Engine Wash Suggestions?

[Inside Man]

I also use a pressure washer from the time my vehicles are new, as well as all my customer vehicles. I have been detailing for over Fifteen years now and have yet to have a problem. Also, I use chrome, or aluminum wheel cleaner on all my cast, or aluminum brackets. If I had to grab something off the shelf of a common parts store it would probably be the Eagle One chrome wheel, or aluminum wheel cleaner. Grey, and Blue bottle. May take a couple of cleaning cycles to clean oil and greece stained stuff.
Good luck gentleman. Keep um clean!

 

[parttimer]

I used to pressure wash long ago but find the need isn't there for the high power. I lightly mist the area with some diluted APC and let it sit, after that I use my hose with a nozzle set to mist and lightly spray away the cleaner. It might take longer but your not using the force of a pressure washer and your letting the cleaner do the work. I might hit it with various brushes but I try not to let the bay get soaked. After clean is done, spray your dressing of choice, fire up the engine and let it run for a few to get warm, not hot. After that, take your towel with some dressing and wipe everything down.

 

[Arctic-Rodz]

i found my air compressor blower attachment very helpful after i have scrubbed and rinsed the engine bay. helps dry and blows off any water out of those small crevices.

 

[r35j1s]

Since I was 16 and I am 45 now, I have been washing my motor and engine bay every time I wash my car. I pull into the car wash, leave the motor running, pop the hood and then wash every single thing under the hood with exception to any exposed air filters. I wash my battery, alternator and everything else.
Over all of those years I have had only one issue. I had a cracked distributor cap when I was about 20 and the car stopped running. New cap and it was fine again.
With that said, I will continue to use the high pressure at the car wash on every car I own. My engine bay looks like a new car and when I have to work on something, it isn't all greasy.

 

[Jmhm17]

I spray it all down with simple green let it sit for a few min then go to town with the shower head setting on the hose, let it air dry or just drive off with with it. Never thought about putting dressing on it tho, I would think it would attract more junk, no?

 

[1500BR]

I use tire foam all over my engine bay. Turns everything black nice and shiny, and cleans everything else. Looks great and super easy, rinse, spray, wipe down.

 

[Batt4Christ]

Spray it off, buy some cheap Armor All or similar product and spray everything with it. Let it sit 30 minutes or longer (hour + is great), then spray it off again!

 

[twooldfarmers]

one thing that is for certain is that use a pressure washer under the hood is a recipe for absolute disaster as the Gremlins will soon appear if one has a habit of doing this

all the info contained above about de-greasers and being gentle is all very good advice