Obviously, I don't know how dirty your engine and bay are, and perhaps more drastic methods are required to get them clean. I bought my car new so occasional cleaning of the engine and bay has been all I've needed to keep things sparkling and bright. I won't use water in the engine compartment so my cleaning materials of choice are VM&P Naphtha (available from Home Depot) and 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (available from some drug stores). The Naphtha is derived from petroleum distillates and is an excellent solvent for oil, grease, and grime. It's flammable, like all hydrocarbon solvents, and should be used in a well-ventilated area. No problem for me as my car sits in the driveway when I clean it. It is not carcinogenic, at least not in normal usage.
The Naphtha is excellent for cleaning the aluminum and cast iron of the engine and transmission; I pour a small amount into a can and apply it with a parts cleaning brush, or for more control, a cloth. More sensitive areas, including some painted ones, can be cleaned with a lightly dampened cloth. It dries fast and with no residue.
For electrical parts, and where less solvent action is required, I use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It's great for electrical parts and really shapes up rubber components such as the air hose between MAF sensor and TB, and the spark plug wires. The use of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is not recommended here since it contains 30% water.
I then finish off by applying a coat of Meguiars wax to the yellow MP3 Strut Tower Bar which makes it gleam.
Finally, in Spring and Fall when leaves and other things fall off the trees, I vacuum the engine compartment.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, it's been said.
Happy Motoring!
The Naphtha is excellent for cleaning the aluminum and cast iron of the engine and transmission; I pour a small amount into a can and apply it with a parts cleaning brush, or for more control, a cloth. More sensitive areas, including some painted ones, can be cleaned with a lightly dampened cloth. It dries fast and with no residue.
For electrical parts, and where less solvent action is required, I use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It's great for electrical parts and really shapes up rubber components such as the air hose between MAF sensor and TB, and the spark plug wires. The use of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is not recommended here since it contains 30% water.
I then finish off by applying a coat of Meguiars wax to the yellow MP3 Strut Tower Bar which makes it gleam.
Finally, in Spring and Fall when leaves and other things fall off the trees, I vacuum the engine compartment.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, it's been said.
Happy Motoring!
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