shakRpahX8

Today while washing my car, I've added some oil for the first time to my Rx8.

The engine bay was getting pretty dusty too, so i was thinking how should i clean this??

Can you guys give me some tips about cleaning the engine bay?

I was even thinking about just spraying water on it.....but then I just got this feeling something terrible might happen, so i came here to post a thread for help.

Can i just hose down the engine bay? Or do i need to buy certain products for it?

Some tips would be appreciated

rotten42

No problem taking the washer to the engine bay...I do it all the time.

Im_DANomite

iTrader: (1)

i have never hosed down my engine bay in any of my cars. just a little cautious when it comes to that part. i've seen elec. plugs corrode from water, so i tend to stay away from hosing it down. i just meticulously clean with a tooth brush, brake clean, compressed air, and a good old rag.

Kel Rx8

what i do
warm up the car shut it off after 5 min
get plastic bags that you get from the grocery store
and cover battery,ignition coils and intake.
use some simple green found at home depot
spray it on,rinse off with out over doing it
and start the car.
p.s make sure you do the last step
i ran off a couple of years ago when cleaning another car of mine. and guess what it wouldnt start till the next day.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I also just hose it down at the car wash. I leave the engine running tho. In the past, if there was stubborn oil & grease, I would use Gunk.

Kewl

Now I know you aren't going to believe this, but with a warm engine spray it down with Johnson's Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner - aerosol. You can use the Fresh Clean Scent if you like....

After you let it set for a few minutes spray it down with a water spray. I use one of the high pressure sprayers - about 1300 psi model. The combination really does a great job....really!

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Hummm... I don't believe that

I just use a rag and elbow grease

9G Redline

I'm with him

Kewl

I knew you wouldn't believe! I use it often on all our vehicles and it really does work good. Now if you want to get this from others...try this site.

http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.c...ubbing+bubbles

StewC625

If you read the label, Scrubbing bubbles is reactive on aluminum - not a good idea to use on an engine.

Kewl

There is no such warning on the aerosal can of scrubbing bubbles I have. In fact, if you check the product's web site the only product they have that does have an aluminum warning is the Mildew Stain Remover.

The scrubbing bubbles does warn against using it on acrylic, brass, or marble however.

tpham858

Hey guys, the best I've found as a car detailer is if you have time there's some options.
1.) When I have time I'll remove the covers gently spray water over everything. just a bit, I'm talking mist. then I'll wipe it off with Bownty paper towels pecause they don't rip. and all the black hoses or well anything black gets wiped with Meguiars interior spray since it leaves little to no residue and does not attract dust and definately looks good, without cracking like armor all. If its completely dry that means I got it all, then I start the engine just to make sure.
2.) there's something called cd2. it's a two part cleaner. follow the directions exactly and you won't regret it. make sure you cover all the wire recepticles and your set. perfect for quick jobs or if you don't have too much time. but you could top it off by wiping it up with Meguiars interior and you'll have a showroom look.
3.) do what the dealors do. You could take it to them or some auto shops can do it. there's a green cleaner substance, they let it soak, pressure spray everything with steam, and let dry. It looks real good. Most Highschool auto shops have it also and they'll probably do it for free if not 5 dollars.
P.S. I don't like having the engine warm prior to doing any engine cleaning do to the fact that chemicals leave bad stains on engines, and I've never had a problem with engines not starting.

quack_p

I take my damp microfiber drying towel and wipe down the engine and the underside of the hood every time I wash the car. It takes about 5 minutes.

I just sold a car I had for ten years that I admittedly didn't do a very good job of cleaning, so everything that was caked with dirt on that car (the engine, door, hood, and trunk sills, and even the inside of the fuel door) now gets wiped down on my RX-8 every time I wash (which is every other week).