Proper way to clean the engine

[Materials]

So I normally wash my Stang using the high pressure gun at the self-wash but I am afraid the high pressure water gun would do some damage to the engine. What would be the most convenient and safe way to clean the engine?

:headbonk::headbonk:

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[Rdot9]

Last time I did it on my old Mustang I used a simple green spray.

Sprayed down the engine, used simple green on it, let it sit for a bit, then washed/cleaned it off. Looked good as new.

 

[2015 Silver GT]

I wouldn't use Simple Green since it's corrosive.

 

[SINBUSTER007]

clean by hand - quick detailer and small hands....
takes a bit longer to do but you can get where you want and not worry about water all over belts and such. i even use a long handled paint brush in the far reaching places...
too many small areas and pockets for water to lay.

 

[scott_0]

I wouldn't use Simple Green since it's corrosive.

corrosive? pretty sure it's not, especially if diluted down properly

 

[15 Stang]

corrosive? pretty sure it's not, especially if diluted down properly

The Simple Green that you purchase at your local store is very corrosive.
There is another Simple Green formula(Extreme Simple Green) that is not as harmful to aluminum and is sold at aircraft supply houses that is suitable for engine compartments:

http://simplegreen.com/en-nz/industrial/products/extreme-aircraft-precision-cleaner/

 

[timd38]

clean by hand - quick detailer and small hands....
takes a bit longer to do but you can get where you want and not worry about water all over belts and such. i even use a long handled paint brush in the far reaching places...
too many small areas and pockets for water to lay.

Same here. I buy instant detailer by the case.............

 

[gtlaw]

The proper way is to not do it at all. You can only cause harm doing something so unnecessary.

 

[Bartly]

Simple green is bad for aluminum. Probably take quite a while for it to etch it, but it says that you shouldn't use on alum. Simple Purple is safe and what I use.

 

[ForTheHordeKT]

I can't say I've really bothered to in any of my past cars, but I might keep on it occasionally with this. Wouldn't just regular old car wash soap do alright and a spray down with the hose? Then just scrub a bit with a brush, sponge, whatever?

 

[Lost]

Run car in driveway for 4 minutes or so. Let sit 10. Spray can of foamy engine degreaser all over anything that looks like it needs it. Let sit for a while and hose off.
But really, if you can get by without doing it all, you may be better off. Try to avoid any electrical items.

 

[DANA44]

I've been using the fluffy swifter pads as a dry wipe. Works well in the interior also.

 

[Martman GT]

I've found that if you stay on top of it regularly, you can just wipe down with a damp towel. When I bought a used car that had a really dirty engine compartment, I used a can of spray on tire foam. Spray on, let sit a couple minutes, then rinse off with garden hose. Engine compartment looked brand new with no ill effects to the motor or electronics.

 

[carcinoid]

clean by hand - quick detailer and small hands....

Volunteers?

 

[GoBlues38]

To a luke warm engine. Spray with water. Get an old sponge and a bucket of dish soap. Soap down and scrub what you can. Then rinse. Take car not to spray electronics directly, but no need to bag anything off.

Then close the hood and wash the rest of the car.

Done!

I do the engine every 3 months or so.

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