comotiger

Hi folks,
I couldn't find any info on cleaning and detailing the engine bay in the LS460. I have seen a few youtube videos for other vehicles, but not an LS460. If anyone has done it, please share your experience. Thanks!

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Just like washing a car... cleaning the engine bay is a pretty universal process.

How to Detail Your Engine Bay by Todd Cooperider

comotiger

Thanks, Zach! I knew I could count on you! I was just hoping to see pictures specific for the LS460 before I attempted it.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

There is nothing to worry about or cover on your car. Just spray the chemicals on it, agitate and rinse off. Dry with compressed or forced air if you have it, makes life so much easier.

Obviously remove all the plastic covers first since that is 80% of the engine bay on those cars.

comotiger

I realize the engine components gets their fair share of water exposure driving thru rain. Still, are you sure we don't have to cover any electrical components (fuse boxes, for example) before cleaning? Thanks!

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Yes... you are fine. Just spray it down and don't worry about it.

We clean the engine bay of every car we work on, and we do not cover up anything 99% of the time.

comotiger

Excellent, thank you Zach!

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

The only thing I ever cover is the filter if the car has an aftermarket exposed cold air intake. Other than that, on all these new 2000+ cars I would not worry about a thing at all.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Speaking of engine bay cleaning... just tidied this beauty up yesterday

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

I did mine twice since purchasing it a few months ago

I seem to have deleted my "before" shots, it was very dirty.

I removed the covers, then sprayed the entire bay down with a pump action pressurized tank (1 gallon) , and simple green 10/1 solution.

Then let sit for about 10 minutes and spray with water, let dry , clean covers and its ready to go

I did some hand detailing as well, toothbrush, rag etc... then finished with mothers plastic/rubber detailing spray

comotiger

Looks gorgeous. So, to confirm, after removing the covers you did not protect any parts from the simple green spray. Just spray, soak, scrub some parts with toothbrush etc., and spray down? Did you just air dry, or use a dryer or turn on the engine to dry? Did you apply the detailing spray and rub it in? Which simple green solution did you use: the degreaser or the car wash? Thanks!

LS430FL

I am in no way a professional detailer but when I did mine, I didn't have a air blower so what I did was completely empty out my wet dry vac and make sure it was clean. I disconnected the hose and put it on the air output side. Now I had an air blower. Its important that the dirt compartment is all clean so you dont blow dirt out, but it worked great! I now use the same trick to dry my wheels and get the water out of the mirrors and such. I'm just a weekend warrior so I couldn't justify the price of one of those mega blasters so I ended up doing this instead. I have one of those orange and black ridgid wet dry vacs. Works great for me.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

Thanks

Yes I removed the covers, and that's it

You don't really need to cover anything, just avoid spraying heavily on the alternator , if it gets a little wet its usually fine.

The best simple green I found is not in the general cleaning section, its in the pressure washer section, where you can buy them in gallon containers and in concentrated forms.

I buy the "heavy duty - all purpose concentrate" which is green in color

People told me the blue HD was the best one, I tried it and it sucks , I gave it away to a friend of mine and went back to the heavy duty one I mentioned.

I don't dry the engine with anything, I just make sure not to start it up or drive the car for at least an hour or two , as to allow everything to properly dry.

And I applied the detailing spray pretty much after everything was clean, and I just wanted to shine up all the plastic and rubber items, as well as protect them

satiger

iTrader: (1)

I haven't yet cleaned my LS engine, however do that on regular basis (twice a year) on other two cars.

Based on dirt on engine, you could pick one of these engine degreaser : http://www.autozone.com/fuel-and-engine-cleaners-additives/engine-degreaser?filterByKeyWord=engine+cleaner&fromString=search&isIgnoreVehicle=false . I have had gook luck with Gunk brand.

I cover battery, and alternator and don't spray degreaser on hoses. Let is soak for few minutes and spray water using high pressure water sprayer. They use less water. Later using piece of cloth, clean water spots and let is dry. Then apply engine dresser. I have used CD-2 which is no longer available. Now I use Griots Garage engine dresser.

Let everything dry for about 30-60 minutes before starting the engine.

sippy2

Has anyone tried Groits engine bay cleaner and dressing?