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Engine bay cleaning

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DCooper323

DCooper323

10+ Year Contributor
99
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May 31, 2011
Farmville, Virginia
quick question for cleaning the engine bay. I have searched, and got some good pointers, but i have 1 question. on the 420a, i spilled some oil in the area around my spark plugs, and its accumulating alot of dirt down there now. are the spark plug boots sealed to where that area can get wet without causing problems? its not actually down near the spark plugs, but around where the plug boot seals...
 
Last edited:
The boots are not sealed. It can however get wet and not cause problems. When the engine heats up it water will just evaporate off.
 
I am talking in terms of using a degreaser and rinsing with water to clean the oil out. Oil will pool in there and basically turn into a burnt pool of slime. Definitely clean it out.
 
Bud92gsx said:
Ya clean it out for sure man..I never liked using degreaser under the hood..It looks to geasy/shiny....
Click to expand...

Lol there are 2 types of degreaser the greasy slimy kind is kerosine based "Gunk", the other is biodegradable "Simple Green, Purple power".

Simple green / Purple power don't leave grease or slime. Keep them away from polished aluminum and chrome wheels.
 
i have pressure washed many engine bays without covering any electrical parts. alternator, coil pack, starter, and so on.... no problems at all... i guess im lucky...
 
1997_GSX said:
Simple green / Purple power don't leave grease or slime. Keep them away from polished aluminum and chrome wheels.
Click to expand...

Really simple green/purple power you say..Hmmmmm That I might have to try...
 
well ill be the first to say this here.

Take the valve cover off, and clean it off the car. That way u dont get water where you dont want to. you can probably repaint it black while its out. and change the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals while you're at it too.
 
GAME_OVER said:
well ill be the first to say this here.

Take the valve cover off, and clean it off the car. That way u dont get water where you dont want to. you can probably repaint it black while its out. and change the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals while you're at it too.
Click to expand...

sounds like a good idea, but really, EVERYTHING under the hood of my car needs washed. i just installed my header yesterday, and it is the only shiny thing in there, the rest is trashy.
 
I cover the MAF and the alternator with plastic bags and don't worry about the rest.
 
Turn it into a quick maintenance day.
Replace the Studs and Gasket, and get the friggen Valve Cover Painted or Powder Coated.
Why not?
 
Here's how to help prevent spotting: Before you start, make sure the engine is cool or only slightly warm. Wet everything you intend to clean. Then spray on the degreaser. Wait 2-3 minutes. Now take a wheel brush, tooth brush, towel, whatever is needed and SCRUB the dirty sections. Be careful not to trash your sensors with the brush. Then rinse with a powerful jet of water. Be careful to avoid directly blasting the alternator, any sensors, maf, filter, top of valve cover. Some water is ok. Just don't shoot at it directly. Afterward, take your leaf blower, or your shop vac on blow, and remove as much water as possible. Fire up the car, leave the hood open, and let it dry off for a few minutes. Rewax any paint, chrome, etc. I tend to shy from the silicone crap on all the hoses. It tends to attract more dirt.

Key to remember, its easier to keep clean things clean, then to keep shiny thing clean. Good luck.
 
GAME_OVER said:
well ill be the first to say this here.

Take the valve cover off, and clean it off the car. That way u dont get water where you dont want to. you can probably repaint it black while its out. and change the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals while you're at it too.[/QUOTE


He beat me to it. do it once do it right. Gaskets aren't to expensive.
Click to expand...
 
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