I'd like to clean my engine up, as it's getting dirty from being worked on and thru daily driving. Especially the intercooler and radiator.

How should I go about cleaning those?

Thanks!

 

mods move to detail forums please

if its a quick surface clean, get some sorta engine cleaner, they are generally mild degreaser designed to work in the engine bay

start by covering up exposed electrical wires, i use tin foil with the key out of the ignition and never had a problem... i'd get a bag for the cone filter too if you have one

use a very light spray of water on the engine to get rid of the surface stuff

use degreaser, if it hasnt been clean in awhile, you might consider a wheelbrush or anything small to work at the crevices, even old toothbrush should work, but i am sure others will chime in with the right tools

then after, let it sit for about a minute, if you worked at it, then skip this step

just spray the engine with another fine mist of water, to get rid of the degreaser...

after that, start the engine and let the engine run for a few minutes to clean out the water out of the critical spots IF they do collect in there, MAKE ABSOLUTE SURE you take that bag off the cone filter

then get a dry towel, i use a old cotton towel i have around for oddjobs like that, its too dirty to use a microfiber in there

then just slowly collect the water until its dry, apply your favourite plastic protectant on the finished product, i use 303 aerospace on the engine

then just admire at your brand new looking engine! this is from my 4 year old car, i do detail the engine twice a year


Now, if you are just looking to clean the fins, there are many ways, again, the degreaser will help ya get rid of most of the bugs and gunk that gets stuck in there,

 

Sweet, thanks!

I have used water mist and degreaser before on my previous vehicles. Have never had a top-mount intercooler or a filter cone before tho. So just making sure. And for some reason, I've never rinsed the degreaser off there before; just wiped it up with shop towels.

Thanks.

 

I simply wipe down the engine compartment every other weekend, takes about 30-40 minites. I use an Armour-All type product on the pastic parts, hoses, weather seals, etc. The result is an engine compartment that looks as good now as the day I bought the car. (I purchased her new in May 2006)

 

MC2 had a great article on cleaning the whole MINI like 2 issues ago. They discussed products, techniques and schedules. As for the engine, covering of the ECU box, the spark plugs, and any other electrical parts with aluminum foil is paramount. After a thourough initial cleaning, you will only need to spend a few minutes wiping it down once a month or so. My engine constantly elicits comments from mechanics, friends and basically anyone who sees my '02 JCW Cooper S with the bonnet open. With your clean engine you can spot any leaks immediately, and your mechanic can diagnose problems easier. I believe mechanics also take extra care when they see a clean engine compartment, because they know you take care care of your car, and it is a joy for them to work on. You should treat all the plastic surfaces in your engine bay with a quality plastic cleaner and preservative. This helps protect them from premature breakdown in the high temps of the engine compartment. It also makes everything in the engine bay look brand new.

 

I've never cleaned an engine before but I've been wanting to do it for my MINI. I'm not very good with car terms so is there a picture somewhere that clearly points out what should be avoided/covered up?

Thank you

 

Karmacide,

The attached photo will point out what needs to be protected. Use aluminum foil or a trash bag to cover the items good and you shouldn't have any issues. Like I said previously, once the engine compartment is clean, I wipe it down twice a month and it stays looking new. As everyone else points out, wipe down the plastic and rubber parts to keep them from drying out and becoming brittle. I wipe down ALL of the individual components in the engine bay and it takes all of 1 hr 45 min if it has rained since the last detailing. Not a bad investment for what you get.

You'll get the hang of it, it isn't hard, but the amount of time you put into it will show. Soon enough all of your friends will be impressed with how new the engine bay looks and they will be envious.

Keep on motoring!

 

Karmacide,

The attached photo will point out what needs to be protected in the engine bay. Use aluminum foil or a trash bag to cover the items good and you shouldn't have any issues.

 

My girl got her oil changed at ez lube and the botched the job causing oil to leak out of the filter all along her 300 mile trip that day. Now there is oil all over the bottom of the car (even residue on boot and top). What is the best way to clean all of it from front to back?

 

I would get a good degreaser. just be sure to not have the engine too hot (just warm- the degreaser shouldn't evaporate when sprayed on the engine) and give it a few minutes to really loosen the oil, then just rinse off with a hose that has a nozzle on it. Cover the electronics up as stated in the previous posts.

 

Many thanks. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

 

lawmann,

Hope you subscribed to this tread, otherwise might just pm you in a few days.

But, is that the Hella twin air horn you have installed there? I've been thinking of doing that lately. Just wanted to be a bit different and louder.

I actually thought about doing a semi-style air horn, but there just plain ain't enough room for all the components...