How to Clean Your Engine Compartment. Engines run cooler and more efficiently when a thick film of crud doesn't interfere with heat transfer. This is especially important with modern engines that operate hotter in more compact engine compartments. Clean engines make it easier to see oil, automatic transmission and coolant leaks and monitor the condition of drive belts. Dirt and dust also can cause premature wear of components and belts. And it's much more pleasant to make repairs in a clean engine compartment. If you need just one more reason to keep your engine spotless, consider that keeping engines free of oil and fuel-soaked gunk goes a long way toward preventing underhood fires.
Things Needed
Garden hose
Engine cleaning products
Plastic bags
Aluminum foil
Rubber bands
Baking soda
Small paint brush
Scraper
Step 1
If the engine is hot, let it cool off. An engine should only be warm enough to soften grease and other dirt for easier removal.
Step 2
Cover air intakes, air filters, oil dipstick, breather caps, distributors, coils and electronic black boxes to protect them from water spray. Use plastic bags and aluminum foil. Seal with rubber bands. Masking tape can come loose when hit with water, and plastic tape can be hard to remove when wet.
Step 3
Clean the battery and its cables of corrosion with a baking soda solution and water. Be careful no corrosive battery acid is sprayed around the engine compartment or onto the body. Make sure none of the solution gets into the battery, where it can degrade the electrolyte.
Step 4
Spray on engine cleaner according to instructions on the container. Start at the bottom and work upward. Since cleaners can remove wax, cover the car's body or wax the car after cleaning the engine compartment. Use a small paint brush to loosen dirt and a scraper for stubborn crud. Be careful not to damage components or wiring.
Step 5
Let the degreaser sit for a few minutes to do its job. Spray the engine thoroughly with a garden hose. A high pressure spray works best. Repeat on any areas needing more thorough cleaning.
Step 6
Remove the aluminum foil and plastic bags. Dry puddles and run engine until any moisture is dry.
Step 7
Look for any rust or bare metal in the engine compartment. Repair rust and refinish with a paint product that can withstand high temperatures.
Step 8
After driving the vehicle for a few days, check for oil, fuel, coolant, automatic transmission or other fluid leaks.
Warnings
Make sure cleaning products you use are environmentally friendly. You might also do the cleaning at a self-serve car wash since it can handle the greasy run off.
Warnings
Do-it-yourself engine cleaning may not be satisfactory if the engine compartment is extremely dirty. You might need a professional steam cleaning.
