What products should I use to clean my engine?

[sensoryx]

Alright. So I really want to clean out my engine bay. I know nothing about detailing etc. I am going to avoid touching any wires or such

Mainly ill be cleaning out the plastic and the engine itself.
Ill be very careful but will take my time to clean it inch by inch.

However, I dont know what prodcuts to use. The grease on the engine is quite thick. Keep in mine im in Canada, so hopefully you guys can give me some prodcuts that I can get.

Here are the pictures (dont be frightened):

http://xc4.xanga.com/8eec9b1738035195845864/b151282227.jpg

http://xe1.xanga.com/b33c6ae251232195845852/b151282215.jpg

Also any advice on what to avoid touchign would be appreciated. Thanks

http://x56.xanga.com/da4c9a1648135195845845/b151282209.jpg

[lamf]

ewww. use a damp clothe wipe it all, use simple green after on the stuff that wont come off, then armor all the plastic

[sensoryx]

Originally posted by lamf
ewww. use a damp clothe wipe it all, use simple green after on the stuff that wont come off, then armor all the plastic

I dont think a wet cloth is going to cut it. Im going to need something stronger.

[lamf]

ya thats just to get the dust off then simple green for the grease thats still there

[NW_Merc]

Use specific engine cleaner. There is one you can get in the UK called Gunk and it has an engine cleaner and lacquer after cleaning.

[sensoryx]

Originally posted by lamf
ya thats just to get the dust off then simple green for the grease thats still there

I was at Canadian Tire today. Is this the one you are talking about?

http://x28.xanga.com/52fc7666d1c30196015564/b151429125.jpg

[mazdalowandslow]

Simple green is great stuff, just get a buket full and a good brush and go to work. Cover ever square inch. It will look good again. Use a engine degreaser on the oily spots.

[xvvvz]

You just don't want anything that will require you to hook up a hose to use it or requires you to hose down the engine after you have used it.

[sensoryx]

Originally posted by xvvvz
You just don't want anything that will require you to hook up a hose to use it or requires you to hose down the engine after you have used it.

The circled areas are the parts im going to try and avoid touching.
http://x94.xanga.com/61c8501b66028196023023/m151435176.jpg

Any other parts I would avoid touching the surface of?

[svt ricco]

my other car was dirtier than that, i just used (sprayed) oil eater and an old toothbrush then rinse. very simple and not too time consuming.

[Heinz]

http://www.homemadesimple.com/sites/en_US/mrclean/images/products/eraser/eraser_product.jpg

[sensoryx]

Originally posted by Heinz
http://www.homemadesimple.com/sites/en_US/mrclean/images/products/eraser/eraser_product.jpg

hmmm on the engine? or the plastic parts? Doesnt seem like a good idea

[Heinz]

Originally posted by sensoryx
hmmm on the engine? or the plastic parts? Doesnt seem like a good idea

I tried it ones for the engine it cleans it pretty good

[sensoryx]

Took me about 3-4 days to get it to this:

http://x0e.xanga.com/31dc706110030200086346/b155005389.jpg

http://xd1.xanga.com/94fc456151431200086367/b155005404.jpg

[svt ricco]

job well done...isn't it satisfying after? now all you need is a good paint on the valve cover :)

[sensoryx]

Originally posted by svt ricco
job well done...isn't it satisfying after? now all you need is a good paint on the valve cover :)

hahah only car enthusiasts can relate to each other... man I feel great!
definetly worth the effort:p

[xvvvz]

3-4 days!!? Wow. Did you end up stripping all the paint off the top end and just leaving bare aluminum?

It does look a lot better!