engine wash
 

best way to do it w/o ruining anything....or should I just it done professionally...

Pressure washer, but make sure the engine is on and warmed up while you do it!

Obviously don't spray directly on the coils/distributor/alternator either...

Well that is the lazy way.

Rag + degreaser + bucket of water = the not so lazy way.

Detail shop is the laziest way, and they will most likely pressure wash it.

hey just go to canadain tire or walmart they have a spray on that works really good just read the directions

do they have a spray-and-walk-away engine cleaner/degreaser???

simple green

cover intake filter if you have one, alt, dis cap if you have one

wet engine bay

spray simple green all over, let sit for 10-15min

rinse off

just make sure to cove up the electrical stuff

cover electrical stuff using tin foil (it works!)

if u have an open cone CAI, cover it with a bag (MAKE ABSOLUTE SURE U TAKE IT OFF WHEN U START IT THOUGH!!!!!)

then spray a light mist on the engine.... engine's are pretty much water proof... id not use a pressure washer... i never did and my engine looks just fine...

after the light mist of water, use a degreaser (crappy tire has alot of them), i use autoglym engine shampoo that works wonders at taking out crap, after the spray, use a detail brush, something nylon to brush the really really dirty stuff, try to stay away from the brass brushes and stainless brushes as they can really hurt the finish (i use it only IF i got alot of stuck on stuff), after that's done.. spray again using light setting and take off the degreaser, control ur water flow... once that's done... use a rag to dry up the engine a bit... take out the tin foil and bag and whatever else u used to cover up the sensitive stuff, then start the car.. and let it idle for about 2-5 minutes... it is to let the water evaporate... after that, shut the car off, and use a plastic detailer, such as maguire's #40, NXT detailer, or 303 aerospace protectant... (all can be gotten at crappy tire) to dress the hoses, and the plastic in the engine, ur engine'd be SPARKLING after that, if ur REALLY , you can even wax the painted stuff if u want it to pop more... but for the most of us it is more unecessary work

Tin Foil? I'm not sure I'd want to use something conductive on my electrical components. I would be ok with suran(sp) wrap, as its an insulator, but tin foil? I'm sure theres better options out there.

well i never wash my engine with the motor running (if its running you'd be right) but since i always wash it with the motor off... and take it off before i turn it back on... it wouldnt be a problem

its can mess up!!! i mean it.

just use grocery bags. easier.