Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Engine bay cleaning

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Name:

    SHopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Greenville, SC
    Posts
    257
    Like
    0
    Liked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Engine bay cleaning

    Ok, I hate to admit it but my truck is just nasty dirty! What is the go to now for cleaning the engine bay and then what to use after the cleaning? My poor truck is due for an all out detail job. Thanks...

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Name: Allen

    throttle jockey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    San Diego
    Posts
    391
    Like
    4
    Liked 92 Times in 56 Posts
    1) Cover the air filter
    2) Mist the engine bay with water
    3) Spray engine bay down with a 50:50 mix of Simple Green and water
    4) Let it soak for a few minutes, use a brush or rag on heavily soiled areas is needed
    5) Rinse off and let
    6) Soak engine bay with a 50:50 mix of Lexol Vinylex and water
    7) Use a leaf blower or compressed air to blow excess water away from the COPs so you don't have any water intusion
    8) Close the hood

    Vinylex is a water based rubber/plastic/vinyl protectant similar to Armor-All. Because its water-based it washes off unlike Armor-All which is petroleum-distillate based and beads the water. Water-based is great for future cleanings. Vinylex also doesn't attract the dirt and grime like Armor-All.

  3. #3
    I like to watch
    Name: JD


    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    JBLM/AZ
    Posts
    105
    Like
    1
    Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by throttle jockey View Post
    Warm up truck and pop hood
    1) Cover the air filter
    2) Mist the engine bay with water
    3) Spray engine bay down with a 50:50 mix of Simple Green and water, use a brush or rag on heavily soiled areas is needed
    Close hood
    4) Let it soak for a few minutes

    5) open hood Rinse off and let
    6) Soak engine bay with a 50:50 mix of Lexol Vinylex and water
    7) Use a leaf blower or compressed air to blow excess water away from the COPs so you don't have any water intusion
    8) Close the hood

    Vinylex is a water based rubber/plastic/vinyl protectant similar to Armor-All. Because its water-based it washes off unlike Armor-All which is petroleum-distillate based and beads the water. Water-based is great for future cleanings. Vinylex also doesn't attract the dirt and grime like Armor-All.
    I used this method you used to post about with turtle wax tire foam. It works great but as you added i thinks its petrol based. I liked the idea of the heat workin on the grime too.
    2000 L
    2003 HD

  4. #4
    Worlds Shiniest HD F-150!
    Name: ]\/[ike

    Merlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Sunny South Florida
    Posts
    4,288
    Like
    45
    Liked 165 Times in 135 Posts
    ^ Some good advice...

    Clean, dry then dress.


    On a cool engine I like to cover the electrics with plastic bags/Saran Wrap etc.
    I do this before misting the engine or spraying it with a APC or engine cleaner.
    Be Careful: Keep water away from electrics!

    Cleaning depends...Does it need degreasing?

    I've used many products in the past, CD-2, Gunk degreaser and Gunk Shine etc.

    Do you want shiny or a nice clean (showroom new) satin finish?
    I used Vinylex for many years. It is a good water based product.
    I've also used Vinylex to clean/dress the dash as it's water based.

    My favorite for dressing the engine bay is Sonus Trim and Motor Kote.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Name: Jim

    Octane's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Clayton, NC
    Posts
    41
    Like
    0
    Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Q-tips....and a LOT of patience

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Name:

    SHopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Greenville, SC
    Posts
    257
    Like
    0
    Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Looks like its going to be a long day with the truck this Saturday. It doesn't need degreased. The Simple Green should do the trick. Thanks guys...

  7. #7
    Worlds Shiniest HD F-150!
    Name: ]\/[ike

    Merlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Sunny South Florida
    Posts
    4,288
    Like
    45
    Liked 165 Times in 135 Posts
    We want process and before and after pictures!

  8. #8
    Registered User
    Name: BRIAN


    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    SOUTH CAROLINA
    Posts
    466
    Like
    115
    Liked 26 Times in 21 Posts
    P.E.R.L Works good to for a final coating its water based

  9. #9
    Registered User
    Name:

    SHopkins's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Greenville, SC
    Posts
    257
    Like
    0
    Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Well its going to be next weekend. It's done nothing but rain off and on here all weekend. I'll get you pics Merlin...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •