What degreaser did you buy?

 

I was in a BMW forum and ran across this, which was basically the same thing I was going to type but can now copy and paste:

1. Let the engine run for a minute or two to warm it up. Grease and other gunk is easier to remove when the engine is warm (NOT HOT).

2. Cover any exposed electrical components, distributor cap, spark plug wires and anything else you do not want to get a bunch of water on with aluminum foil or plastic cling wrap.

3. Get a can of engine degreaser from your local auto store...they used GUNK Engine Degreaser. Spray it liberally on everything! Don't be shy...they used the entire can. Let is sit for 10-15mins so it can breakdown and loosen all that grime.

4. Get the hose out and spray down everything to remove all the degreaser and dirt and grime. Do not use a nozzle...just the hose is enough pressure. You do not want to blast water into all the engine components...especially on newer cars.

5. Let the water run off for a few mins and start the engine and let is run for 30 seconds to help dry some of the water.

6. Here's the final step that SHOCKED the hell out of me. They sprayed the entire engine bay down with WD-40. They used an entire can and sparyed it on EVERYTHING! After they were done; the engine looked BRAND NEW. I was told this is how many car dealers get the used cars to look brand new under the hood. Some substitute Pledge furniture spray instead of WD-40 (believing WD-40 attracts dust).

I wouldn't believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes. The bimmer engine looked flawless and every hose and belt looked brand new. I'm planning on doing this to my car this weekend.

Courtesy of: http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/inde...showtopic=1436

*EDIT: I just read that WD 40 will attack all your rubber belts and hoses. Does this dry rot belts and hoses? Also, I read to use use a "water based" dressing and let the engine run until it is baked on.

-Charles-

 

If it's possible can you post before and after pics as well?

I wanted to clean my engine bay as well, it's not DIRTY but there is dust, little bit of dirt...etc, I would rather catch it now, and every now and again clean it a little bit rather than spend hours on it... I am worried just pouring water inside the engine... Do you have to worry about rust, or anything like that?

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

*You might want to research the effects of WD 40 on belts and hoses before spraying the engine with with this.

Before:

 

Courtesy of: http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/ind...?showtopic=1436

After:

 

After you spray the engine off, if you have an air compressor air it down lightly. If you don't, just take your car for a quick spin. This should get rid of all the excess water and no, you shouldn't have to worry about it rusting b/c of this procedure.

Before spraying degreaser on the engine, wet your whole car down in case of over spray of degreaser. If you suspect over spray rinse the area off immediately. This is for over spray on the exterior paint if I must add. When your finished with the cleaning of the engine and bay, rinse the exterior again just to be safe.

Does anyone know about the effects of WD 40 on belts and hoses? I did a little search last night but came up empty. I think I've made it clear that someone has stated that WD 40 rots belts and hoses, but dissipates water. If I find out anything I'll post it. For those needing more information, just do a yahoo or google search for "Engine Cleaning." I didn't look, and may be re-inventing the wheel, but I'm sure someone has posted on here before about this.

-Charles-

 

brake parts cleaner works very well, but you're gonna end up using a couple of cans to do the whole engine bay. it evaporates very fast and most mechanics use cases of it to remove oil, grease, etc. you should also be cautious as to how much you spray on the belts, hoses and any rubber housings. it dries pretty fast so it wont eat up the belts