Detailing the Engine Bay -- What do you use?

I never get chance to clean my engine bay, because just thinking about it makes me feel overwhelmed.

What do you use to detail the engine bay? How can I keep it clean? A lot of the dirt is caked on there pretty well. The previous owner took pretty good care of the interior of the car (seats, carpets, etc) but wasn't so nice to the exterior including the engine bay. I'm sure there aren't many people (besides detailers) who will clean their engine bay.

So what products should I be using? I was looking into CG's cleaners and degreasers but I'm not sure what to get.

Any tips? Thanks!

 

You shouldn't feel overwhelmed... Unless you're trying to get an engine bay concourse ready it's fairly easy to do.

You'll want to cover up any sensitve electronic pieces and/or exposed air filters. Oh, and make sure you're not working on a hot engine.

I usually just spray down the compartment with water, then spray it down with a good APC or degreaser (I like ARO), let that soak for little while, then go over problem areas with a brush and rinse clean. I'll sometimes take some PB S&W to painted areas. The spray or whipe the hoses and other plastic areas with a dressing of your choice. It will look 100 times better.

 

Motor city will chime in I'm sure but he uses this CM2 stuff he gets locally...I gotta say, that's one area I don't really care about. Outta sight, ya know??

 

P21s TAW and a dressing such as 303.

 

I am a bit more cautious than most but here is my process

Cover potentially sensitive components (Starter/Distributor/Air Intake)

I usually use plastic bags used to bag my groceries​

Use stream of water to rinse (from garden hose not from pressure washer)
Spray on APC of choice
Let APC dwell
Scrub
Rinse with stream of water (from garden hose not from pressure washer)
Blow dry with leaf blower
Wipe off additonal moisture
Dress (I have used 303/CD2/Stoners More Shine)

 

I really like the look that Adam's VRT and In and Out Spray give once you have cleaned the engine with an APC, really makes any black components in the engine pop

 

I'll have to check those out, thanks bewilliams.

Thanks for the tips MotorCity. I'll be sure to cover the sensitive parts.

Looks like i've got a project for this weekend.

 

Like I said.. I am more cautious than most.. But hey, it gives me piece of mind.

 

I know what you mean, but I'd probably do the same anyways. Can never be too careful. Thanks again.

 

I don't cover a single thing with new engines.

No need to in my opinion. Not the way the new cars are made.

I use the following products.

Megs All Purpose Cleaner 4:1, 10:1
Megs Safe D-Greaser 10:1
NXT Car Wash Soap

Hyper Dressing 4:1 to dress/shine

 

I use megs APC and/or megs degreaser and usually dress with CD2. It's great stuff.

I spray everything with APC/degreaser let dwell, agitate, rinse off usually with water, dry, and dress.