For those of you that have Sparkling Clean engines, Please..tell us your secrets smile.gif Whats the best method you use for keeping a clean and shiny engine (assuming that this car is a daily driver)

Well, I drive my cars enough that I think I can help, but they are NOT daily drivers per se. I take them to national events that require a 10 hour or 600 mile trip frequently! So, I think I am qualified.

First, I am assuming that you are talking about older vehicles first.

I am a stickler when it comes to the way my engine compartment looks...take a look below. This is a car that has over 10,000 miles to such places as Indy Super Chevy, Charlotte Goodguys twice, and Cruise the Coast just this year.

http://pstr-m02.ygpweb.aol.com/data2/00F/74/E7/1B/49/CNQSNEEZJxl0aNI6V63FCOCLdZQQo-1m0180.jpg

I first make sure that the paint that I use on any of my engine bays/blocks etc is enamel. These types of paints clean up better when need be. I use the POR15 engine paints or single stage GlobalDP. Also, I run some sort of bug screen in the spring/summer/fall or whenever anticipated, so as not to have bug puree all over...it's just like glue and will NOt come out of nooks and crannies. Also, waxing all the shiny surfaces helps a simple water washdown take the dirt and dust off. I always fix leaking gaskets or components quickly. No leaks or drips means no grease to collect outside of the engine or to blow back to the rest of the compartment or undercarriage. Finally, I never use harsh engine cleaners. These de-gloss some of the paints in my opinion and should only be used as last resort. I use the best grease cutting detergents such as Dawn dish soap, sponge it on with HOT water, let it set, then rinse also with hot water with some pressure! Hot water is the key to lots of cleaning issues.

For my daily driver I wash the engine and compartment regularily with hot soap and lots of hot water. DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER ON NEW VEHICLES. This can damage electrical plugs and force water into places you do NOT want! Causes long term corrosion issues as well. Bug screens are a must on these too.

Hope this helps! Underhood scrubbing is a real knuclebusting experience....so watch out!

HOTRODSRJ
VERY IMPRESSIVE YOU'VE DONE A GREAT JOB. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Thanks! I'm gonna print this out and save it in my paper files graemlins/thumbsup.gif