Cleaning and Degreasing Engine Bay

I keep a gallon of muriatic acid to clean my white brick. It's industrial strength, almost $40 a gallon. Wondering if it could be used to clean car engines. On the one hand the answer is no. On the other hand when you get a block acid dipped they are using muriatic acid. And it seems to be a common method for cleaning radiators. I personally wouldnt do it. One ounce to five gallons cleans everything off brick plus I have to wear a respirator, goggles, and other things. But as it turns out, it seems you can use Drano to wash your motor. It's formulated specifically not to corrode metals. Don't know what it would do to rubber though. But people talking about using muriatic acid to clean aluminum rims, I definitely would not use it to clean the aluminum rims on my car.

 

For the first time yesterday I used the presoak stuff at the car wash just avoided battery area and the fuse box....let it set for awhile then used low pressure spotless feature to rinse the interior then drove home...looked pretty good for not touching anything.

 

I use simple green, a light soak with it mixed 1:3 Cleaner:Water. I then rinse with a hose and have never had an issue with electrical and start engine to dry. You don't need to use high pressure as this is where you will run into problems. Also never use any cleaner on a hot or warm engine because this will cause the chemicals will etch the aluminum. I perform this service every six months. I also stay away from any sort of dressings as all they do is attract dust and dirt and make the cleaning process more difficult.

 

Do you guys recommend cleaning the engine cold or after it has reached operating temperature?

I would think cold?

 

Neither. It should be very warm. Not HOT like it creates instant steam if water gets on it, but a little steam is good. If you can't touch it, its too hot.

 

One of the things people never consider when cleaning a hot engine or even an overly warm engine is depending on what you are using those fumes or steam can be toxic. If the can says "Do not inhale". To me that also means do not spray on a hot engine. I am doing two engine bays right now, taking a break. My Tundra and my '69 Ford. Some engine cleaning products will evaporate on a hot or warm engine and instead of making oil, grease or gunk easier to get off, will make that gunk harder. Not to mention you might end up with some of that cleaner in your lungs. For me personally, cold engine only.

 

I use a spray cleaner and rag . to clean my engine compartment. Water can get into electrical and corrode and computer system can get wet also.

 

I went mudding on Tuesday and my black truck came out looking a completely different color!!

needless to say it was a ton of fun! I wish I kept the mud on longer lol!

i pressure washed the engine bay and used the gunk foamy cleaner. Gunk shine was sold out.! I didn’t cover our bag anything up. Just stayed a safe distance and used a wider stream nozzle!

 

That does look like you had a fun day. Worth the cleaning effort afterwards.

I usually get mine dirty "working" (somebody has to go check out the haul roads).
Then cleaning with a pressure washer and maybe some Gunk Engine Cleaner or similar product from a different brand, and a few old rags.
I don't cover anything up either - pressure washer wand right in there. Just a little common sense where to get close and where to fan it out a little; I have never had any issues with that.

I am right at 100,000 miles now. The photos of the engine and undercarriage was about 10,000 miles ago, so say about 90,000 on the ODO.

 

Do y'all pull off the engine cover to clean under it? I noticed last night that mice have found my engine bay and I am going to wash everything probably next week when I get a chance to leave my job site for a couple hours.