Cleaning.

[gino]

Does any one know what is the best way of cleaning an engine and engine bay apart from taking the whole thing out? Is it ok to use a power hose on it? Im only looking to remove road dirt. Did FTOs ever have a cover under the engine to keep road dirt form getting up into the engine bay?

[Speedyboy]

I wouldnt use a power hose with the amount of sensors and electronics in the engine bay, I seen a warning from the AA that there getting called out to a huge amount of cars that had the engine bay power washed and woouldnt start afterwards.

Better off just wiping each surface takes longer but much safer, You can buy all sorts of gunk to clean it with but I found a decent alloy wheel cleaner does the job

[CJ]

Gino, I wouldn't power hose the engine bay, you're looking for trouble there!
Cover up all electrical componants and use Gunk to degrease the really filthy parts, use a bucket of water, sponges, old toweling etc. When you've finished run the engine for 10/15 mins to help drive out any moisture.


CJ

[Mustang]

Just to back up what the lads are saying. I would not suggest it.
In particular steam cleaning (maybe this term is used the same as power washing) i.e with hot water has been known to kill electronic components.
Electrical enclosures/ and connectoion in the engine bay are intended to be weather proof i.e. to withstand the small amount of rain which manages to get in during normal driving. A jet from a power hose is a whole different proposition!
A mechanic friend of mine (very early on in his apprenticeship at the time) said he power washed the engine of a car and managed to kill the catalytic convertor. Not sure how that happened...but... Ching Ching!
I believe that if you are going to do it the engine should be left on. (don't quote me on that).
Car sales garages seem to do it all the time, but personally I would not take the risk.

Mustang

[gino]

Thanks guys, i guess its a bit of elbow grease then.