TMF

I need to clean my engine since it's been collecting a lot dust/dirt for the past year. The thing is I don't want to use engine degreaser since the strong chemical eats away rubber hoses. How do you guys clean your engine? Just use hose nozzle from garden hose to clean it? Thanks.

BinaryJay

I don't and never have. There's no point and it can do nothing good for it.

worker

The engine cover did a good job keeping dirt from the engine. Did you remove your engine cover?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

personally i don't see the point of cleaning an engine too

twylie

iTrader: (3)

I hit them with a diluted mixture of Simple Green spring and fall and treat heavy spots with a moderate degreaser each spring. Belts and hoses get replaced as part of maintenance before the chemicals break them down. Engine bays look new on all our vehicles except the Jeep. Clean engine bays make it easier to spot trouble (leaks, seals, and gaskets) before it leaves you stranded somewhere.

tunedis95

i clean my engine compartment a couple times a year just because. I spray engine foam cleaner and rinse it down real good and have not had any problems. Whole car gets clean so why not do you engine. And if you ever do have to take off a couble engine panels off you wont get as dirty.

designo

iTrader: (6)

First use a wet cloth, and then "armor all" spray. It's safe, it's mild and very effective! Not too shiny, but perfect for plastic and rubber parts.

TMF

No - the cover help but since air can come in and out, it still can get dirty inside.

Some of you say it's not necessary to clean your engine, I thought a clean engine makes it run cooler and easier to maintain. If you think it doesn't, then I won't bother. I'll just clean the other parts like the battery where it's always have dust on top.

eighty5iv

iTrader: (3)

I don't know if cleaning the engine improves performance or not, I'm just the **** retentive kind of guy that likes a clean car both inside and out, engine included. With that said, if it isn't super dirty and does not require the use of degreaser or cleaning foam, then I would just dilute something like simple green and spray on an mf towel and wipe down the sides and hoses of the engine. spraying it down with just a garden hose tends to leave water spots and does't work like you would imagine.

Justin2JZ

Lol cleaning the engine doesnt improve performance. Its just for looks. I dont get fancy with it. I use a rag and some soap and water to clean under the hood.

ashley1977

I like to keep my car clean also under the hood! To clean the engine room I just use a rag to wipe with water! So my engine room is still clean even under the engine cover.....

SC4Hundred

That's a real clean engine bay!

designo

iTrader: (6)

Clean engine bays are a must! Any buyer who has previously made me a low ball offer on my cars, poppped my hood and reconsidered his offer!

aLexGS350

iTrader: (5)

I dont pop my hood that often for it to be cleaned lol...might as well clean your tape deck while your at it!!!

Bavaria

I've not noticed and grease/oil spots, just dust. My solution for years has been to use an 'old' California Duster to go over the engine/engine bay. I get a new Duster every year for use on the exterior, and use the previous one for the engines of my cars. Works like a champ for me.