Cleaning engine compartment

[Guest]

Whats the best way to clean/detail your engine? What do I have to cover up? Can I use a power washer or should I just use a garden hose? Keep the car running or off? Any idea's?? Thanks.

[BADBOY]

I WOULD KEEP THE CAR OFF, USE A PRESSURE WASHER TO CLEAN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

I would also go drive the car and get it to operating temp to help soften up some of the grime in there.

[Black306]

I should have taken before and after photos. I just did my wife's 91 vert the other day.


Step 1: start with a stone cold engine, as if parked overnight

Step 2: cover open air filters and crank case breathers.

Step 3: use 1 full can of Gunk Engine Foamy Bright, not the regular stuff.



stand in different areas in front of the engine to make sure you get as much of the engine bay as possible.

Step 4: close the hood and let sit for 10 mins.

Step 5: rinse off the Gunk with running water (I typically don't suggest pressurized water because then you are increasing the chance of the water going where it shouldn't; IE withing electrical connections)

Step 6: spray Armor All Tire Foam, yes Tire Foam.



do this in the same manor as the Engine Gunk.

Step 7: run the car for 10-15 mins.

Step 8: pop the hood and be amazed



This is my wife's 143k mile 91 GT. The upper intake has been off only once for valve cover gasket replacement. So there has never been a "detailed" cleaning.

[OLLETT]

I agree with Black306 about the high pressure hose. And the other thing I want to add is about the cleaning chemical you may want to use. Gunk Degreaser is good but the petroleum based cleaners they make may not be best for your car. I think their great don't get me wrong but they are kind of harsh cleaners. They're good for farm trucks and tractors, not our cared for engine bays. The kind you want to find is a citrus based cleaner. It's not hard on finishes and won't dry hoses and leave everything chalky looking. Gunk makes a citrus based cleaner.
Well that's what I use but the others are still good too.

[Cobra4683]

Pressure will remove the paint form the cobra intake plaque. Thrust me.

[QWKSNKE]

I use the tire degreaser selection at the local car wash and rinse with the car running. I do squeeze the high pressure when rinsing BUT I do not focus in one area or aim close to anything. Basically hold the nozzle at least 2-3 feet off the top of the engine and sweep rinse the soap off.

Drive it back home throw some son of a gun foam tire stuff all over the engine. Drive it for a day or two, raise the hood and it looks very good.

[laz2447]

def use a pressure washer...and whatever form of degreaser your comfortable with using...

there are a few that are harsh and will leave hoses white or even turn them a shade of purple...so make sure you think through if your willing to take that chance...

we use a heavy duty degreaser and it does have a tendency to turn hoses white and fade out some plastic...

good luck though!

[vinchez78]

Used purple power for the engine just a test run cleaning, sprayed and wiped off most of the grease out the engine bay, so running water to the engine doesn't damage anything there? Just being cautious of my engine being my first cobra and never cleaned an engine bay before, so degrease and rinse and no damage to engine, correct??

[SPEEDFREEK]

Vin only clean it when the motor is dead cold. If your coil cover and dist cover is still intact you should be fine. I use a all purpose degreaser I get from the supply company that comes around. Keep the fenders wet in case you get some on it an rinse immediate if you do.

[vinchez78]

Thanks Freek, would like to get it clean enough to get in a local car show Saturday, The Snake said he'll bring his 92 cobra vert to the show too

[escogt]

Thanks Freek, would like to get it clean enough to get in a local car show Saturday, The Snake said he'll bring his 92 cobra vert to the show too

Wish I could join you guys. Have fun Vin & Snake!! Don't forget, take lots of pictures.

[vinchez78]

Thanks Freek, would like to get it clean enough to get in a local car show Saturday, The Snake said he'll bring his 92 cobra vert to the show too

Wish I could join you guys. Have fun Vin & Snake!! Don't forget, take lots of pictures.

Sure will Pablo

[escogt]

Thanks Freek, would like to get it clean enough to get in a local car show Saturday, The Snake said he'll bring his 92 cobra vert to the show too

Wish I could join you guys. Have fun Vin & Snake!! Don't forget, take lots of pictures.

Sure will Pablo

[psucobra]

I've always gotten good results using Simple Green. Spay it on a cold engine, let it set 15 minute or so and rinse off with the hose. I follow up with CD-2 Engine Detailer.