Cleaning the Inside of the Engine Bay

[pyebibby]

What is the best way to go about a proper cleaning and tidying up bu without taking to much out... Cause with electircs in it, running in with soapy water is surely a silly idea! heres a bit of an idea about how thick on it is.[frame][/frame]

[pyebibby]

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[cmea]

I use a mix of white spirit, petrol and oil to remove the really caked on grime. The oil ensures that it leaves a protective layer to prevent the bare metal components from rusting. I brush it on with an old paintbrush and wipe it off with a dry cloth. The other alternative is stuff called "Gunk" or something similair which can be purchased in most autofactors. The electrics are usually ok even with a jet wash if you dont aim it at them and cover the dizzy and control box, but I prefer to leave a layer of oil on the surfaces rather than wash it all off.

[ASL642]

I've got very good results using Tesco oven degreaser (or similar make) Kind on wiring. Spray on an area and leave for about 20 minutes then wipe off. Takes time but won't take any paint off. Use an old toothbrush to go behind the electrics/fuse box etc/

[pyebibby]

Thats a handy tip! thank you! will be bonnet open over the weekend, im also trying to keep the original Engine Labels and Chassis numbers etc and found with one that if i washed it too hard it brought the colour and the writing off.

[bmcecosse]

Pressure wash it! Wrap a plastic bad round the dizzy first.

[LouiseM]

The electrics are usually ok even with a jet wash if you dont aim it at them and cover the dizzy and control box

Best to cover all electrical components just to be on the safe side as when I had an engine bay pressure washed (years ago) the flasher unit got wet, stopped working and needed to be replaced. I haven't tried to clean an engine bay since but I might give the oven cleaner method a go (after I've cleaned the oven first!)

[santadawes]

I've got very good results using Tesco oven degreaser (or similar make) Kind on wiring. Spray on an area and leave for about 20 minutes then wipe off. Takes time but won't take any paint off. Use an old toothbrush to go behind the electrics/fuse box etc/

Thanks for the tip... It's a bit late now. I have just had a bust up with my missus because she found her toothbrush had an aftertaste

[RogerRust]

I had my first Minor steam cleaned. All the engine bay and underneath.

I Took the dizzy off at the garage and plugged the hole and wrapped up the dynamo.

\when they finished I let it dry for half an hour then put the dry distributor and leads back on and drove home.

The coil gave up about a week later on examination the steam had got into it.

I'm afraid I never took any pics but I remember the wiring loom came up like new!

Much less work than Gunk and gets into all the corners.

[pyebibby]

worth a new set of points then!

[beero]

Careful if you use white spirit/paraffin/petrol. Apart from the obvious fire risk they will melt the tarmac on your drive or road. Gunk or similar is best with a stiff brush, disconnect battery and protect electrics as much as you can.

[pyebibby]

its ok, live at home still and the whole village, let alone my drive is already plastered with oil!