Cleaning V6 Engine Bay - All the gear/no idea?

[24_Valve]

Seen lots of pics on the forum of stunningly clean engine bays and want to give mine a thorough clean without a major strip down... There are lots of eastern european run car washes in my area that advertise "engine clean" but they just use a high power water jet and blast everything. I think this would damage many components; alternator, sensors etc... So I'm gonna tackle it myself properly. Have a cupboard full of cleaning agents but need some tips on what to use & how to get a gleaming finish on plastics, plenum, brake/coolant resevoirs, ducting etc. thanks in advance 

[cem_devecioglu]

stay away from water jet.. invitation for trouble imo..

plastic parts and painted parts dont like solvent type substances and go worse..

there are special sprays designed to clean engines..use only them..

[24_Valve]

warm soapy water & sponge ok for getting of the main dust & dirt?

[joshwyatt]

I use autoglym engine and machine cleaner. Spray it on, agitate the dirt and wipe it off. Then run a wet, not just damp sponge over everything and it's fine.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Sensors are no issue and if you have original plug leads (some of the aftermarket ones dont seal very well) then neither are the iginition systems.

The worry is the alternator and aircon bearings

[aaronjb]

I've heard WD40 and a toothbrush can work wonders..

[Kevin Wood]

I've heard WD40 and a toothbrush can work wonders..

Doesn't taste that great though.

Kevin

[I_want_an_Omega]

Use SWMBO's toothbrush 

[24_Valve]

Use SWMBO's toothbrush

I'd have a nice clean engine bay but would have to change my username to eunuch once completed 

[Kevin Wood]

You might laugh, but I actually got one of these for Christmas:

http://www.sonicscrubber.co.uk/product.php?id=1

Haven't used it yet. I need to remove the large dollop of turd from the rear window, and all the dust from the alloys before I start worrying about toothbrushes.

Kevin

[24_Valve]

Lol KW it's an electric toothbrush, I'm sure of it 

That's probably the best example of good old entrepreneurial spirit I've seen for a long time 

[24_Valve]

seriously was thinking of using a good thick 2" paintbrush & loads of swarfega, brushing it in everywhere I can get to, then rinsing off with jugs warm water (avoiding alternator etc.) leaving to dry & spraying on the shiny stuff?

any thoughts...

[albitz]

I always use paraffin for such jobs. Tools - paintbrush/old toothbrush/ plenty of rags. works a treat and cheap as chips.

[dragonlord]

i all ways do the wd40 and a rag one does the job

[Kevin Wood]

Got some very effective engine degreaser in the local pound shop recently for - well, a pound a bottle.

Kevin