cleaning engine bay

[jamievt]

looking to clean my bay as it very dirty grimey and oily from 10 years and 90k, i have some engine degreaser to loosen the dirt of but just a couple questions:

1) am i ok to spray this everywhere and anywhere dont know what situation is around areas with wiring
2) once i let the degreaser do its work should i use a steam cleaner or jet wash to spray it all of (i know people say if you leave engine running its fine to use jetwash but im not so sure)
3) again mainly a wire issue when using the steam cleaner/jet wash should i avoid these areas

many thanks

 

[Don]

I would wrap any electrics up in cling film (to protect them)

 

[yellowbelly]

I wouldn't touch the engine bay with a pressure washer, do it and chances are you will have issues.

 

[jamievt]

thought as much with a pressure washer what about hand held steam cleaner then or would it be better to remove inlets fuel rail guard ect and do them on the work bench

 

[Joe#]

Steam cleaner and/or engine degreaser does the job perfectly fine. Get some trim restorer to use on the plastics if you haven't already got some.

 

[will_lliw]

WD All electrics in the engine bay, TFR the engine bay and work in with a brush. When washing with a power washer dont aim at any electrics or fuse box ect, use a damp sponge around them areas.

 

[Thrill]

I pressure washed my engine bay and then had every light on the dashboard flashing up.. plus limp mode and the car revved on its own. Never doing it again.

 

[wisey02]

Have a look on detailing world and youtube as well to give you an idea. There is loads of people that power wash there engine bays with no issues.

Thing you need to watch when doing it is don't power wash it like you would with the rest of your car, either turn down the pressure or stand further back from the car. And don't force water into the spark plugs, coilpack, ecu etc you might want to cover them. But if you dont blast them with the power washer you should be fine.

But if your still not confident then you could use a normal garden hose on the spray setting, could also do it with the engine running, but some people dont recommend it.

I have never done a clios bay, but I might do it this weekend if the weather is ok. And will try make a quick guide if I remember!

 

[montana]

I have just done mine with a combination of AG engine degreaser, daisy APC and a microfibre cloth and a washing up brush - no need to rinse , just wipe down - came up lovely