I posted a thread a couple days ago of my engine and a friend's RSX, some asked about the engine cleaning.

The products I like to use are DP's Engine Degreaser and any good vinyl/rubber exterior dressing. You can also use a general degreaser such as purple power, simple green, etc. and I prefer to dilute 1:1. (I use Purple Power 1:1 for tire cleaning and fenderwell cleaning).

I only clean the engine with a pressure washer and never a normal running hose. A pressure washer is mostly pressurized air, and when standing from a slight distance, there is very little water being sprayed on the engine (no more than a heavy rainstorm would be slushed up in there).

I presoak the engine very very lightly with water when the engine is COOL. I then spray my degreaser generously. If the engine is very dirty, you can use any detailing tool to help out. Tire brushes and wheel brushed work nicely along with any old Micro fibers for tough spots. If you have a dedicated engine cleaner, such as DP's, then it only needs to sit for a matter of 3-5 minutes depending.

After this I simply rinse with the Pressure washer not using any more water than I have to. (I cover the alternator, battery, and air filter if they are exposed). I've talken to a few detailers who don't ever cover anything and have done over 100 engines, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

After rinsing, you can then crank the engine and let idle for 10 minutes or so, this will greatly help dry up the process if you so choose. I like to use Zep All Around as my dressing. It is a vinyl protectant that I use at my golf course on our fleet of 80 golf carts. It works great, lasts VERY long and best of all it's free for me. If I am not carrying this I enjoy 303 Protectant. It has the highest UV protection on the market and is great for all exterior trim.
Another great and cheap tip is use Armor All tire foam (or any foam) and spray that on the engine. Crank the engine for 5 minutes and let the foam bake on. This works great as well. (Another tip is use tire foam for fender wells, adds a great touch).

As a final touch, I like to use Duragloss Aquawax around the trim of the engine (inner fenders) and under the hood on vehicles. This is a premium spray sealant that will last for about 1 month under normal climates. After this application, it makes future cleaning really really easy. This is a GREAT item for topping off your paint after washes and applying to your wheels every few weeks. It will make brake dust wipe off effortlessly.

Some links:
http://autogeek.net/dp-engine-degreaser.html
http://www.autogeek.net/303aerprot.html
http://www.autogeek.net/pbnl16.html
http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-aquawax--951.html
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-wheel-face-brush.html

Now for some pics:

 

Great info going to subscribe for future reference.

 

again, amazing work. thanks for the writeup. what kind of pressure washer do you use?

 

very nice

 

Karcher 1400PSI with a 25ft. extension pressure washer hose for 45 total ft.
This is small and perfect for me since I need to carry it around.

If you are looking for one, and can keep it at the same place, get at least a 1500 or 1750PSI.

 

great, looks like something i can use to clean the deck/patio too. thanks for the tips!

 

The pressure washer is the little yellow thing, lol.

 

well yeah, i could use that to wash the dirt/grime off the patio/deck too. it will also save me time/money from going to the carwash

 

Nice info and great before and after pics.

I get nervous with any water under the hood because I am that 1/10,000 person that once had a problem. It apparently shorted a few of my COPS and cost me $250 to isolate the problem and have it fixed.

The engine bay looks amazing though.

 

What about the pressure washer at a car was or is that to much?

 

Only thing Id like to add is aluminum foil is great to use to cover things. Also, dry the engine bay while its running with a electric leaf blower.

 

Depends if you ask me. Some PW's are very powerful, others are rather weak.

Use good self judgement and just stand a few feet away so more of the misting is doing the rinsing than the sheer power.

 

looks good but I dont use any water on my engine bay just many brushed and detailing spray.

Here is a pic of my cleaned engine bay:


Picture of hoodliner as well: