Engine Degreasing

talon2gbuyer · 07-10-2012, 07:46 PM

Hey all, my engine bay needs a good scrub down. Its quite nasty looking in actuality. I have tried using degreasers on N/A cars before and know that you need to cover the alternator, battery, and valve cover breather so that water doesn't short out the engine components. Is there anything I should be aware of before I start doing this?

dsmadam · 07-10-2012, 07:53 PM

i did mine using simple green and a do it urself carwash.... never have had a problem... never covered anything... just stay away from filters and such

Ozone302 · 07-10-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsmadam

i did mine using simple green and a do it urself carwash.... never have had a problem... never covered anything... just stay away from filters and such

This. Simple green works great. Foaming tire shine gets everything all shiny also.

koryto2012 · 07-10-2012, 08:35 PM

This is my favorite part of my job. (I'm a detailer) we use a chemical called g-900 and a power washer. Then use vinyl dressing to dress it.

bryanwheat · 07-10-2012, 08:39 PM

Purple power diluted 50/50 with water is the way to go.

Ozone302 · 07-10-2012, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanwheat

Purple power diluted 50/50 with water is the way to go.

I made the mistake of not diluting in once... It ate the paint off my car. That stuff is strong!

bryanwheat · 07-10-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozone302

I made the mistake of not diluting in once... It ate the paint off my car. That stuff is strong!

If you let it dry on the paint it can do that. The key is to keep it wet.

WES_393 · 07-10-2012, 09:06 PM

I second the 50/50 Purple Power and water. Spray it on, let it soak for a minute or two, hose it off and watch the nasty run down the driveway. I usually let the engine dry for an hour or so before trying to crank it over.

Ozone302 · 07-10-2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanwheat

If you let it dry on the paint it can do that. The key is to keep it wet.

I figured that out afterwards lol

fierosail · 07-10-2012, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozone302

I made the mistake of not diluting in once... It ate the paint off my car. That stuff is strong!

been there

talon2gbuyer · 07-11-2012, 04:12 AM

cool, good stuff

I saw the purple power at the store, but have read that its really acidic and can cause more headaches than its worth lol. So no one recommends covering anything? just keep the hood open and let it air dry for an hour?

Bud92gsx · 07-11-2012, 04:30 AM

I always covered the filter when powerwashing..

That degreeser in a can.Is not good at all..It seems to clean stuff, but it's based on petrolium..So it's leaves everything clean, just greesy.

The purple power is good stuff tho..And good ole, fashined windex, and paper towels, with elbow grease works too.

mchustle · 07-11-2012, 04:35 AM

Purple power all the way, and if there is a really bad spot spray pure purple power on a rag an scrub it then rinse it off. I was amazed the first time I used it lol.

ElementDO · 07-11-2012, 06:00 AM

Pressure washer is a must for engines. I would stay away from the alternator and air filter area. Had a bad experience in my other car with that. The eclipse needs a really good cleaning.

dsmrollerz90 · 07-11-2012, 06:02 AM

Haha, for the baked on grease, I use carb spray and an abrillo pad.

Tha Fella Dylan · 07-11-2012, 06:07 AM

Really....don't cover anything? Not even the coil packs or anything? I been meaning to do this but thought I had take everything apart.

dsmrollerz90 · 07-11-2012, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha Fella Dylan

Really....don't cover anything? Not even the coil packs or anything? I been meaning to do this but thought I had take everything apart.

Just dont spend too much time soaking your connectors, I would stay away from starter and alt. with any kind of solvent but like simple green and purple power, I dont think they will hurt it if they were to get kinda sprayed.

talon2gbuyer · 07-11-2012, 06:37 AM

Im going to cover the alt and breather/intake filters too just to be safe. Last thing i need is for my car to somehow short itself out because of some water. Ill go pick up some of the purple whatnot tomorrow. Thanks guys!

bryanwheat · 07-11-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talon2gbuyer

cool, good stuff

I saw the purple power at the store, but have read that its really acidic and can cause more headaches than its worth lol. So no one recommends covering anything? just keep the hood open and let it air dry for an hour?

It isn't an acid at all, it is a strong base.

DiamondStarMotors · 07-11-2012, 10:22 AM

If you are worried about shorting the electrical out with water, just take the battery out until the bay is dry.

DSM315 · 07-11-2012, 10:23 AM

simple green in my preference. i ruined my hole engine bay paint with purple power and i kept it wet. i will never use that on a vehicle ever again. simple works great for me

BigKnick · 07-11-2012, 10:35 AM

I spray purple power on everything then hit it with the pressure washer, works wonders!!

bryanwheat · 07-11-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSM315

simple green in my preference. i ruined my hole engine bay paint with purple power and i kept it wet. i will never use that on a vehicle ever again. simple works great for me

You did something wrong. I've been using it for years on many many engine bays and haven't had a single bit of paint destroyed by it. I have even washed cars with it before. It's all about how well it is diluted.

Calan · 07-11-2012, 11:05 AM

PP is some stout stuff; you definitely have to dilute it quite a bit like bryanwheat said.

I prefer Simple Green myself. I've always had good luck with it on anything I've used it on....which is about everything.