Z

Zednero

New Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #1

Hi, somewhat of a silly question, i think?

But whats the best method on cleaning the engine bay?

Mine has all sorts of mud and crap in it, and i want to clean it all up

Steam washer... Pressure washer? Open the ####er and go through a carwash? ound:

Would appreciate suggestions!

 

The Mad Hat Man

Well-Known Member

LZIR Despatch Agent

• Sep 1, 2013

• #2

petrol or diesel?

 

Z

Zednero

New Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #3

Diesel. 300tdi

 

Z

Zednero

New Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #4

So i been doing a good ol' fashioned traditonal method, of scrubbing with a frickin' sponge.

Here's my results, not too bad imo

 

Brown

Well-Known Member

Full Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #5

That's looking splendid. Must have taken ages.

I've found they're perfectly happy if you pressure wash them. Obviously, I don't direct the full force of the jet into the workings of the alternator, but it's pretty good at getting the mixture of mud and congealed oil shifted. Then if you're feeling really perfectionistic (if that's a word) you can go over it with engine cleaner and polish the various bits and pieces. The only thing I've found is that the fins on the radiator are rather tender and can be bent with a pressure hose or even ordinary mains water pressure. It's nicer working on the car if things aren't all caked in oil and road dirt anyway.

 

SteveD

Senile Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #6

I've found a garden sprayer is good for crudded (is that a word?) up radiators.

 

DiscoPol

Well-Known Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #7

i just jetwash mine. engine running open bonnet stand on bumper and get stuck in, for the rad i jetwash that too, belts squeal for awhile but otherwise no adverse effects. i have been doing it this way for years and so far never had a problem, it takes a little longer with the jetwash at home as its cold water and no added detergent but at the local jetwash with hot water and TFR it comes up super clean super quick and makes spotting leaks and so ona lot easier.

 

Z

Zednero

New Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #8

So if I jet wash it in future, do I have to cover anything? And am I using high or low pressure?

 

DiscoPol

Well-Known Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #9

Zednero said:

So if I jet wash it in future, do I have to cover anything? And am I using high or low pressure?

Click to expand...

I cover nothing and if in the garage just use standard hot wash with soap, if at home i use the full pressure but spread the jet a bit so its not like a needle.

check all the lids are clipped on properly on the under bonnet fuse box, switch off the fan blower in the cab and get stuck in.

 

Z

Zednero

New Member

• Sep 1, 2013

• #10

Sweet, that makes my life a lot easier, as it took fooking ages to scrub that earlier! Haha! Thanks mate