Ok with the winter going to be over in a couple of months (hopefully ) what is the best way to clean a vRS Engine bay. My engine is to put it bluntly "Minging" and i think only my mind is filthier;)

Please dont post daft comments like using a pressure washer:rolleyes: I've already got what i think is a water related problem i don't want anymore:)

What sort of products are useful for de-greasing and removing gritting salt etc and what do i need to make sure is covered up before rinsing off.

If anyone has done a tutorial even better, Seen the one on the styling & car care section but it was done on a Citroen so didnt really help as im a "picture paints a 1000 words kinda guy:D

Ta very much

Carl:thumbup:

I must say that I really couldn't be ar5ed. As long as it is clean on the outside that's good enough

Thinking more in terms of preservation as i intend to keep the car for a while

Carl:thumbup:

I like a clean engine bay. I jet mine quite frequently, just keep clear of the E Box and be careful of the radiator fins.

So i don't need to cover owt up just use a jet wash and avoid the (already waterlogged ) Fuse box?

What radiator fins are you on about or is that meant to say fans?

Do you use a degreaser?

Carl:thumbup:

fins, the parts used to dissipate heat from the radiator.

Ok just checking. Im assuming thats the bit that always ends up covered in flies thats in front of intercooler. Or am i in the wrong place

Carl

yes, that's it.

Fook i quite often blast that through the grill :D best stop

Carl:thumbup:

When I clean mine I have the engine running for an extra precaution, not sure if it makes a difference but it does in my mind.

I get the worst off with the pressure washer then use engine cleaner/degreaser from AG (agitate with a brush and hose off) then an engine dresser/exterior trim stuff, not sure on the exact name but it's another AG product. Just spray on and leave, dries to leave a nice glossy finish.

I think someone posted that Halfords have a 3 for 2 on Autoglym products at the moment so would be worth a look.

Cheers

Don't think I'll have the engine running though as I don't fancy my EVOMS taking a nice big gulp of water

I think I read a guide in the ICE or Detailing forums, says just cover the engine bay with a spray on degreaser, leave it for a moment and then rinse it off with a hose (will just be tap pressure, so shouldn't cause any damage by forcing water into things). You should then just have to dry it off with a cloth to get rid of any other muck - which should be enough unless you are OCD, but then you will have to take the whole car to pieces to be satisfied there is no dirt on it!

I have OCD just not for cleaning things

I'm in the clean engine bay club too

I cover the battery box with a plastic bag, rinse the bay with the pressure washer from a reasonable distance. Then I use Virosol to degrease, via a simple trigger spray bottle. It's the best product I've ever come across for this, and it's as cheap as chips. Leave to sink in for 5 mins then use a brush and/or J-cloth to work the Virosol in. Leave for another couple of minutes then rinse. Then I dry the bay off with an old cotton towel and apply 303 Protectant to the pipes and covers. It's another excellent product that will product the rubber and plastic, but leaves a matt finish.

When I started out doing this sort of stuff, I found Rich's guide on Polished Bliss really useful. And it's still useful today. Some other great guides on there too, well documented with photos:

Car Care Advice - Engine - How to safely clean and protect your engine bay

HTH,

Steve

Cheers Steve

Will give that a try when i get 5 mins to myself

Carl:thumbup:

303's also really useful to have generally anyway. You can apply it to tyre sidewalls for protection and it's great for interior surfaces as it's a UV protectant, and will also reduce static too - so they don't attract as much dust

Steve

Point of interest for you mater, is that if you pop in halfords with your ID card you can get a trade card for them, entitling you to something around 40% discount(same as people who work there). I think it is only on servicing goods such as oils brake fluids wipers etc, but it might just include autoglym products.

sy

Edited 15 February, 200917 yr by simonskerton

is that as a freedom member?

I clean the oil cap before I open it when changing the oil. That's it's lot. :lol:

nothing to do with briskoda.benefits of our line of work, that last message was relavant to mater only.

You can also get a trade card if you can prove you are in the trade. Sadly it doesn't apply to the AutoGlym Products, tools and service items mainly although I did get a nice discount on an inverter.

Per Lummox on here, I have found that Cif "mousse" foam action stuff real good at getting the gunk, etc out the engine bay.