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  1. #1
    FEP Power Member racerxmd's Avatar
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    Default Clean Engine Bay and Chassis ?

    What is the Best way to clean the engine bay/chassis to remove All Grime and Dirt off? Pressure washer or steam. clean?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    FEP Member Tcapper's Avatar
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    Myself, I've used a pressure sprayer for under the hood, AFTER covering up alternator, carb etc. with plastic. Chassis, oven cleaner works very well, but you have to wipe it of any rubber quickly (ball joints, tie rods, etc.). Also I've had good luck with WD-40 Specialist for light grease under hood. Hope this helps, Troy.

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member erratic50's Avatar
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    Ounce for ounce brake clean does amazing. I buy it by the case when it's on a good sale. Scrub the big chunks off with a nylon brush then blast it through the tube.

    Works really well under the car in the trans tunnel, etc. safety goggles are a must though.

    Ive also mixed up mean green and applied it with a sprayer before. Works well when followed up with a power washer after 5-10 minutes of soaking.

  4. #4
    FEP Power Member 81coupe's Avatar
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    Oven Cleaner then high pressure water spray works well IMO. Let dry, then hit with wire brushes, or wire brush on drill.
    1981 Mustang Coupe: Rebuilt 91/306, Ported E7's, TF Spring kit, E-303 Cam, RPM Intake, Eddy 1406 Carb, FMS Dual Roller Timing set, March UD pulleys, Summit LT Headers, Summit 2-1/2" Chambered Mufflers w/ 2-1/2" FlowTech H-Pipe/ Flowtubes & 2-1/2" LMR SS Tailpipes. C4 trans with 8.8/ 2.73 Rear.

  5. #5

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    On pre full injection motors, you can usually get away with pressure washing, not that many wires and connectors. But, the newer the car, the more prone it is to pressurized water getting into the connectors, and causing shorting of the computer or other components. The kid has a 2002 sebring, I had him get some degrease and pressure wash, with the stipulation that it sit over night with the hood up so it could dry out. He decided to start it before it dried that night, and we were looking for a computer for it. If water invades connectors, it may take several days for it to evaporate. I think you can still get away with pressure washing newer stuff, if you are cognizant of where you are pointing, staying away for connectors, bagging things like TPS, and distributors, any control boxes and connector into them. Steam is less invasive, takes some more time, and you may have fewer issues that the pressure washers. Once clean, an occasion wipe off with paper towels and detail spray or WD40 will keep it clean, depending on how much and where you drive.

  6. #6
    FEP Super Member sowaxeman's Avatar
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    I use Purple Power degreaser....and I recently purchased a Tornador with is a pressure sprayer but in a concentrated area. Much safer by working in a small area at a time, then turning it to air only to dry the area....rather than soaking the entire engine.
    Jason Smith
    MCA #65481

    '82 Capri RS Resto-Mod
    '88 #400 Saleen Coupe "Mean Machine" Legal Guardian
    '93 LX Yellow/Black Summer Feature - 2,800 Mile Original Survivor (Foxtoberfest 2019 Best Original 87-93)
    '05 S-281 Mineral Grey

  7. #7

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    I've found that the best degreaser is a product called LA's Totally Awesome from the dollar store. It's yellow, and in full concentrate form will degrease anything. But be careful, it will also remove paint. That and toilet brushes and some brillo pads makes for a very cheap degreasing of pretty much anything.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

  8. #8
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    Steam cleaning used to be the way when car wiring was simpler under hood.
    Less to cover up. Detail shops do it.

    Connectors like weatherpak have improved over the years. Fresh dielectric and bulb grease help.
    Under car should be no problem.

    Whatever way, heated water and soap cut grease and oil best, just like in a sink, dishwasher and cloths washer.
    Engine degreaser that smells like kerosene works well on warm engine.
    Foams work good too, leaving rubber hoses and plastic looking like new.
    Simple Green, vinegar, baking soda may work.
    Don't spray cold water on hot engine. Let degreaser soak a while.
    Parts cleaner or paint thinner cuts grease.
    Concern is getting all of the chemical and grime splash off skin.

    DIY car wash ok for big areas under car and knock down grime in non critical area under hood..
    Small detail areas best done by hand. Old brushs and hand held steam cleaner.
    Use compressed air gun, if available, to dry things faster.

    It is bull work and dirties up the driveway, hands, clothing. The dirt has to go somewhere.

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