How Do I Clean Under The Engine?

[crobinso]

I've read many posts on how to clean and detail the engine. But how does one clean under the engine? When you professional details clean a customer's engine, do you bother with the underside (if the customer doesn't insist), or do you go all the way and really put some elbow into it? :lol

Charles

 

[Bill D]

If you dont have access to a lift or stands, Lay down, spray with whatever degreaser you decide on, let it sit for several minutes, agitiate with a long handled wash brush, rinse off ideally with a presure washer.

 

[Bob]

We won't get under the car and clean the engine unless asked too and that will be another fee if we do. Most people don't care to have it cleaned under there unless it is a show car.

 

[JaredPointer]

One thing you could do is this. I do all the maintenance on my cars myself. When I change the oil for instance, I always like to spray some diluted cleaner on things and then take an old towel or rag and wipe everything down. This helps keep dirt and grime from accumulating (at least where I can get to it). Also, it only takes a few minutes extra of my time. Doing this has helped keep things looking good under my vehicles.

 

[crobinso]

If you dont have access to a lift or stands, Lay down,

:hah aH HAHAHAHAHAHA Sorry to laugh, Bill. I'm waay too big to fit under my car.

spray with whatever degreaser you decide on, let it sit for several minutes, agitiate with a long handled wash brush, rinse off ideally with a presure washer.

I'll get some young relatives of mine to do this task! Oh, by the way, what dangers (if any) are there in using a pressure washer underneath the engine? Can I flood anything?

We won't get under the car and clean the engine unless asked too and that will be another fee if we do. Most people don't care to have it cleaned under there unless it is a show car.

Okay, this is more my speed. This is a commuter car, for all intents and purposes. I just want it to look GOOD going down the highway. I guess I was just wondering if going that extra mile and cleaning under the engine would make it more fuel efficient or something...

Thanks for your responses, guys!

Charles

 

[Bill D]

Sounds like you'll be skipping this step. I only lay down near the front of the car as far as I can get so I can spray and scrub the area easier. I rarely need the pressure washer, just a hose, if ever I even need to clean under there. For more soiled cars in a quick pinch ( as in several seconds only) the pressure washer could help release the accumulated grime. I would use it briefly, less time than I would, say, on the wheel wells.

 

[brwill2004]

If you remove the wheel, it usually allows more access to the engine. I would not normally do this on an engine detail, unless the customer definitely wanted me to.

 

[Bill D]

while the wheel(s) is/are removed, would be great to thoroughly clean/clay/seal the insides

 

[saling4]

P c;ean mine with the wheels off and a pressure washer. I will them tackle it wuth a degreaser, brush and old rags. Why? Helps me find problems.......small oil leaks, loose or missing screws, bolts etc.. Also keeps me cleaner working on and around the engine, plus the fact that well dang it is is CLEAN!!!!