Cleaning Engine Bay

[jeffc]

I have some of that Castrol Engine Degreaser (purple bottle stuff) that im gonna use to try and clean out my engine bay a bit. Is there any stuff i should avoid with it? Obviously i know to avoid elecronic stuff like distriby and alternator, but how about just the painted firewall. Its pretty grimey back there but i dont want to take the paint and all off. Also, how about the spark plug's/wells. I know not to spay directly on there but should i avoid them at all costs. Thanks for any info.<p>Jeff

[Spydie]

I used to be an auto detailer and here's how we did engine bays. Any degreaser will be okay but I used stuff called Prime Lime. It was awsome. Disolves gum and grease yet was safe enough to drink. (don't drink it) Make sure your ignition wires are snug and water can't get to the plugs . Just sparay everything "EVERYTHING" with the degreaser and let sit for a couple minutes. Not too too long though. Prime Lime will burn plastic or wires if left too long. A pressure washer is ideal but a garden hose with a good gun on it will be fine. Blast the engine and engine bay with water. Don't be afraid. It's just water. Concentrate on dirtiest spots but spary eveything you can reach....don't forget the underside of the hood. Once you've rinced it off you can sparay a non-silicone based protectant on all wires, hoses, and plastic to give them a showroom shine and keep hoses from drying out and cracking. You can use armorall but keep it off the alternator because it will smoke. Harmless but stinky. Spray protectant liberally. You don't have to wipe protectant off anything if it puddles a bit in places...the heat from the engine will spread it around and evaporate the excess. If the engine sputters afterwards it's likely just because water got around your spark plugs. That's okay...unplug the wires and let them dry out...it's only temporary. Engine will have a shiny 'wet' look. I do this weekly to keep engine looking brand new.

[monty73741]

i suggest an orange cleaner & a thing for mixing conentrate weed killer.......when it burns off it will smell like oranges....

[Spydie]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by monty73741:
i suggest an orange cleaner & a thing for mixing conentrate weed killer.......when it burns off it will smell like oranges....<hr></blockquote><p>Prime Lime is essentially the same only green and smells like limes. lol

[honeybabes]

Hey Darren does Canadian tire has that lime thing...Your car looks amazing anyways....maybe you can hook me up with some lip like yours for cheap. I'm from Nepean anyways.<p>thanks

[Spydie]

Regarding Prime Lime, no C.T. does not sell it. I get it by the 4l jug at the shop I used to work at in Embrun called Pitcrew. I still get a good price. I pay like $12 for 4l. Not sure what it goes for retail, but it is awsome for everything....engines, rims, tires, diluted with water good for interior, getting stains outa carpets, and so on. But.....if you leave it in the sun it will burn your paint and plastic so keep an eye on it. I'm all out so I gotta refill my jug. send me an email if you want some and I'll get you a jug.

[Maddbuck]

I use the castrol all the time in my engine bay. Just spray it on when the engine is cold and powerwash. I've never had any trouble with it. try to avoid getting it on the exterior paintwork and drying only use on the engine bay. The key is to not let it dry on anything until you have rinsed it all away.

[monty73741]

so your can smell like a margita