Cleaning engine bay

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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:36 PM
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Cleaning engine bay

I was wondering what's the best way to clean my engine bay. I want it to look really nice and new like fresh out the factory! Let me know any suggestions, what to do and not to do.
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:43 PM
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I'd like to know as well too.
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 10:47 PM
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pressure wash it carefully..
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 11:06 PM
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Simple Green and a steam cleaner works great, but don't get the alternator wet...learned this the hard way.
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 11:10 PM
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yeah cover up all the electrical parts or it might turn out bad
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 11:22 PM
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Old Aug 31, 2008 | 11:24 PM
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Simple green works, and a good pressure washer.

Cover the alternator and the distributor so they don't get drenched. A rag would work fine. I wouldn't worry about anything else I've never seen a Subaru engine have any problems from washing the engine. You can pressure wash it with the engine on or off I've never seen it make a difference in newer cars.

If you want to be safe, you can use an air compressor to dry off any electrical contacts and sensors you see. Or just wait till its dry to start up the car.
Old Aug 31, 2008 | 11:40 PM
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i just wash everything, i don't even worry about electricals, i just let everything dry before i turn the car on...
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:00 AM
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leave the bay dry, spray some Adam's All Purpose Cleaner, agitate the solution with fine brush, then rinse without pressure. Just be careful with eletrical and your are fine. If you are worried, cover alternator and battery and you should be good to go.... Man, I need to clean my engine by too...
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:01 AM
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oh, don't do it when the engine is hot. warm to touch is okay...
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:15 AM
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i was told once by an SCCA Snob Autocross tech worker that my engine bay was too dirty...Oh noes im so ascared and ashamed of myself
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:22 AM
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LOL^^^ my **** gets real dirty from rally x and daily driving.. so i just spray invisible glass on everything that looks dirty an wash it off most of the time
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by DetailAddict
leave the bay dry, spray some Adam's All Purpose Cleaner, agitate the solution with fine brush, then rinse without pressure. Just be careful with eletrical and your are fine. If you are worried, cover alternator and battery and you should be good to go.... Man, I need to clean my engine by too...
What should I cover my alternator and battery with? Tape? Cloth?
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by wrxisthebest
LOL^^^ my **** gets real dirty from rally x and daily driving.. so i just spray invisible glass on everything that looks dirty an wash it off most of the time
haha yeah, after you wash, spray with pam! but that would probably burn off by the time you need to wash again, unless you do it everyday or before RallyX
Old Sep 1, 2008 | 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by darkonion
DetailAddict!
i was going to say the same!



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