It's not dirty enough to yet, but I was wondering what the best way to clean up the engine and the other underhood components of dirt and grease. degreaser comes to mind, but im not sure how it would be applied if that is the case

It's not dirty enough to yet, but I was wondering what the best way to clean up the engine and the other underhood components of dirt and grease. degreaser comes to mind, but im not sure how it would be applied if that is the case

There are many thoughts on this. But here is a few tips and these guys have some good stuff.

http://www.autogeek.net/engine-guide.html

At the end of each car wash, I take my drying towel and completely wipe down everything under the hood. That way, I never end up having to do any serious underhood detailing.

Alex

At the end of each car wash, I take my drying towel and completely wipe down everything under the hood. That way, I never end up having to do any serious underhood detailing.

Alex
I do the same thing. After more than a year of driving the engine bay is still spotless.

Never done this, but sounds like a reasonable extra step in the whole detailing process.

Never done this, but sounds like a reasonable extra step in the whole detailing process.

I wipe down underhood, door sills and door frames and trunk/hatch after drying. Takes a second and really makes a difference.

Alex

Brake cleaner does wonders for oil, grease etc.

Brake cleaner does wonders for oil, grease etc.


And it's perfect for destroying underhood hoses and gaskets too!

I use scrubbing bubbles bathroom cleaner on all plastic parts. Spray on, wipe off with a damp cloth.

Brake cleaner does wonders for oil, grease etc.
I would hope that not too many owners would have any grease/oil stains around the engine bay this early on...

I would hope that not too many owners would have any grease/oil stains around the engine bay this early on...

A regular wipe down and there should never be any built up grease or oil stains. They only get bad when you let them go, or start seeping fluids without addressing the root cause.

Alex

I traded in the wifes S10 pickup in a few months ago. After 6-years and 36k miles the engine was clean enough to eat off of. I spent very little time cleaning it, I just kept it up. I've seen some photos of SRT8 engine bays and couldn't believe how dirty some owners let them get. They looked like they drove through a few dust storms with the hood open.

And it's perfect for destroying underhood hoses and gaskets too!


I was going to say, DONT SPRAY ON GASKETS!

But it works wonders everywhere else. Should be used with EXTREME CAUTION!

http://www.detailedimage.com/store/
Check out this website. There are a of "how-to's" and if you have questions they will answer them quickly and without being shady like some others that don't want you to know detailing secrets.

http://www.detailedimage.com/store/
Check out this website. There are a of "how-to's" and if you have questions they will answer them quickly and without being shady like some others that don't want you to know detailing secrets.

That looks cool.

If you want a robust detailing forum, along with friendly professionals who are always willing to help you tackle any sort of detailing issue, check out www.autopia.org. Fantastic site.

Alex

I always hand wash mine(I have a seperate mitt for under hood etc) with whatever car wash I use to do the outside. Never hold a steady stream on any parts. I also use the power washers at the car wash...soap it up and spray lightly. never use the powerful stream up close to anything.

After cleaning, I spray liquid wax on a cloth and buff the metal parts to remove any water spots and to help keep the grime and dirt sticking in the future. Mothers Back to Black for the plastic.