Rookie needs help / clean engine bay

[chefwaga]

Hey guys! I just need some advice on how to clean under the hood. Would a simple microfiber towel and soap/water do the trick? or could it be done with a powerwasher? certain areas to avoid to wash?

Sorry I'm still learning my way with the basics with automobile care. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Alow]

I'd really like to learn this as well.

[Lester]

I would just hand wash - stay away from power nozzles.

[FOXYCaymanS]

I don't know what car you are washing... but there are things you need to be careful about getting wet or having too much pressure be placed on it.

Even though there is controversy over whether or not you should wash your engine bay when the engine is still hot/warm, I still would wait until it's cooled. Cover your air filter and any electrical wiring that is critical.

Try using an engine de-greaser before you go scrubbing away at anything; this will just make it easier on you, less scrubbing and will get rid of any corrosion that you can't get with just soap/water.

I personally like Simple Green- it doesn't leave residue or staining.

Good Luck!

[italiantank26]

whats the point of cleaning your engine bay? not trying to be critical, just trying to understand what you would get out of this.

[1013mm]

Originally Posted by italiantank26

whats the point of cleaning your engine bay? not trying to be critical, just trying to understand what you would get out of this.

just for looks.

[FOXYCaymanS]

Originally Posted by jzhang

just for looks.

Good resale value- also if you have upgraded mods and you want to show it off...keeping things clean is always helpful

[1013mm]

and forgot to add that the more you clean the less gunk build up in the bay...

[vanbmw]

I try and give a simple wipe with a wet cloth at least once a month. Just doing that really cuts down on the dirt build up and it never gets very dirty under the hood. Then when I give the car a wax I give it more of a detail. In the sticky section there is a good guide to detailing that has some hints on cleaning the engine bay.

[AussieRacer]

I just did mine again today. My method is:
Cover alternator with tin foil.
Give everything a quick blast from at least 1.5 metres away with a pressure washer
Then with the detailing brush and some wash solution in the pressure sprayer I agitate what ever I can reach with the brush, including thoroughly going over the under bonnet (I have no insulation).
Once done, again pressure wash everything down, this time maintaining at least 1 m distance with the nozzle
I then start the engine
With a leaf blower I blow away all standing water
After about 5 min I turn off the car
Dry remaining water with a MF towel
Dress up any plastics with your favourite product (303 for me)

Don't be afraid to get water in there, but just try not to drown the engine bay, and certainly never do it with the motor running.

And if you like and maintain your car, why shouldn't the engine look good too?!?!?

[BSM 135i]

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

I just did mine again today. My method is:
Cover alternator with tin foil.
Give everything a quick blast from at least 1.5 metres away with a pressure washer
Then with the detailing brush and some wash solution in the pressure sprayer I agitate what ever I can reach with the brush, including thoroughly going over the under bonnet (I have no insulation).
Once done, again pressure wash everything down, this time maintaining at least 1 m distance with the nozzle
I then start the engine
With a leaf blower I blow away all standing water
After about 5 min I turn off the car
Dry remaining water with a MF towel
Dress up any plastics with your favourite product (303 for me)

Don't be afraid to get water in there, but just try not to drown the engine bay, and certainly never do it with the motor running.

And if you like and maintain your car, why shouldn't the engine look good too?!?!?

THANKS!! my engine bay is dirty as hell and i want to clean it sooo bad, this will help a lot. just wondering, why cover the alt with foil?

[BlackjackMulligan]

All good ideas! Take a look at Phil's thread cleaning the Mini Cooper, there are pics of how he cleaned the engine. Shoot him an email for product recommendations and procedures.

[vanbmw]

One of my friends gave me a good idea. When you go to a hotel, take the shower hair cap. I always wondered who the hell takes a shower but keeps their hair dry??? Anyways..use that shower cap to cover up your electrical parts. I don't know if it will work on the 135 but it worked great on my last car.

[vanbmw]

check out the pictures on the "detailers domain:4 days to detail a mini". It has some nice shots of the engine bay getting cleaned off and Phils tells the products the used. Then you can go to his website and buy those products fom him and you are done! Good luck.

[AussieRacer]

Originally Posted by BSM 135i

THANKS!! my engine bay is dirty as hell and i want to clean it sooo bad, this will help a lot. just wondering, why cover the alt with foil?

In the 135i engine bay this is the only sensitive part that is fully exposed, so if you can avoid blasting water in to it that'd be preferable. I just use the foil cause if I accidently leave it or parts of it behind, it can withstand some heat. Plus the stiffness makes it easier to get in there as it is quite a tight spot.

Products I use:
Meguiars NXT wash
303 Protectant

Tools I use:
Meguiars side-lock brush
Bosch Pressure Washer
Cheap garden pressure sprayer (1 litre)

Pressure sprayer is filled with a small amount of wash solution and warm water. I don't bother using degreasers as I never really let the engine get dirty enough that something can't be agitated away with the brush. If you do use a degreaser on the first wash, please use something gentle, eg. citrus based, as any stronger solution not dried away can eat into things.

Done every couple of months, the whole process shouldn't take more than 20 mins each time and keeps it looking very well maintained.

[BSM 135i]

^^thanks AussieRacer

[AchtungF80]

Generally, when I clean an engine bay, the intake cone is removed and the tube opening i wrap with a ziplock bag and rubber band, or if airbox I just cover the openings, electrical i ziplock cover w/rubber bands and using very low pressure water (talking sprinkles here (never directly at anything electrical) and some simple green, give everything a light rinse. Agitate with a small cloth or soft brush if necessary. Wipe everything down thoroughly and run the motor to let any water that you can't get to evaporate. With the 135i, though, i'll just spray detail or use windex and several paper towels.

[BSM 135i]

I see a lot of you guys using a pressure washer...is that what you would reccommend or would a hose with a spray nozzle be better? also when you say cover electrical parts, what parts exactly are you talking about?

[AussieRacer]

I'd only do it with a pressure washer and for two reasons:
1. You'll use a lot less water for the job, which means less water to dry off and get in places you'd prefer it didn't; and
2. The slight blast will help shift the dirt a little better.

[bman6074]

mmmm I have cleaned all my cars engine bays and have never had a problem. I usually use an over the counter engine cleaner. Never have covered anything but do take the air filter out of the car and block any opening if one is created. Then just spray it down with the cleaner let sit for a 5 min then use the mist spray option on my hose to rinse off. Then let the car sit in the sun for 4 hours with the hood open.
ALL DONE WITH A COOL ENGINE. Usually something I do early in the morning when I know it is going to be a nice warm sunny day.

[twinturbo135i]

I wipe my engine bay once a month with a regular cotton rag and it looks like it did from day one. most people who see my engine bay don't believe me when I tell them my car has 11K miles.

and the reason I do this is because I want my 135i looking its best from inside to outside and everything in between.