Lefty
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2022
- Messages
- 1,713
- Reaction score
- 1,894
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Saint Paul, MN
- Vehicle Year
- 2003
- Make / Model
- Ranger Edge
- Transmission
- Automatic
Just thought I would share this with you...
Those tried and true ways of cleaning the engine bay may not be as good for newer cars and trucks. Folks once drove to the parts store, buy a couple cans of degreaser, and spray clean the engine. Maybe that's a great start, especially if there is a lot of gunk. Some also go to the the do-it-yourself car wash where there's a setting just for cleaning the engine.
I don't really recommend doing either to today's modern counterparts which have so many more sensors and electronic connections. Also. spraying cold water on a hot engine poses can be hard on gaskets and seals.
I use rubbing alcohol instead. washing with a rag, sometimes paper towels, a couple different size paint brushes, or Q-tips. Rubbing alcohol is less likely to affect electrical parts, but there is also water in it. Pure alcohol is even better for certain places. Just make sure to allow time for evaporation before restarting.
I work in the sunlight and look at the motor from every possible angle. When all is clean, I use Meguiar's tire black to put a shine on everything. Maybe it will even moisten some of the rubber bits. Mequiar's lasts longer than Armor All.
Cleaning the bay takes about an hour.
Last of all, look up at the hood liner. Mine is filthy. I'm going to the boneyard next and pick up another. By the way, Ford uses a fiber which should not be washed with alcohol. I'm still not sure exactly how to clean it. Maybe remove it and spray with fabric dye or even bedliner, keeping in mind that too much could be a fire hazard.
Rubbing alcohol is also good for removing stubborn stains from upholstery. It also cleans glass and mirrors without leaving water marks.
My thoughts anyway. How about you? How do you get yours ship shape?
Those tried and true ways of cleaning the engine bay may not be as good for newer cars and trucks. Folks once drove to the parts store, buy a couple cans of degreaser, and spray clean the engine. Maybe that's a great start, especially if there is a lot of gunk. Some also go to the the do-it-yourself car wash where there's a setting just for cleaning the engine.
I don't really recommend doing either to today's modern counterparts which have so many more sensors and electronic connections. Also. spraying cold water on a hot engine poses can be hard on gaskets and seals.
I use rubbing alcohol instead. washing with a rag, sometimes paper towels, a couple different size paint brushes, or Q-tips. Rubbing alcohol is less likely to affect electrical parts, but there is also water in it. Pure alcohol is even better for certain places. Just make sure to allow time for evaporation before restarting.
I work in the sunlight and look at the motor from every possible angle. When all is clean, I use Meguiar's tire black to put a shine on everything. Maybe it will even moisten some of the rubber bits. Mequiar's lasts longer than Armor All.
Cleaning the bay takes about an hour.
Last of all, look up at the hood liner. Mine is filthy. I'm going to the boneyard next and pick up another. By the way, Ford uses a fiber which should not be washed with alcohol. I'm still not sure exactly how to clean it. Maybe remove it and spray with fabric dye or even bedliner, keeping in mind that too much could be a fire hazard.
Rubbing alcohol is also good for removing stubborn stains from upholstery. It also cleans glass and mirrors without leaving water marks.
My thoughts anyway. How about you? How do you get yours ship shape?
Attachments
-
177.2 KB Views: 146
-
288.1 KB Views: 153
-
251.2 KB Views: 151
Last edited: