When your car is clean and shiny, don’t you feel good? You might even think that a well-kept car drives better when it’s parked in your driveway or rolling down the street. But if you truly want to make your vehicle lovely, you must also take care of the muck and grime inside the engine. Dust and debris enter the engine compartment through apertures near the hood and the front of the car even though it is not directly exposed to the outdoors, at least not from above. Cleaning your engine may seem difficulthow can you clean a substantial piece of metal and plastic? but by following these ten steps, the effort may be reduced to a quick afternoon task that will be incredibly rewarding. Here’s a quick and effective way to clean your engine.
Select a warm day if possible. Warmer conditions, particularly those with little humidity and some wind, will aid in drying the engine and its components after cleaning.
Open the hood if the automobile was running and let the engine cool for at least 15 minutes. In addition to burning you, hot engine parts can be damaged by quick contraction if they are sprayed with cool water.
Take off any plastic hood coverings. These can be cleaned independently. Remove the battery’s negative terminal as well. This will lessen the likelihood that moist electrical components will result in damage. If you’d like, you can also take the battery out to clean the engine bay, although we’ve cleaned several engine bays without doing so.
Cover any delicate electrical parts, including the battery, ignition cables, and engine control unit, with plastic bags. You should also cover any exposed engine air intakes if there are any under the hood. You can omit this step if you think you’ll be extremely careful when rinsing. However, by safeguarding these electronics, you may clean more thoroughly while running a lower risk of causing any harm.
Spray degreaser liberally around the whole engine compartment. Any household degreaser, including those designed specifically for cleaning engines or kitchen appliances, will function. Simple Green was employed (we like its eco-friendly formula). Don’t hold anything back; cover every square inch.
You might not need to scrub, depending on how filthy your engine is. The valve cover, for example, may have years’ worth of caked-on grime and oil. Working the degreaser in and removing the muck will be much easier with a little brush with synthetic rather than metallic bristles. If necessary, add additional degreaser.
A normal hose will also work, however you can use your power washer on a low setting. You might also use the sprayer at the nearby self-serve carwash. Working from back to front, rinse the entire compartment to remove all degreaser. Avoid spraying water directly onto electrical components and avoid flooding regions that won’t dry quickly.
If you have access to compressed air, you can blow air into the cracks and crevices to drain more water. If not, use a shop towel or rag to wipe everything you can reach. This will help remove any lingering filth in addition to removing the water.
Remove the bags covering the electrical components and reinstall the battery’s negative terminal.
Preventing your engine compartment from becoming very unclean in the first place is the key to making this project straightforward. Your engine will look cleaner with just an hour of effort each year or two of rapid degreasing. Even though the engine in your vehicle won’t ever look as attractive as the one in the image above, having a clean engine bay will make you happy.
In This Article...
Is your engine damaged if you wash it?
It is possible to wash an automobile engine, but caution must be used. Because if you make even a single error, you might run into a number of issues.
For instance, if you decide to wash your engine yourself, wiring, sensors, and other delicate engine parts may be exposed to water. In this case, water damage may cause the parts to begin to malfunction, necessitating expensive engine part replacements or repairs.
Is it okay to squirt water into your engine?
The dust from an automobile’s engine bay contains substances that are hazardous to the environment. Both wet and dry versions of these products shouldn’t be permitted to go into the storm sewage system. We’ll go over how to gather and manage these materials so that they can be disposed of at a hazardous waste collection location if you decide to clean your engine bay at home.
You can visit a self-serve car wash if you don’t want to clean your engine bay at home. According to the law, these facilities must recover, clean, and reuse water in a closed system that gathers and filters the dangerous materials for secure disposal. One warning: the water pressure at a self-serve car wash is much stronger than that from your garden hose, so use extreme caution if you clean your engine bay there.
Let the Engine Cool
With a cool engine, begin. Spraying water on heated objects might potentially damage them by warping and breaking, albeit it doesn’t have to be cold. Additionally, hot components could melt the plastic you’ll be using to shield electrical components or cause burns to your hands as you work. The cooling process can be sped up by lifting the hood.
This is an excellent time to assemble your equipment and materials if you are at home. You could wash and dry the car’s exterior if you’re at a self-serve car wash bay to pass the time while you wait for the engine to cool.
Now is the perfect moment to diluted the degreaser in accordance with the label’s instructions and pour it into a spray bottle, whether at home or at the vehicle wash.
Protect the Electrical Systems and Filters
If it’s possible, unplug the battery terminals and take the battery out. It should be noted that if the battery is detached without backup power in the majority of contemporary vehicles, you will lose your radio, seat placements, and other electronic information.
To safely cover the electrical components beneath the hood, use zip ties, plastic tape, and electrical tape. Water infiltration can harm the alternator, fuse box, distributor cap, spark plugs, and coil packs, among other components. Cover any exposed filters that might be harmed as well.
Gear Up
Use safety glasses and a dust mask to shield your eyes and mouth from flying debris due to the hazardous nature of the filth you will be removing. Your hands are shielded from stains and harsh cleaners by rubber gloves.
When working from home, place a drip tray beneath the engine and absorbent pads on the tray’s downhill side. (Obviously, not having to capture the contaminated materials if you want to operate in a self-serve vehicle wash bay.)
Dry Clean
As much dry material should be removed to begin the cleaning process. Use brushes to penetrate into nooks and dislodge buildup after vacuuming away any loose dirt. While wire brushes work best on metal surfaces, fiber brushes are ideal for synthetic and plastic surfaces. After that, use the vacuum to gather all the loose dirt. If you are at home, remove the drip tray and vacuum any debris that has accumulated inside.
Spray Down the Engine Bay
All exposed surfaces in the engine bay should be sprayed with warm water. This procedure facilitates the degreaser’s even operation and stops it from drying on the engine, which might result in spots. For this phase, using a spray bottle gives you greater control over the application and reduces the amount of water that needs to be collected. The warm water helps keep pieces from bending or splitting when they may still be hot.
Degrease
Use the spray bottle to apply degreaser to all exposed surfaces in the engine bay, paying special attention to any places where dirt has accumulated. The degreaser needs 10 minutes to work.
While you wait, empty your shop vacuum and switch it to wet operation. It is now available for use in collecting your polluted liquid. Use it to empty the drip tray when it fills up if you’re at home.
Rinse and Collect
Rinse off the engine compartment using a low-pressure spray. Self-serve car wash water cannons have high water pressure capabilities, so this shouldn’t be an issue at home. When using them to clean your engine bay, use caution and never pull the button to activate high pressure.
Use the shop vacuum and absorbent pads at home to manage runoff. After rinsing, use the shop vacuum to remove standing water from the engine bay’s cracks and crevices. With a cloth, thoroughly clean the entire bay, paying special attention to any areas that the degreaser missed or that require additional care. Use the spray bottle to re-rinse and wipe these areas with water.
Gather the water that has been captured after vacuuming out any extra moisture from the drop tray and the area surrounding the pads. To dispose of the used pads, seal them in plastic waste bags.
Do you enjoy driving a spotless car? In this video, you’ll discover some DIY auto detailing tips and tricks.
Hand Clean Electrical Parts
The electrical parts should be manually cleaned using brushes and rags while using the least amount of moisture possible. The protective plastic covering should be removed. Reinstall the battery after these components have been thoroughly cleaned and the engine bay has dried.
Run the Car
The engine should be started and given time to reach operating temperature. Any moisture should be eliminated after this. If you have been working at home, take the bag of used pads and the basin of contaminated water to a hazardous waste disposal facility as a last step.
Can I use water to wash my engine?
For our #KasiBikin series, we just recorded a video about thoroughly cleaning and detailing the engine of my own (SV4) Honda Accord. We believed this may be one of those projects most people can perform for their cars since we now have more time for DIY projects at home thanks to the extension of the MCO.
But can you/ should you use water to wash your engine? More so with your garden hose?
We are now presenting this article to provide additional clarity on the subject and to answer those questions as well as some of the comments made by our readers.
First, why do we have to clean our engine?
The answer is straightforward: a clean engine will look fantastic, operate smoothly, and perform better over time.
Grit that has accumulated around belts, pulleys, and other parts of your engine, such as your radiator, can be removed by cleaning your engine. Your engine will run more effectively if you clean it out.
Can I use water to clean my engine?
The best method for clearing out and rinsing out all the debris from your engine bay is water. No matter the brand or model, one must realize that an engine is built as a sealed and enclosed system, keeping out not just water but also the dust, dirt, oil, and grime that our automobiles naturally collect when we drive them.
To verify that the automobile is securely sealed off in case you drive through a flood or on a wet day, manufacturers may also wade the vehicle through water, depending on the type of vehicle. Obviously, larger vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs will be able to handle more water, but the same issues apply to little hatchbacks as well.
The most crucial part of the topic is understanding when and where to use water to clean your engine and when you shouldn’t, though there are a few specifics that we will discuss.
Water, even pressurized water, is used by professional detailers all over the world to clean engines, but the difference is that they are aware of when to use it and when not to.
Before moving on, let’s take a look at the video below to get a better understanding of what engine detailing is and how pleasing a clean engine bay appears.
Then, what’s all the fuss about?
In most circumstances, it is advised against cleaning an engine yourself because you risk spraying water into the air intake, sensors, electrical connectors, distributor, spark plug coils, fuse box, and other delicate electrical parts found in most modern engines. Knowing where to utilize water and how much to use is therefore more crucial.
Additionally, if water is shot (especially at high pressure) into electrical connectors or the car’s intake system, certain parts or the engine may be harmed.
Therefore, before you attempt a thorough clean on your engine, we do urge that you at the very least be familiar with an engine and its primary components. If not, you can still get amazing results with a wet cloth and a spray bottle (filled with water or cleaning solution). It pays to do your study and use the proper products because some engine cleaners on the market are also safe to use on electrical components.
So yes, you do need to be careful with some components and try to separate them before you start cleaning.
So, what do I have to isolate?
First, give your engine a thorough inspection; note any electrical contacts, the parts of the ignition system, and the air intake.
After that, you can seal these parts with plastic bags, Ziploc bags, or even shrinkwrap (preferred). Spend some time on this and make sure you have thoroughly sealed up any potential water entry spots.
It is advised to avoid using too much water in these locations now that you are aware of where these components reside. Use a spray bottle or a moist cloth to clean the other parts of your engine; you can also wait to clean the rest of the engine before returning to this.
Okay, that’s done, what do I need to use to clean my engine?
There are numerous degreasers, cleansers, and protectors for engines. If you’re hesitant, purchase premixed products from reputable companies and carefully follow the directions.
In addition, you’ll require certain supplies to clean the engine’s surfaces. For bigger surfaces, use a sponge or rag; for confined spaces, a toothbrush or little paintbrush comes in useful.
There is no need to use force when using a degreaser because you are not actually scrubbing the surface but rather stirring the solution and letting it work.
Finally, use goggles to protect your eyes, gloves to protect your hands because some degreasers are fairly strong, a facemask to prevent breathing in dangerous gases or substances, and clean your engine in a well-ventilated place.
Can I use a water jet if I have one?
You could, however we advise against doing so due to the high pressure and velocity that make it more likely that moisture will enter sensitive parts like the fuse box and sensors. Another way a water jet makes it simpler for water to get into components it shouldn’t is by directing smaller water droplets at the engine.
Although a water jet is a useful cleaning tool, we recommend simply using low-pressure flowing water from a hose. Prior to the degreaser doing its job, water is mostly required to wet your engine components so they can release dust and grime. After the degreaser is finished, parts must be rinsed off to expose a clean engine compartment.
Since a pressurized steamer consumes far less water while yet being just as effective as a water jet, some professional detailers even utilize them. Instead, it carefully directs hot vapors in a constrained space. Due to their more delicate engines, classic and vintage cars frequently employ this method while cleaning their engines.
After using water how do I dry my engine?
The first step is to use a clean towel or microfiber cloth to dry as much of your engine as possible. At this point, try to remove as much moisture as you can.
Then, dry out the difficult-to-reach areas using a household leaf blower or even a hairdryer if you do not have access to pressurized air. Pay close attention to those electrical components and connectors once more.
Finally, allow the engine to stay outside for about 15 to 30 minutes to let any remaining moisture to evaporate. Then, after a brief start, check to see if everything is in working order. After completing this, shut off the engine and use a cloth to wipe away any extra water that may have been stirred up during the restart.
What if I drive an older car or a classic?
Even if you drive an older vehicle, the same guidelines still apply. Use greater caution when handling electrical parts and collectors in this situation. Other factors to take into account in an older vehicle are the spark plug coils, fuse box, and ECU compartment. In an older vehicle, it is possible that pieces that seal off electrical things are loose and somewhat less capable of preserving its components.
Avoid using a hose in this situation; a household spray bottle is preferable.
How would I know when my engine is clean?
The general appearance and cleanliness of your engine is the key goal. Your engine will look miles better and perform smoother and better with a little time and effort because the dirt, dust, and grime have been removed.
Your car can be difficult to restore to new condition depending on its age and mileage, but it will still look extremely nice.
How do I protect my engine components from dirt after a clean?
Using an engine protectant spray or paste is the simplest way to safeguard your engine. Engine protectants build a barrier around plastic, rubber, and metal parts and components to prevent dust and filth from adhering to them later.
Using certain products, such as tyre polish or particularly oily substances, may make the parts appear glossy, but doing so will only serve to increase the amount of dust they attract. These protectant sprays are also made to withstand the higher temperatures found in an engine compartment. Consequently, spend money on a quality engine protectant spray.
How often should I clean my engine?
When you clean your engine frequently enough, filth and oil won’t have a chance to adhere to surfaces and components, making your task much easier. You might only need to use a moist cloth and a basic cleaning solution to leave your engine looking shiny and new.
Spray the cleaning agent where it is needed, such as on the engine cover, plastics, or parts, and then wipe everything down with a fresh towel.
For additional information on detailing your car, be sure to watch the complete #KasiBikin series on Facebook.