist the urge to use
a pressure washer be sure to use a lower pressure nozzle. Again, avoid aiming
water directly into alternator !

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash4.jpg


High quality All Purpose Cleaners such as Kleenol will rinse clean and leave
no residue spots on plastic items. This picture shows the results of Kleenol
with NO dressings !


https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash5.jpg


Next, want to dry the engine bay. Simply wipe dry using a Microfiber Towel.
You can also use compressed air or a leaf blower if you have those tools.

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash6.jpg
https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash7.jpg


After dryng the engine bay, you can apply a protectant or dressing.
On older cars with weathered plastic/hoses it may be necessary.
The product used here is Poorboy's Natural Look dressing.

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash8.jpg

You can spray directly on the plastics or spray onto an applicator and wipe on.
Avoid getting any dressing directly on any belts.

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...ngineWash9.jpg

Let dressing sit for a few minutes, do not be in a rush to wipe it off.
Here is the finished product. This basic engine detail took no longer than 10
minutes and the results speak for themselves!

https://i107.photobucket.com/albums/...gineWash10.jpg

*thanks to eshine Canada for this article.

Your contribution (among others) to this site keeps here.

Thanks bro!

Nice Write Up!

I've used about 25-30 Gallons of Kleenol and can vouch that it's a great product.