ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus: How to Clean Your Engine Bay

Learn how to safely clean dirt and debris from the engine bay of your Lexus.

By Gabriella Massari - December 23, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, and RX (2005-2014).

When considering cleaning and detailing options for your Lexus, it's easy to overlook the engine bay. Maintaining a clean engine bay may not be a priority, but it actually adds to the overall value of the vehicle. Whether you're showing off your Lexus engine to friends or at a car show, looking to sell your car, or simply want peace of mind knowing your engine bay is clean, this is a simple and cost-effective job that is well worth the effort.

Materials Needed

  • Water pressure sprayer
  • Air compressor (optional)
  • Short bristle brush
  • Engine cleaner/degreaser
  • Towels
  • Saran wrap and/or tin foil
  • Masking tape (optional)

Warning

  • Engine must be cold before cleaning the engine bay.
  • Do not directly spray water into the electrical areas of the engine.

Step 1 - Remove loose debris and cover electrical areas

Lift and prop open the engine hood. Remove noticeable leaves, pine needles, and other debris trapped in the vents and grilles of the bay. Using saran wrap and/or tin foil, cover all electrical areas/plugs as well as the alternator, air filter, and mass airflow sensor.

  • Figure 1. Electrical plugs like this one should be avoided when spraying water.
  • Figure 2. A covered mass airflow sensor.
  • Figure 3. An alternator covered in tin foil.

Pro Tip

Alternatively, you can use an air compressor, leaf blower, car drier, or a vacuum cleaner like a Metro-Vac to remove/suck loose debris from the engine bay.

Step 2 - Rinse the engine bay

Using the water pressure sprayer, rinse the engine bay back and forth for a minute or so. Again, it's very important to not spray electrical areas directly with water.

Figure 4. Give the engine bay a rinse.

Step 3 - Spray the engine bay with cleaner

Spray the dirty engine bay surfaces with an engine cleaner or degreaser, making sure to cover the smaller spaces and cracks where dirt is likely lingering, too.

Figure 5. Spray copious amounts of cleaner as necessary.

Pro Tip

Some recommended engine cleaners include Detailer’s Pro Series Engine Degreaser, 3M Foaming Engine Degreaser, and Gunk Engine Brite Original Heavy Duty Engine Degreaser. You can also use the household cleaner Simple Green, although you'll want to make sure to dilute the product with water before spraying it onto the engine bay, as it is quite strong.

Step 4 - Scrub the engine bay components

Using a brush, scrub the engine bay areas so that the cleaner reaches a foamy consistency.

Figure 6. The cleaner should be foamy when scrubbing.

Pro Tip

Utilize a smaller brush or a wheel cleaning brush to reach the cramped spaces of the engine bay.

Step 5 - Rinse the cleaner off

Using the water pressure sprayer, rinse the engine bay again to remove the cleaner.

Figure 7. The pressure of the water will easily remove soapy residue.

Step 6 - Start the engine and let it run

Turn on the car and let the engine run. The heat from the engine will help dry the engine bay components.

Step 7 - Dry the engine bay

Wipe off the remaining moisture with a towel or two. The components should be dry to the touch, and your engine bay should sparkle like new. Be sure to remove any plastic or tin foil coverings from various engine bay components.

Figure 8. Use clean towels to fully dry the engine bay.

Pro Tip

If you have access to an air compressor, leaf blower, or car drier, use one to help with the drying process if necessary.

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