How and what do you use to clean the Engine compartment?

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How and what do you use to clean the Engine compartment?

#1 my545jjes

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 12:45 PM

What is the best way to clean your engine compartment?
How often should one clean this area?
What is the best products and material to use?
Please advice the do's and don't

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#2 flyingpuck

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 01:44 PM

Mostly 'Elbow Grease", it's widely available and you can find it at the end of your arm! :lol:

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#3 tachyon

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 02:20 PM

Check out this how-to.

#4 pyiu

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:13 PM

Take a look:

Hey guys thought I would share this...

2000 S4 Engine Detail

Products used:
P21S Auto wash
Boar's Hair wheel brush
Adam's In and out
Adam's Foam applicator pad
Adam's VRT
Posted Image

Before:

After:

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#5 khooger

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:18 PM

Looking good. No detailed explanation of the process? :rolleyes:

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#6 pyiu

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:23 PM

khooger, on Feb 2 2008, 10:18 PM, said:

Looking good. No detailed explanation of the process? :rolleyes:

sorry.

with a warm engine (not ice cold/not hot)

spritz p21s autowash all over the engine (of course cover air intakes etc/exposed wires)
brush/agitate the dirt with a boar's hair brush
rinse down with a pressure washer or a strong stream of water
let dry
dress the engine compartment (with Adam's VRT or Adam's In and out)

Wipe off excess water or dressing (per your desired look)

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#7 khooger

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:29 PM

pyiu, on Feb 2 2008, 10:23 PM, said:

sorry.

with a warm engine (not ice cold/not hot)

#8 pyiu

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:33 PM

khooger, on Feb 2 2008, 10:29 PM, said:

sure thing no problem.

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#9 flyingpuck

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:46 PM

pyiu, on Feb 2 2008, 07:13 PM, said:

Take a look:

Hey guys thought I would share this...

2000 S4 Engine Detail

Wow, what an amazing transformation! :wow:

Really nice work! :twoup:

rear spoiler, Posted Image

Retired BMW's - 2002 X5, 1995 M3, 1989 325i convertible

#10 pyiu

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Posted 02 February 2008 - 10:50 PM

flyingpuck, on Feb 2 2008, 10:46 PM, said:

Wow, what an amazing transformation! :wow:

Really nice work! :twoup:

Thanks hit me up if you need more info

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#11 andy545

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Posted 06 February 2008 - 05:08 AM

my545jjes, on Feb 2 2008, 06:45 PM, said:

What is the best way to clean your engine compartment?
How often should one clean this area?
What is the best products and material to use?
Please advice the do's and don't

some time ago I used THIS

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#12 nickolas_g

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Posted 15 February 2008 - 09:06 PM

NEVER let a detailer steam clean it. You will most likely loose something that will cost you bucks!

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#13 SLORider

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Posted 16 February 2008 - 01:26 PM

I clean under the hood at each wash. Every week or two. Just a damp rag can take most of the dust and dirt off the top of everything under the hood. I also make sure to wipe all the water spots off under the hood from the wash job I just did. The underside of hood, around the edges, by the wipers, the front of the grill area all collect water spots so a good wipe down keeps them clean. (also do the trunk and the gas filler door as well as all door sills and edges)
Doing it each wash keeps it from building up. 10k mi. and it still looks pretty good under there. When I decide to do a full detail it will be a lot less work.
When I do use a product under the hood it is usually ProtectAll. A cleaner, protectant I get at my cycle shop. It works on everything.

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#14 hstan545i

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Posted 16 February 2008 - 02:42 PM

Always want to clean the engine bay, but afraid water of water damage to electrical components. If anyone can post the parts that needs to be covered up, that will be really helpful.

#15 my545jjes

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Posted 18 February 2008 - 11:53 PM

I agree. I have heard a lot of horror stories of cars not being able to start/ function right after engine washers. Please advice areas to protect before wash....TQ

05' 545i, Oriental Blue/Grey, Premium, Sport and L7 Package, Full tint, STEP auto.