How do you keep your engine so clean...

[matty125]

I am tired of cleaning my engine, Primarily its this Hard water crap. What is the best thing to use to get ride of hard water spots. Is there anything I SHOULD NOT GET WET? I of course try to stay away from fuse panels and my CAI.

[OctaneGuy]

Don't use high pressure. Stay away from the ECU and alternator with the exposed copper coils.

If you're using hard water, then try using distilled or deionized water in a bug sprayer for some pressure..my Nomad pressure washers work great, but a little pricey for just washing the engine.

Existing water spots need to be removed. Try some distilled white vinegar--I use Heinz brand--costs like $2 for a gallon and just wipe it on, then dress the plastics and rubber with an appropriate product. I like Meguiar's Professional Hyper Dressing which has a high flash point.

Richard

Originally Posted by matty125

I am tired of cleaning my engine, Primarily its this Hard water crap. What is the best thing to use to get ride of hard water spots. Is there anything I SHOULD NOT GET WET? I of course try to stay away from fuse panels and my CAI.

[Juiceman]

Another option is use a MR Clean car washing tool.

[OctaneGuy]

Yep! Good call, forgot about that one. But still he needs to get rid of the existing water spots since the deposits won't just disappear.

Originally Posted by Juiceman

Another option is use a MR Clean car washing tool.

[MeliaAndSam]

I was always told if you don't know what not to touch, don't try cleaning your engine

Engines are supposed to be dirty, right?

[kenchan]

i just use QD, papertowels, and finish off the plastic/rubber with Nero.

the key is to clean it often so it never gets too dirty.

[Frank in Toledo]

Eversince taking delivery of my '04 MCS, I have used the following and use no water, high pressure or otherwise.

303 Aerospace Protectant
Finish Line EcoTech Cleaner/Degreaser
Meguiar's Professional Heavy Duty Vinal Cleaner
Back-To-Black
Paper Towels
Microfiber Towels
Q-Tips
Toothbrushes
Air Compressor to blow dust out of nooks and crannies.

[quikmni]

I have pretty hard water where I live so when I wash the engine, I towel dry the things I can reach and then use the air hose to blow the water off of everything else. The air hose also works good for blowing off the front grills and side indicator grills.

[beasleyboy]

Originally Posted by kenchan

i just use QD, papertowels, and finish off the plastic/rubber with Nero.

the key is to clean it often so it never gets too dirty.

I do that when I have the guts to. Burned my hands too many times to count! Bad habits die hard I guess, never could remember to clean the engine before driving to the supermarket!

[kreative]

I have this issue too, and it's not even when I'm trying to clean the engine, but when I lift the hood after washing the car to clean out the crevices. A bunch of water drips down from who knows where (this is after drying exterior), getting water splashed on the engine causing water spots.

Anyone know where to get a small air compressor?

[4Boogie]

after you wipe all the excess water away with a micro fiber cloth wipe all the black plastic and rubber with a teflon spray of some sort. This will make everything really black clean and shiney.

[bee1000n]

Step 1: Pay someone to clean it for you.

Step 2: After each car wash, wipe it down with a damp towel after you dry the rest of your car.

[BlackSapphire]

This might help you out:

http://autogeek.net/engine-guide.html

[ScottRiqui]

Originally Posted by kenchan

the key is to clean it often so it never gets too dirty.

True. Always remember - "The cleaner you keep it, the easier it is to keep it clean."

[ronnie948]

I just use my leaf blower (on low) to clear the dust off of my engine. Then I just finish it off with a Swiffer Duster.
I would never ever use a water hose under my hood.
If I ever get an oil seep or leak I would just use Brake-Kleen to wash away the residue.
Water!!!!"NEVER""""
Ronnie948

[BlackSapphire]

Originally Posted by ronnie948

I just use my leaf blower (on low) to clear the dust off of my engine. Then I just finish it off with a Swiffer Duster.
I would never ever use a water hose under my hood.
If I ever get an oil seep or leak I would just use Brake-Kleen to wash away the residue.
Water!!!!"NEVER""""
Ronnie948

Whatever you're comfortable with is EXACTLY what you should be doing.

[lotsie]

Once, years ago, I used the engine wash at a coin-op car wash place, it was a low pressure mist, with de-greaser. After I had finished drying the engine bay, all sorts of goofy things happened, wipers ran, headlights came on, gauges acted weird. I turned the car off, then on again, same thing. Turned it on and off a few times till everything was normal. I have never done that since then. Now I just use some Simple Green, let it soak, then wipe down, apply 303, or Nero, then go for a 10 minute motor to really dry things off.

Like others have said, keep it clean, then it takes way less effort to keep it that way.

Mark

[Noegel]

Originally Posted by MeliaAndSam

I was always told if you don't know what not to touch, don't try cleaning your engine

Engines are supposed to be dirty, right?

Well, after 100,000miles of dirt and grime sticking to your engine, it will start to retain heat... something you don't want on any car, especially a charged one!

Besides, with a clean engine bay (I clean the undercarriage too), it is FAR easier to spot a problem with your car. I first started cleaning with my last car, a 1992 Mazda Protege, which looked like the motor was never cleaned despite its flawless paint. Open the bonnet of a 200,000 mile-old car and tell me if you can spot an oil leak!

Your car will be happier, your mechanic will definitely be happier, and you will be happier at the results. A win-win for everybody!

[BlackSapphire]

Originally Posted by Noegel

Well, after 100,000miles of dirt and grime sticking to your engine, it will start to retain heat... something you don't want on any car, especially a charged one!

Besides, with a clean engine bay (I clean the undercarriage too), it is FAR easier to spot a problem with your car. I first started cleaning with my last car, a 1992 Mazda Protege, which looked like the motor was never cleaned despite its flawless paint. Open the bonnet of a 200,000 mile-old car and tell me if you can spot an oil leak!

Your car will be happier, your mechanic will definitely be happier, and you will be happier at the results. A win-win for everybody!

Well said.

[TomLINY]

I've found that mechanics treated me completely differently as a customer once I started keeping my engine bay clean. I think they see it as a car that gets special care from it's owner and therefore also deserves special care from them.

[PatM]

Originally Posted by Noegel

(I clean the undercarriage too!

How do you clean your undercarriage?

Pat

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by TomLINY

I've found that mechanics treated me completely differently as a customer once I started keeping my engine bay clean. I think they see it as a car that gets special care from it's owner and therefore also deserves special care from them.

yep, like going to the salon with a clean look vs looking like a bum. there is a time and place for keeping the engine bay clean.

[kenchan]

Originally Posted by PatM

How do you clean your undercarriage?

Pat

lotise had a great idea of putting your car on ramps and placing a lawn sprinkler under there for a good 30min or so.

[Noegel]

Well, since the undercarriage doesnt have a coating, I just go to town with some Simple Green on the undercarriage. Works a charm... but then again, I bought my car new. I'd hate to do this on an older car that wasn't loved by its previous owners. Yuck!

[Rixter]

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

Don't use high pressure. Stay away from the ECU and alternator with the exposed copper coils.

Is anybody able to post a picture of where the ECU and alternator are in an R56?