Cleaning Engine Compartment

[Zardoz]

Hi Everyone! I recently aquired a 1997 DB7, and it arrived it really good shape except the lower 2/3 of the engine compartment is really covered with grease, dirt, road film, etc. I cleaned up the engine and compartment covers, but there's so much equipment, hoses and wires running thru the lower compartment that cleaning by hand is impossible. That leaves some sort of pressure or steam cleaning, which I am hesitant about. A local shop recomended disconnecting the battery, doing the wash, then allowing it to dry for a few hours before recconecting to avoid releasing the electrical demons.
I'm not trying to make her a show car, but just want it reasonably clean for myself and the fellows at the shop to inspect and work around in.
How do you gents keep your engine compartments clean?

Edited by Zardoz on Tuesday 10th June 18:18

[V12Vanquish]

I have occasionally power washed the engines on all of my cars over the years and never had a problem, use a bit of common sense and don't blast the alternator etc.

However, I always dry it with my blaster and allow it to stand for a few hours before starting.

[hornbaek]

I would not pressure clean it but simply use a hose when the engine is cold and then use plenty of degreaser. Then take the leaf blower and dry everything out and then go for a drive. I would never wash the car and then not take it for a drive.

[Zardoz]

Thanks, guys. I'll try a few things in some small, less sensitive areas and go from there.

[MichaelV8V]

Has anyone found a way to clean the 'inspected by' plaque? Mine seems to have lost most of the black lettering

[vankypanky]

cant you steam clean then

[robgt]

Do not steam clean! You will force water where it cannot normally get. If you use an engine degreaser like Gunk it is very effective though the downside is everything it touches will pong of the stuff for ages.

I would suggest having the engine warm then try using Muc Off bicycle cleaner. It is odourless and very effective. Wet the the engine compartment first then give everything a good spray with the stuff , leave for about 5 minutes then wash off . You will be amazed by the result plus muc off will leave a shiny finish not a smeared one. On completion start the engine and leave to idle for a while with the bonnet open to release the steam. You may need to repeat the process every now and then . Works for me , the under bonnet of my V8S at 12 months old with 12000 miles is as new. My Toyota Hilux at 11 years old and 80,00 miles is much the same.

Edited by robgt on Wednesday 11th June 08:37

[Zardoz]

Well, I've done all I can by hand with degreaser and compound, and she looks pretty spiffy now, so I'll probably leave that area alone for a while.
Couldn't find the Muc bicyle cleaner, only the motorcycle cleaner. Is there much difference?

[robgt]

Zardoz said:

Well, I've done all I can by hand with degreaser and compound, and she looks pretty spiffy now, so I'll probably leave that area alone for a while.
Couldn't find the Muc bicyle cleaner, only the motorcycle cleaner. Is there much difference?

I would imagine that the bicycle cleaner is a little more gentle. Try Halfords they sell it in gallon containers.

[KarlFranz]

Do a google search for a process called "cryodetail". It's pretty impressive. Maybe they have something like that by your neck of the woods.

[Zardoz]

Ok,I'll look for them both!