what is the best way to clean engine and bay?

[miib14]

Hi every1
wanted to know what is the best way to clean engine and bay?

[hungt1999]

This is what I have done for years in all my cars. It kept the engine bay brand new rust and grease-free, just like out of factory:


1- using a bowl or pan, take a paint brush and brush varsol (paint thinner) on all components in the engine bay (avoid belts, avoid dripping inside the alternator, on the alternator housing it's fine). Varsol is really good dissolving the grease and oil.

2- after brushing all component with varsol, put about one cup of laundry powder detergent in a bowl, add two cups of warm water and use that solution to brush over the engine bay components again. This is to wash away the varsol+grease.

3- take a garden hose and wash the entire bay (avoid inside of alternator again). If there is any grease residus or spots you have missed, repeat steps 1 and 2 again on those area.

4- start the engine, allow it to warm up to evaporate water or leave the hood open in the sun

5- once all engine bay components are dry, spray a layer of Jigoloo silicon lube on all components, this will create a thin film protection.

I do that once a year because my car is driven in the hash Canadian winter with all the dirty salty roads.


This is better than any engine shampoo anybody can offer to do!

[miib14]

Originally Posted by hungt1999

This is what I have done for years in all my cars. It kept the engine bay brand new rust and grease-free, just like out of factory:


1- using a bowl or pan, take a paint brush and brush varsol (paint thinner) on all components in the engine bay (avoid belts, avoid dripping inside the alternator, on the alternator housing it's fine). Varsol is really good dissolving the grease and oil.

2- after brushing all component with varsol, put about one cup of laundry powder detergent in a bowl, add two cups of warm water and use that solution to brush over the engine bay components again. This is to wash away the varsol+grease.

3- take a garden hose and wash the entire bay (avoid inside of alternator again). If there is any grease residus or spots you have missed, repeat steps 1 and 2 again on those area.

4- start the engine, allow it to warm up to evaporate water or leave the hood open in the sun

5- once all engine bay components are dry, spray a layer of Jigoloo silicon lube on all components, this will create a thin film protection.

I do that once a year because my car is driven in the hash Canadian winter with all the dirty salty roads.


This is better than any engine shampoo anybody can offer to do!

thanks for for that. ill give it a go.
is steam cleaning any good?

[hungt1999]

The steam is used to dissolve the grease. It is faster. The method I describe above is for the DIY and you can be meticulous and spend an entire day or several hours brushing away every single compoment with a paint brush and Q-tips if you want. You will achieve better results than those commercial hot steam machines if you take your time.

Of course, labor is expensive and a shop cannot afford to spend hours cleaning your engine bay. Hence, a steam machine makes sense and they can do it within minutes. However, the steam will most likely miss hidden spots such as grease and oils trapped in depressions, under wires, hoses etc.

Do it yourself and save $$

The silicon spray protects, lubricates and make plastic components shine! Alternately, you can use Armor-All also but that stuff tend to be greasy and sticky


This is what I mean by a clean engine: just keep it clean, no need to modify anything or paint anything (1996 Civic)

[miib14]

Originally Posted by hungt1999

The steam is used to dissolve the grease. It is faster. The method I describe above is for the DIY and you can be meticulous and spend an entire day or several hours brushing away every single compoment with a paint brush and Q-tips if you want. You will achieve better results than those commercial hot steam machines if you take your time.

Of course, labor is expensive and a shop cannot afford to spend hours cleaning your engine bay. Hence, a steam machine makes sense and they can do it within minutes. However, the steam will most likely miss hidden spots such as grease and oils trapped in depressions, under wires, hoses etc.

Do it yourself and save $$


This is what I mean by a clean engine: just keep it clean, no need to modify anything or paint anything.

ok thanks for advise. ill try it and let you know. btw the engine looks in mint condition!!

[hungt1999]

go ahead! do it! take pics before and after and share with us!

have fun!

[judge34411]

That engine bay looks nice. Clearly a fair bit of work. Well done. Just a note when using varsol i would advise wearing rubber gloves and eye protection. An in a well ventilated area. But not on asphalt.