Best cleaner for engine compartment?
08-13-2006, 06:06 PM
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Best cleaner for engine compartment?
Just wondering what you guys use to clean everything under the hood? Noticed while changing the oil today the top side of everything under the hood could use some cleaning 
...Lot of dirt road traveling....I know they make some engine cleaner, but I want to make sure the cleaner won't harm any electrical connections 
...Any suggestions would be appreciated...Thanks
...Lot of dirt road traveling....I know they make some engine cleaner, but I want to make sure the cleaner won't harm any electrical connections ...Any suggestions would be appreciated...Thanks
08-13-2006, 06:29 PM
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I tried GREEN and ORANGE etc.I like Gumout FOAMY ENGINE BRITE the best.Found the OTHERS discolored and left streaks,stains.Worked ok but not as good as the stuff designed to clean ENGINE areas.
08-13-2006, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by jpfishmaster
I buy some of the purple junk from Lowes. Works well on engine compartment, frame, suspension, etc.
(ask me how I know....lol).
I like the Costco house brand of simple green full strength. Spray it on and let it sit a few minutes, rinse it with fresh water at moderate pressure and then blow everything off with compressed air. I try to avoid spraying directly on any electrical connections.
08-13-2006, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by packard8
One caution on the "purple stuff". If you mean Castrol Purple, it is HIGHLY caustic and will discolor and dull aluminum parts
(ask me how I know....lol).
I like the Costco house brand of simple green full strength. Spray it on and let it sit a few minutes, rinse it with fresh water at moderate pressure and then blow everything off with compressed air. I try to avoid spraying directly on any electrical connections.
(ask me how I know....lol).
I like the Costco house brand of simple green full strength. Spray it on and let it sit a few minutes, rinse it with fresh water at moderate pressure and then blow everything off with compressed air. I try to avoid spraying directly on any electrical connections.
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08-14-2006, 06:57 AM
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Well ARMOUR ALL has a bad habit of holding crud,creeping into elect.connectors and causing issues.Ruins door, window,cruise control,light switches AND DASH's .(holds heat,will about burn your skin off in direct sunlight)I find it to be nasty stuff.if you want a SHINEY engine bay spray it with a film of CLEAR laqure spray paint.Helps seal,looks great,causes no issues and lasts with out attracting dirt,dust and makes it easier to clean in the future.
08-14-2006, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Turbobob
I have always had good luck with Simple Green, full strength, in a spray bottle 
Simple green took the paint off the valve cover on my last truck...so either it was too strong or the paint was poorly attached?
08-14-2006, 11:09 AM
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I have been using the stuff called Orange Blast. Seems to work ok and doesn't eat the driveway like gunk and some of the others.
I don't know how well it will work on really soiled motors though. The way I usually clean my engine compartment is, car wash soap and water, sponges (small and big), and a few towels. Then I try to dry it off so I don't leave water spots.
Yes, i'm rather nuts, but you can work under my hood and rinse your hands with just water and they'll be clean.
Mike
I don't know how well it will work on really soiled motors though. The way I usually clean my engine compartment is, car wash soap and water, sponges (small and big), and a few towels. Then I try to dry it off so I don't leave water spots.
Yes, i'm rather nuts, but you can work under my hood and rinse your hands with just water and they'll be clean.
Mike
08-14-2006, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by angleiron
Simple green took the paint off the valve cover on my last truck...so either it was too strong or the paint was poorly attached?
MikeyB
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08-14-2006, 04:08 PM
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I use a detail spray for the painted surfaces.
Rubber protectant for the rubber and vinyl
Everything else just gets wiped down with a damp old bath towel dipped in auto shampoo. Then rince with another damp towel and dry.
Rubber protectant for the rubber and vinyl
Everything else just gets wiped down with a damp old bath towel dipped in auto shampoo. Then rince with another damp towel and dry.