Engine Detailing..

[! apmljv]

I`ve read through MANY post about engine detailing. However, it seems that no one really mentioned what needs to be covered (maybe I missed it) with plastic bag or foil. Now, my only worries is that I don`t cover good enough in some parts and end of getting water in it when I hose down the engine. :/



What kind of parts in my engine I should cover up? This is a pic of my engine or close to.



http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/Jliao/kicx0133.jpg

http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/Jliao/kicx0134.jpg



http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/Jliao/kicx0135.jpg



P.S. I know it`s very dirty, that`s why I need to clean it!



Thanks!!!!!!!

[Bill D]

I cover all the spark plug boots and wires, the distributor, any kind of sensor with a wire, varies from car to car. When in doubt cover. Might also want to take the air filter out just to be extra safe ( I vacuum air box at this time too) I also use leaf blower right away and then turn on the engine and let run for about 15 mins + or - Luckily no problems.

[chris0626]

Jliao, to me this doesn`t really look like an extremely dirty engine. As BradB once told me, I think you`re beyond the "spray & splash" stage. You may find it more effective, and less risky, to just work on one component at a time (with a product like EFHI, APC+, Orange Blast, or Simple Green), spraying precisely, wiping off with a shop towel, and lightly rinsing (if needed).

[jerry@robs]

looks like dust and light grime... i`d follow Lynn`s advice and just work on one part at a time...



Start off with dry brushing (or air blow) most of the dry dust off with a detailing brush/paint brush...



Then use an APC to scrub the hoses and such, then wipe dry, then dress/polish as needed... no need for that much water...a light spray bottle will suffice.

[LouisanaJeeper]

I don`t cover a d@mn thing in mine. If you think about it all this stuff is designed to handle moisture because water is kicked up inside there everytime you drive in the rain. Just make sure you don`t spray down anything electrical or with a computer chip with with a strong stream of water or any cleaners. Just use the "shower" setting on your hose and be relatively concious of where the water is going and you should be fine.



*Disclaimer: Take this advice at your own discretion. All I`m saying is that this method has worked fine for me. Not responsible for your damages :)

[LouisanaJeeper]

here is a civic engine I did:

http://www.usazj.rockcrawler.com/cgi-bin/i/civic/engine.JPG

http://www.usazj.rockcrawler.com/civic/engine.JPG

[zx1200r]

I never cover either, the components under the hood are designed to work in wet conditions. Spark plug boots have a water tight seal as well as any electrical connectors. I take care not to blast anything to hard with the hose and I never had a problem. Just run the engine when your done to dry any moister .

[! apmljv]

Ahh..once again~ Thanks for all the helpful replies. I haven`t yet been to any msg forum as friendly and helpful as this one. I will give it a try by rubbing it with Simple Green and see how that goes.



Thanks alot guys~

[Scottwax]

Originally posted by Lynn

You may find it more effective, and less risky, to just work on one component at a time (with a product like EFHI, APC+, Orange Blast, or Simple Green), spraying precisely, wiping off with a shop towel, and lightly rinsing (if needed).



Are you talking about Greased Lightning`s Orange Blast? I love that stuff! Great on engines and whitewalls at full strength and 4:1 on mats.



Jliao-I always cover my distributer on my own car, and use low pressure water near electrical connections and the alternator. Never had a problem, but you definitely need to start the engine immediately as others have mentioned and let it run to completely dry everything under the hood.

[endus]

There are soe people who don`t cover anything, there are others who cover everything. I would say at an absolute minimum the battery, alternator, and intake should be covered...maybe the relay boxes as well.



My father, inspired by my cleaning of my engine, cleaned the engine of an old pontiac wagon we have. He cleaned it then tried to start it and was unable to. He got the compressor and blew the water out of everywhere and the car still wouldn`t start. Eventually after about 1/2 an hour is started up again. That feeling that you screwed the car up trying to clean the engine is not a good one...so I suggest covering up!



I just cleaned mine again this weekend. I covered just the things I mentioned above an used Meguiar`s Citri-Gel to degrease. Rinsed with low pressure and used the compressor to blow out all electrical connections before trying to start it...didn`t have any problems.