How to actually clean a car engine

[mohamadkhan]

Good ol’ rusty, rust. No one realizes the prolong issues of pressure washing the engine bay. I take an APC solution and a microfiber rag. Spraying all plastics and silicone one at a time and wiping it down. Take a quick detailer spray for the painted parts. Then top it off with some Meguiars black plastic/vinyl seal to give it that shine and that’s IT.

[jackgonzalez]

Since I owned newer cars with so many electronics, I don't use a hose anymore, just spot cleaning in reachable areas using plastic, rubber and metal quality cleaners.

[BgDuck]

yeah you ain’t cover nothing, this is why i watch multiple videos . bro sprayed tf outta that battery teehee

[OneNationProd]

This is the way to clean cars by people who know how to detail but don’t understand much about anything under the hood. You’ll have problems show up pretty soon. Could be sensor malfunctions, anything attached to the serpentine belt, knock a coolant hose, etc. Everything will look clean before a sale though. As a buyer, you just wont see it coming.

[smooty]

Always disconnect your battery. Don’t be this dude

[PrestonN]

You can get anything wet on the out side of the car just don’t submerge the alternator
Or anything major!

[anthonytheiss]

Make sure it's not hot, both for alloy cracking and for electrics like, cover dfi module/ coil packs, and if dizzy cover coil pack

[Mr_DOHC]

Do NOT wash engine bay with higher pressure washer...especially in winter.

[frosty]

A main point is not to spray water under pressure at electrical connections. Also many spray degreasers are mild acids that will corrode electrical connections and attack aluminum. Rinse well. Most batteries are sealed so washing them should not hurt them.

[jonnyrodriguez]

i use a spray bottle with soap and water and a micro-fabric towel, and a brush

[snubbii]

I just do regular waterless maintenance since ownership started. Use a standard cleaner on the plastics and them a silicone spray clean and shine. Really gentle way of cleaning, and the fact it's done weekly or every few weeks means it always looks clean and doesn't take long.
The real lesson, the more you clean the quicker and easier it gets

[Autonomous_]

If your car has no electronic under the engine bay or is really new then your more than likely safe buy if its old then you will surely get water into connections

[lokinelson]

I heard that you dont have to be nearly as careful if you use an oil based substance to clean it. I personally like to use avocado oil and sandpaper blocks to clean it up, looks great 👍

[casey]

For the most part, supposing you don't have old hardened connectors. Your engine bay should be water proof, I just highly recommend fully drying it.

[jamalstarnet]

I’ve always washed engines and never had an issue on old, new and modern cars. Keep your engine clean. If water could damage it then your car should be driven in the rain!!

[altuser.]

pressure washing engine bay prolongs rust development. i use a microfiber cloth and an apc solution (i do not recommend grease remover as numerous mechanics inside an engine requires grease to work optimally) and just wipe the top part of the engine to make it look clean. afterwards i like to use an airpistol to get all the dust off and dry everything out. also, i would advice to not pressure wash wheels as most people do, this leads to rust on the brake caliper and waterleaking into the wheel-bearings which ruins them. as a professional welder, car mechanic and mechanical industry worker i know a lot of things that people do not think/realize. if rust had occured in the cars bodywork, do not apply tectyle solutions or sheepfat! if rust has developed, trying to use acid solutions or rust-defending solutions wont do a thing! remove all rust and weld parts that need welding to then apply sheepfat and tectyle solution.

[tommclovin]

What about all the electrics and sensors?

[murrayentable]

I drive an 2004 Toyota Rav4 so I don't worry to much about electrical parts 😃

[tjonesauto]

Cars drive in the snow. When it melts the steam goes everywhere exposed. The key is the engine's running.

[creditrepairwizards]

Use hand held steamer NOT water pressure as water will get in the electrical system