Cleaning under the hood

[eswaroop]

Hi,

My accord's engine compartment has become pretty dirty with a layer of grime on all components including the engine. Is there a place/method by which I can clean everything under the hood in one go? I have seen a car at one dealer which was a '99 accord and everything was sparkling new. Was wondering how it can be done.. any ideas?

Thanks

es

[accordztech]

i go to a wash station and then use their simple green and pressure washer. that pressure washer really does the trick and it costs only 1.75 for everything. alot better than what u can do at home.



thats my engine, what u think clean? its a 1991 honda accord.



dont use stinky cleaners in a bottle like GUNk or something, even though those are good, u should use a good pressure washer to clean out the engine.

since i have to drive to the place i leave my car on, cover the distribitor cap...and start spraying the detergent then wash off.

if it was completly cold then ill just wash it

if u see trucks washing their trucks with their power washers go there and do ur engine =)

[92lx]

I never quite got how it'd be safe to spray under the hood of our cars, I mean, afterall, there are only 10,000 different electrical connectors all over the place...just waiting to short.


- Nathan

[accordztech]

13 years i never had a problem....i even jetted it in the alternator....i had no problems what so ever...

[BullShifter]

That is why a pressure wahser is the best method - they use very little water with LOTS of pressure. If your worried about damaging something, take it to a detail shop. I charge only $20.00 for a basic engine detail - total time 10-15mins(including a smoke break)Some detail shop will make you sign a waiver before engine cleaning.

I've cleaned many engines with a garden hose & only had 1 problem ever. Replaced the plug wires & was all good.

Also DO NOT clean a hot engine - warm is good
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...34&goto=postid

[accordztech]

u know what..i been doing it on a hot engine while its running, people say its bad but i done this many times....if the engine is off and its hot then it warps..but iono its just me...

[BullShifter]

I used to clean engines while they were running. The only reason I stopped was becasue too many chemicals were getting sprayed in my face by the damn fan. I like my fingers!

I've heard that cold water sprayed on a hot engine is bad if its running or not.

[eswaroop]

Hi,

This is excellent information to start off with! and that engine looks like new!

is there anything I should be careful of? what about the electronics and also, wont all that pressure damage any of the tubes/pipes/wires running all over the place? Just a little concerned I guess,

Thanks,

es

[BullShifter]

Distributor & Alternator are the main things to watch out for. Yes pressure can damage stuff, that is why some detail shops make you sign a waiver. I've cleaned hundred's of engines & like I posted before - only 1 problem ever. Your biggest concern is electronics

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbu...634&goto=postid

his engine does look very nice

[PolarBearWY]

Originally Posted by jackasssi

Also DO NOT clean a hot engine - warm is good
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...34&goto=postid

I have heard this tip a million times, but it doesn't make sense to me.

What's the difference between pressure spraying a hot engine and driving a hot engine into a rain storm? I can't count the number of times I have been driving across Kansas or Nebraska on a 90 degree day when all of sudden -- BAM... torrential rains.

[BullShifter]

The main reason is because chemicals dry faster, also water evaporates fast as well.

If the engine HOT & cold water is sprayed, certain metals my crack/warp. There is a big difference between a pressure washer cleaning & driving in a rain storm.