Cleaning engine bay.

malbaby · 27-12-2022, 09:26 AM

My car has sat in the garage unused for about 18mths and has accumulated dust in the engine bay.
Is trying to get it all off via a compressed air nozzle the best method or should I use a washer so that it is cleaner...[usually don't like using water around engines]
Seems that air only leaves some residual dust.

GASWAGON · 27-12-2022, 10:11 AM

Wash off with hose should be fine, but if still dirty try 1 can of cheap degreaser then wash off will def work.

**GasoLane** · 27-12-2022, 10:24 AM

What car, what engine?

vbvbvb088 · 27-12-2022, 10:47 AM

Absolutely no high pressure water post 78. Water gets gets in everywhere slowly corrodes the electrics. Years of troubles. Light spray degreaser on warm engine....then high pressure air spray. Wipe down with rag.

**DFB FGXR6** · 27-12-2022, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malbaby

My car has sat in the garage unused for about 18mths and has accumulated dust in the engine bay.
Is trying to get it all off via a compressed air nozzle the best method or should I use a washer so that it is cleaner...[usually don't like using water around engines]
Seems that air only leaves some residual dust.

I'm not sure what vintage your car is, but most modern cars are absolutely fine to washed with either a hose or pressure washer. Just show common sense and don't focus on one spot for too long. I was one of those who absolutely refused to entertain the idea of this, but I have done it enough times now to know that it can be done and be done safely.

I cover the topic in the following posts -

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1793
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1819
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...postcount=1834

I have products and tools listed in the above, but at the very least you need some All-purpose-cleaner, a couple of brushes and perhaps some water based dressing like 303 Protectant or Meguiar's Hyper Dressing. Make sure to cover up sensitive areas with a plastic bag weighed down with a towel, think fuse boxes, batteries and alternators.

This video gives a good rundown on how to do it -

If you have an older car, then I would probably stick to a waterless method, basically use a quick detailer, rinse-less wash product or APC to wipe/scrub and then follow up with a towel.

Franco Cozzo · 27-12-2022, 10:34 PM

If you have a car with a distributor, avoid the distributor

Citroënbender · 27-12-2022, 11:01 PM

…Or at least make sure your RAC road service membership is current.

malbaby · 28-12-2022, 01:29 PM

OK...thanks guys.

T3rminator · 28-12-2022, 01:51 PM

Accidentally left my oil cap off and drove for a good 500-1000kms once. Needless to say the engine bay was a complete mess.

Sprayed degreaser all around, got the high pressure washer out, and sprayed from a distance. Did it whilst the engine was running and warmish (not hot), heard this was the best method as it helps dries the water out if it gets into spots its not suppose to. Obviously avoided spraying directly into electrical connections, battery and the alternator.

It came up really good. No issues. Even took it to my mechanic a few days later to get spark plugs done, and he said he didn't notice oil anywhere.

After spraying, look for areas where water may pool up. My coil on plugs faces down, so a pool of water formed where the boot seals the well, but I just soaked it up with some rags and she was sweet.