engine cleaning

[tekin]

hi all

over the years my engine/bay has got dirty well more dusty that dirty
do you guy have tips on cleaning? what are the best products to use??

 

[RabR]

I use the Autoglym Engine Cleaner, £7 from Halfrauds. Get 3 for 2 in there just now also.

 

[Willie]

Some sort of engine bay cleaner, spray all over a COLD engine, agitate with paint brush, hose off with an open hose (ie no pressure or flow) leave to dry or dry with towel and coat plastics and rubbers with an engine bay dress that isn't too shiny

 

[jwfcms]

you should really take off your sump and rocker cover and polish inside of those too. to do a proper job anyway... ...

 

[Lodgey180]

you should really take off your sump and rocker cover and polish inside of those too. to do a proper job anyway... ...

ROFL

the inside ???

 

[sheffboy]

I'm wanting to give mine a bit of a clean. Is it best to have the engine running when hosing of the engine cleaner?

 

[JamJay]

Older cars has issues with water getting in to the distributor caps so was advised to leave them running. However, i'm not too sure with Leon's.

 

[Daz_Wilko89]

dont water the air filter with the engine running though...

 

[speedsix]

Are there any components that need covering? (with a spray cleaner/regular hose 'drizzle' to rinse)

 

[olliep]

if your not running the engine, disconnect the battery to prevent shorting. Bag up the air box (if its not sealed) and bettery and any exposed connectors would be grateful if you were to protect them. lots of people use foil as its easy to mould around abnormal shapes i used blutac. i'd cover up your maf aswell. i've never been to sure about our engines tho because of the recesses around the spark/coilpacks... are they sealed well??

 

[lordgibbness]

Just use engine cleaner and a cloth - no need for water IMO

 

[Teasy]

I'm wanting to give mine a bit of a clean. Is it best to have the engine running when hosing of the engine cleaner?

This is what I do with a jet wash hot shampoo and jet rinse & I've never had any problems, obviously taking care around electrical items!!!!!

 

[Daz_Wilko89]

This is what I do with a jet wash hot shampoo and jet rinse & I've never had any problems, obviously taking care around electrical items!!!!!

You should use the hot foam brush buddy, gets dirt and grime out a treat!

 

[Willie]

This is what I do with a jet wash hot shampoo and jet rinse & I've never had any problems, obviously taking care around electrical items!!!!!

You should use the hot foam brush buddy, gets dirt and grime out a treat!

Sorry guys but really not a good idea.
All you want the water for is to rinse the bay after cleaning, brush is likely to damage connectors and jet wash can hole hoses and get into coil pack etc

 

[Daz_Wilko89]

Sorry guys but really not a good idea.
All you want the water for is to rinse the bay after cleaning, brush is likely to damage connectors and jet wash can hole hoses and get into coil pack etc

haha im pretty sure he was joking, as was i...

 

[Willie]

LOL
don't joke with things like that.

I jet washed my 106 GTI engine back with the engine running, I had an open cone air filter, it didn't end well

 

[Daz_Wilko89]

LOL
don't joke with things like that.

I jet washed my 106 GTI engine back with the engine running, I had an open cone air filter, it didn't end well

Haha well thats just plain damn silly

but on the other hand... 106 GTi's...

 

[Willie]

Haha well thats just plain damn silly

but on the other hand... 106 GTi's...

Aye felt a bit stoopid and I loved my 106 GTI, handling was TREEMENDOUS!!!

 

[olliep]

are engines not coated with an anti corrosive seal that washing too agressively can damage?

 

[Teasy]

Sorry guys but really not a good idea.
All you want the water for is to rinse the bay after cleaning, brush is likely to damage connectors and jet wash can hole hoses and get into coil pack etc

Yes, I do know what water does to electrics etc. Years ago when it rained I had to get my can of damp start/wd40 out and spray the HT leads & distibutor cap in & out with my ex g/f in the car while I was getting soaked went through about 26 cans every winter.

Now modern engines are a dream but OBVIOUSLY taking care & NOT on full jet power