What do you guys use to clean the engine bay? Would using a steam cleaner be helpful or harmful?

Also what components should be covered up?

 

The IS's engine compartment is so covered that it is very easy to clean.

If your engine covers are exceptionally dirty, you may want to remove them for a very thorough cleaning, otherwise I would recommend the following.

First - make sure your engine is completely cool!!!

Note: If you are working on an engine with performance intakes with exposed filters, it is a good idea to cover them just to be safe.


- Spray off the underside of the hood, then wash & rinse this area in the same manner that you would wash the exterior of your vehicle.
- Next, Spray off the engine covers & exposed engine components/hoses with a gentle stream of water to remove any loose dirt or dust
- Spray the engine covers & components with an all purpose cleaner like Meguiars D101 or Optimum Power Clean
- Agitate the cleaning solution with various brushes like the All Purpose Brush and the ATLASTA soft tip brush
- Thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution from the engine covers
- Now that your engine covers are clean, it is time to dry the engine compartment. The quickest and easiest way to dry this area is with a blower like the Metro Master Blaster or Master Blaster Sidekick (a leaf blower will also work)
- Once everything is dry, I would recommend dressing the engine covers with a product like 303 Aerospace Protectant to provide a nice, dark color and also add protection to the plastic. You may also dress exposed rubber hoses and harnesses with Chemical Guys Black on Black spray dressing.

It is a relatively quick and easy process for the most part.

When you're done, your engine will looks as good as new.






Before:


After:



Before:


After:






Feel free to post future detailing related questions in the Club Lexus Detailing Sub-Forum

-Zach

 

Well I would also like to remove the covers and clean the actual bay.

 

Process is the same... you'll just spend more time cleaning and may want to consider some other brushes like the small and large EZ Detail Brushes to help get into tighter, hard to reach areas.

 

I am guessing I need to cover up the fuse box on the passenger side and the battery itself though from the water. Anything else that should be protected?

 

The alternator should be covered and any expose wires.

For the battery, I usually undo it and protect it before rinsing for extra precautions

 

You will not harm the battery, alternator, fuse box etc if you use common sense but if you choose to cover them up that is completely fine... I mentioned using a gentle stream of water for a reason.

Your engine bay already gets water in it if you are driving through heavy rain.

 

project for this evening.

 

so no pressure washing at the DIY car wash bays!

 

lol exactly

 

I did by my self

 

that looks pretty deep... what dressing is that?

 

Armor all protectant

 

I did mine covers off. Get everything wet, spray APC thoroughly on everything, let it dwell, rinse. Apply vinyl sealant or whatever you want. Same with covers. You can use brushes if you really want.

I did this for 2 years straight at my old job. engine bays were routinely done. Never once had an issue. Only time I've covered things is exposed intake filters.

Edit: old 300s bay after probably a month of driving

 

dang i need to step my engine bay detail game up ha looking good guys