How would I go about cleaning the engine bay? I don't know anything about this motor or what I should cover. Any help is appreciated. Also, what chemicals can I use that won't ruin the hoses or engine cover and won't alter it cosmetically.

Thanks guys

 

I spray on Simple Green and brush off the dirt. Then hose it down. Cover electrical connections with tin foil first. The engine should be cooled off before running cold water on it...

 

Simple green? Great thanks.

 

I just spray on Simple Green or some other degreaser, depending on what I have, and then gently rinse off.

I don't cover anything.

 

agreed. as long as you don't direct the hose at the electronics, you'll be fine.

 

~ head to the diy .25 carwash and select soap then rinse (hot water helps) ...no need for chemicals or degreasers. you do "not" need to cover a thing in the crossfire's engine compartment. i clean all my newer cars engines this way.

 

Andrew,
Be careful of those high-pressure wand kind of car washes, especially under the hood. They can force water past mechanical and electrical seals and cause all kinds of headaches. A good rule of thumb is don't spray it with anything more powerful than a garden hose.

Don't ask me how I found this out.

 

I do the same as Andrew. I always use the low pressure setting and keep the engine running. After I clean the engine, I leave the hood up (engine still running), wash the car, lower the hood, drive it home, and dry the residual water with a towel.

I've done that with all my cars for the past 40 years. I only clean the engine about once a month. Now that the Arizona season monsoon has started, I may do it more often because of driving on flooded streets with standing water.

Some owners will be shocked, but I use the do-it-yourself car wash every week. It's a routine when I gas "her car".

Like bobs, I learned about the high pressure problem years ago.

John