Detailing Your Car’s Engine is Easy — Just Follow These Tips!
A beautifully detailed engine, like this one, is crisp, sharp and neat. This engine compartment is as tidy as the rest of the car. The attention to detail is excellent, and it shows.
Did you know a detailed engine increases the resale value of your car? It’s a well-known fact that people who take the time and effort to detail their engines also take better care of their cars.
Mechanics, too, realize that a clean engine belongs to someone who cares for his or her car, and they will take the time to do the repair or service work correctly.
Engine detailing is nothing more than cleaning the exterior of the engine and the engine compartment, and applying dressing to protect and beautify the engine. It’s very easy to do, and requires no more than 45 minutes to an hour every couple of months.
Engine Detailing 101
The first step in cleaning your engine is to remove excess debris that gets trapped in your hood, grille and vent openings. This is particularly true if you live in an area with four seasons.
If you have compressed air available, this is the best way to remove old leaves, dead cats and such. If you don’t, a simple hand brush will suffice.
The next very important step is to prepare your engine for getting wet. You must cover all sensors, the distributor, spark plug openings and any electrical devices that have the potential for water accumulation (which could actually cause a short).
Use plastic baggies to cover these items. Be sure to use tape or rubber bands to hold the plastic bags in place. You’re only trying to prevent the majority of the water from getting in; it does not need to be watertight.
The engine environment should already be waterproof. The baggies are just a precaution. You can never be too careful.
Notice the use of a rag on the intake of this 911 engine to protect from water flooding.
To loosen the grease accumulated on your engine and the engine compartment, start your engine and allow it to warm for a few minutes. The best temperature for cleaning your engine is warm to the touch, but not hot.
If you are able to hold your hand to the engine without saying “Ouch,” then the temperature is just about right.
Aluminum foil is an excellent wrap to protect engine components. This works for spray-cleaning, painting and washing. The aluminum foil is easily molded around parts to keep them masked. Since the foil fits tightly, it doesn’t hamper your view or make it hard to get into tight spots. It’s faster and cheaper to use than tape and fits around odd shapes better than rags or paper.
Applying Degreaser is so Important
After warming the engine and protecting sensitive areas, you’re ready to apply your engine degreaser. Although they are quick and easy, I warn people against the use of harsh petroleum-based cleaners in the engine compartment and for good reason!
They quickly cut through grease and grime, but they also deteriorate your rubber and vinyl components (not to mention what they do to our environment!).
As an alternative, use a citrus- or water-based cleaner. My favorite is Autoglym Engine & Machine Cleaner.
When applying your engine degreaser, it’s best to start from the lower areas and work your way up. This prevents the degreaser from dripping on you as you clean the underside areas.
One important thing to remember: the engine degreaser will remove the wax from the painted surfaces of your car. If you get degreaser over-spray on your fenders, plan on re-waxing these areas.
Use a degreaser on the top side of your engine. Good degreasers are strong enough to cut through the heavy grease and dirt, but some scrubbing is necessary to remove the remaining dirt film.
When you have applied your engine degreaser, be sure to wash any excess cleaner from the exterior painted surfaces of the fenders, hood and grille. I like to spray these areas with water first.
Depending on the amount of accumulated grease, allow the degreaser to soak on the engine for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not allow the degreaser to dry on your engine. For light to mild levels of grease, you will not need to use a brush on the engine and other surfaces.
For heavy soil, you can use a long-handled brush (parts brush) and car wash solution to provide additional cleaning action prior to hosing off the degreaser.
Use a soft parts cleaning brush get into cracks and around parts. If your engine compartment has a heavy accumulation of dirt, you may need to spray with cleaner, brush, and rinse several times. An old toothbrush works great in tight areas that other brushes can’t reach.
Hosing Off the Engine Compartment
When you are ready to remove the degreaser, hose down the entire engine compartment and surrounding surfaces with plenty of water. If you’re using a high-pressure nozzle, be careful that you don’t get the nozzle too close to the covered electrical connectors.
Allow your engine to air dry for several minutes before using a towel to wipe down all accessible parts. Remove the plastic bags.
The heat from the engine will assist in the drying process; however, do not allow the engine to air dry, as this will result in water spots.
When dry, start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes.
Rinse with a stiff stream of water to remove as much of the grease and grime as possible. Be sure to avoid electrical connections and other sensitive areas. After rinsing, start the engine immediately. Allow it to run for about 5 minutes to help dry things out.
The Goal is to Protect and Beautify
When everything is dry, and your engine has cooled, you should apply a coating of engine protectant. If you don’t have an engine protectant, use your rubber and vinyl protectant to coat your hoses, wires, and plastic shields.
To add a quick shine and protection to the painted surfaces in the engine compartment, use a high-quality detailing spray. Just spray it on all surfaces, and wipe off the excess with a clean terry cloth towel.
After drying the engine, spray the rubber hoses and plastic parts with a rubber and vinyl protectant, like Sonus Total Eclipse. Wipe off excess protectant and buff to a nice satin finish. This is only short-term protection. For long-term protection, apply a coating of Sonus Trim and Motor Kote.
Do not underestimate the need to protect your engine after detailing. The factory applies a heavy coating of high temperature wax that protects for several years.
When you remove this coating – corrosion will begin. One of the few products available to do a proper job is Sonus Trim and Motor Kote. It is a spray on and walk away product.
Before using a product like Sonus Trim & Motor Kote mask off with plastic or large detailing towels. This will help avoid a big clean up mess. Apply Motor Kote liberally. Make sure it reaches every surface that received degreaser. Use a damp sponge to dab up puddles. Do not wipe! Allow the product to dry. A heavy coating is necessary for proper protection. Here’s the engine after just 30 minutes. The Sonus Trim & Motor Kote is nearly dry and the finish is perfect.
Car Engine Detailing Summary
Many car enthusiasts find that detailing their engine is just the beginning of a long road toward engine beautification.
Other embellishments include polishing aluminum parts, painting key parts with bright colors, and adding chrome. Whatever you choose, make it your style, and have fun.
Check out more tips for making your car last longer and keep your car looking great for a long time!
Ultimate Guide to Engine Bay Cleaning and Detailing
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The engine bay of a vehicle is an area often overlooked when cleaning or detailing. While it does not necessarily impact your daily experience, there are some serious benefits (and joys) to keeping this on your quarterly checklist.
Now let’s pop the hood and talk detailing.
Many cars from the past few decades have an assortment of plastic coverings under the hood. This gives a clean presentation but also diminishes some joy of popping your hood to show off that powerful engine you love. However, there are still ways to make it look gorgeous and show-worthy, even if a shined up and exposed big block V8 is not in view.
Before we dive into the process, it is important to eliminate any concern about this kind of cleaning. Everyone has heard at least one story about a person cleaning their engine bay with a hose and the car dramatically dying due to their ignorance.
While you need to be aware of exposed electrical connections, fuse boxes, and filters, most newer vehicles are buttoned up nicely and safe from extreme damage from liquids. Manufacturers have been using water resistant weather-pack connectors for years and things like batteries and alternators have been designed to live in the harsh elements of an engine bay.
Heck, the alternator on one of my vehicles is mounted near the bottom of the engine and exposed to the bottom of the engine bay. Every time the car is driven in the rain the alternator gets wet. In fact, most of the engine bay gets wet to some degree. You really don’t have to worry much unless your car is very old.
Preparation and Protection
Before grabbing any kind of cleaning product, your first step will be to prepare the engine bay for cleaning. This is not a complicated process but as with all things, taking your time and doing it correctly will save you many headaches down the line.
The first step that will make your entire process go smoothly is to allow the engine to run for a couple minutes. You want to be cleaning with a warm (but not hot) engine, as the cleaning products will emulsify warm oils easier but will dry up too quickly if the surfaces are hot to the touch.
Now that your engine is slightly warm, you will need to source the following:
- Plastic Bags
- Rubber Bands
- Painter’s Tape
The above list will be your coverings, wrappings and securing tools for protecting delicate areas under the hood. Due to the engine bay having some exposed electrical components that don’t enjoy moisture, we’re going to cover up the essentials. While this does not need to be a photoshoot-worthy wrapping job, you may want to seal up or cover the following areas:
- Alternator
- Coil Packs and Wires
- On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Port
- Exposed Filters
- Air Intake
- Headlights Connectors
- Misc Electrical Plugs
Be sure that all bags or wraps have any openings facing down; we don’t want to have pools of water or cleaner leaking in those areas. Once you have these and any other noticeably exposed wires covered, do one last look over the entire engine bay. Do you see any electrical connectors or exposed wires? If nothing that resembles a connector or plug is showing, you’re good to go.
If you have a newer vehicle you can choose to forgo the coverings and simply be gentle with your spraying of water around the above listed items.
Degrease and Clean
Now that you have properly covered up all temperamental electrical areas, you are ready to begin cleaning. Spray the entire engine bay with an all-purpose engine cleaner, such as Chemical Guys Signature Orange Degreaser. It is made specifically for removing stains and grease without being corrosive (something you need to think about if you have polished aluminum parts in your engine bay).
Whichever your cleaner or degreaser of choice, cover the entire engine bay but holding back from spraying electrical connectors, battery terminals or the alternator directly. While they are now covered nicely, it’s better to be safe around these expensive components.
Allow the cleaner to sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the dirt and other grease to loosen.
If your engine bay is really bad, it may help to agitate the cleaner on the surfaces that you can reach using a rag, brush, or wash mit.
If your engine bay has oil, power steering, or other fluid leaks you may need to followup the APC (after rinsing so as not to mix chemicals) with a full strength degreaser such as Gunk Engine Degreaser.
Spray
It’s time for the big reveal. Some detailers will say using a pressure washer will give you the best results, but a softer touch will lean towards the safer side and likely give you similarly effective results. Grab a hose with a regular nozzle and with medium pressure hose down the engine bay. You are targeting all the cleaner, while remembering to avoid knocking off your plastic coverings as you go.
Once the cleaner has been removed, you may notice there are some finer areas that still require cleaning. This is normal for some built-up grime or simply tighter areas. Utilizing a tool such as the EZ Detail Brush Little, a horse hair detailing brush, or a similarly soft non-abrasive brush, move through those areas with a quick spray of your engine cleaner and some methodical scrubbing.
If you are after professional results and have really tight areas that you can’t get to with typical detailing brushes you can opt for some twisted pipe cleaners or something like these generic swabs to aid in cleaning.
Spray the engine bay down one last time with clean water. These additional minutes of work will pay off in the end!
Dry
The dirt and grime has been removed and now it is time to dry it all down. This would be a great opportunity to use a car drying blower such as the Metro Blaster Sidekick. Simply blow the water out with the blower.
Once the blow dry is finished grab a clean microfiber towel and move through the engine bay, wiping down one section at a time. This is the time when you can clean off any extra cleaner left from the original cleaning or the additional spot-cleans.
Clean Up
You’re now safe to remove all your plastic coverings, noticing if any minor touch-ups need to happen with the cleaner around these areas. Just use common sense here and be gentle with the cleaner and brushes.
Shine
While the entire engine bay is perfectly clean, there is one more step that can really bring things to the next level. Much like the wax after a fresh wash of your exterior paint, giving the plastic and metals under the hood a good shine will go a long way.
Depending on your preference, there are a variety of protectants and plastic dressings that will give you excellent results. One quality option for a matte finish and serious protection is 303 Aerospace Protectant. This will give you that nice deep black new plastic look if you are one to enjoy popping your hood at the local Cars and Coffee.
Spay your protectant of choice on all surfaces (note that your electrical connectors, battery and alternator are still covered) and wipe off thoroughly. This will expose a wonderful shine and deeper shade to your plastics, while providing a protective layer to all surfaces.
For the metals, Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish on a clean microfiber towel will work great to bring back the luster and uniform appearance. This polish is great on wheels as well so it won’t go to waste.
Don’t forget to address the visible body areas as well such as the under side of the hood, fender humps, and firewall. Most cars leave the factory with just the base coat of paint sprayed to these areas. There is no clear coat to polish. In fact it’s really easy to rub through these areas and reveal primer or metal below. In this circumstance you can skip to using a quality paint sealant to gloss up and protect those areas.
Finishing
Now take a step back and enjoy the sight of a magnificently clean and refreshed engine bay. Granted there are some genuine benefits to this process: fluid leaks are easier to spot and selling a car with a meticulous engine bay can be far easier.
In the end though, gearheads and detailers alike will tell you that a detailed car will run better and happily take care of its owner in return. While that may be superstitious, I’d like to think the car gods smile down on those of us who look after our vehicles.
As a prior ASE certified Professional Repair Technician turned Professional Automotive Detailer, Terry knows thing or two about the automotive industry. He’s a true automotive enthusiast at heart and enjoys writing about and sharing his passion with others.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Engine Detailing: Keep Your Motor Running Smoothly
Engine detailing is an essential part of car maintenance that is often overlooked. Detailing the engine not only improves the overall appearance of the vehicle, but it also helps to keep the motor running smoothly. A clean engine runs cooler, lasts longer, and is easier to work on.
To help car owners keep their engines in top condition, this article provides a step-by-step guide to engine detailing . The guide covers everything from preparing the engine for cleaning to protecting the engine after it has been detailed. It also includes tips and tricks for achieving a professional-looking finish.
Whether you are a seasoned car enthusiast or a novice, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to keep your engine running smoothly and looking great. By following the step-by-step instructions and using the recommended products, you can ensure that your engine is always in top condition.
Table of Contents
Understanding Engine Detailing
Engine detailing is a process of cleaning and maintaining the engine bay of a vehicle. It involves both regular maintenance and deep cleaning to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Car detailing is an essential part of maintaining a vehicle, and engine detailing is no exception.
Regular maintenance of the engine bay includes cleaning the engine, checking the oil, and inspecting the belts and hoses. This helps to prevent any potential issues that may arise from dirt and debris buildup. Regular maintenance also helps to identify any potential problems before they become more significant issues.
Deep cleaning of the engine bay involves removing all dirt, grease, and grime from the engine and surrounding components. This can be done by using a combination of compressed air, brushes, and degreasers. It is important to use the correct products and techniques to avoid damaging any of the components in the engine bay.
Maintaining a clean engine bay not only helps to keep the engine running smoothly but also improves the overall appearance of the vehicle. A clean engine bay can make a significant difference in the resale value of a vehicle.
In summary, engine detailing is an essential part of car maintenance. Regular maintenance and deep cleaning of the engine bay can help to prevent potential issues and keep the engine running smoothly. It is important to use the correct products and techniques to avoid any damage to the engine or surrounding components.
Essential Equipment for Engine Detailing
When it comes to engine detailing, having the right equipment is crucial. Here are some essential items to have on hand:
- Degreaser: This is used to break down and remove grease and grime from the engine. It’s important to choose a degreaser that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
- Detailing Clay: This is used to remove contaminants from the surface of the engine. It’s important to use a clay bar that is specifically designed for engines.
- Microfiber Towels: These are used for wiping down and drying the engine. Microfiber towels are gentle on the surface and won’t scratch or damage it.
- Polisher: A polisher is used to remove scratches and swirl marks from the engine. It’s important to choose a polisher that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
- Car Wax: This is used to protect the surface of the engine from dirt and debris. It’s important to choose a wax that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: This is used to clean the engine bay and other areas of the car. It’s important to choose a cleaner that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
- Wheel Cleaner: This is used to clean the wheels and tires. It’s important to choose a cleaner that is safe for your wheels and won’t damage any components.
- Tire Shine: This is used to give the tires a shiny, new look. It’s important to choose a shine that is safe for your tires and won’t damage any components.
- Vacuum: This is used to remove dirt and debris from the engine bay. It’s important to choose a vacuum that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
- Power Washer: This is used to clean the engine bay and other areas of the car. It’s important to choose a power washer that is safe for your engine and won’t damage any components.
By having these essential items on hand, you’ll be able to properly clean and detail your engine without causing any damage to the components.
Preparation for Engine Detailing
Before getting started with engine detailing, it is important to prepare the necessary tools and materials. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and efficiently.
The following items are recommended for engine detailing:
- Engine degreaser: This is used to remove grease and grime from the engine and its components.
- Detailing brushes: These are used to scrub and clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Microfiber towels: These are used to wipe down and dry the engine components.
- Plastic bags: These are used to cover sensitive electrical components to prevent water damage.
- Water source: A hose or pressure washer can be used to rinse off the engine.
- Protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses are recommended to protect the skin and eyes from chemicals and debris.
Before starting the engine detailing process, it is important to wash the wheels and tires first. This will prevent any dirt or debris from splashing onto the clean engine components during the rinsing process. A wheel cleaner can be used to remove brake dust and grime from the wheels, and a tire dressing or tire shine can be applied to the tires for a polished look.
Once the wheels and tires are clean, the engine can be rinsed with water to remove any loose debris. It is important to avoid spraying water directly onto sensitive electrical components, which can be covered with plastic bags to protect them from water damage.
With the necessary tools and materials prepared, the engine detailing process can begin.
Steps to Detail Your Engine
Keeping your engine clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure its longevity and smooth operation. Here are the steps you can follow to detail your engine:
- Preparation: Before you start, make sure your engine is cool. If it’s hot, wait until it cools down to avoid damaging the engine or yourself. Cover any sensitive electronic components with plastic bags or aluminum foil to prevent water damage.
- Degreasing: Apply a high-quality engine degreaser to the engine bay and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to agitate the dirt and grime, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas. Rinse off the degreaser with a pressure washer or hose.
- Cleaning: Use an all-purpose cleaner to clean the engine bay thoroughly. Spray the cleaner on the engine and surrounding areas, and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime. Rinse off the cleaner with a pressure washer or hose.
- Drying: Dry the engine bay with a clean microfiber towel or chamois. Make sure to dry all the nooks and crannies to prevent water spots.
- Polishing: Apply a high-quality metal polish to any chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel surfaces in the engine bay. Use a microfiber towel to buff the surfaces to a high shine.
- Waxing: Apply a layer of wax or sealant to the painted surfaces in the engine bay. This will provide a layer of protection against dirt, grime, and UV rays.
By following these steps, you can keep your engine looking and running smoothly for years to come.
Preventing Costly Repairs Through Detailing
Regular engine detailing can help prevent costly repairs down the road. By keeping the engine clean and free of debris, you can help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few ways that engine detailing can help prevent costly repairs:
- Preventing corrosion: Dirt and grime can build up on the engine over time, causing corrosion and rust. Regular detailing can help prevent this by removing dirt and grime before it has a chance to cause damage.
- Maintaining proper airflow: A dirty engine can restrict airflow, which can cause it to overheat. Regular detailing can help ensure that air can flow freely through the engine, preventing overheating and other problems.
- Identifying potential problems: When you detail your engine, you have the opportunity to inspect it closely for any signs of wear or damage. By catching these problems early, you can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly down the road.
- Improving fuel efficiency: A clean engine runs more efficiently, which can help improve fuel efficiency and save you money on gas.
Overall, regular engine detailing is an important part of keeping your vehicle running smoothly and preventing costly repairs. By taking the time to clean and inspect your engine, you can help ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engine detailing is an important aspect of maintaining a vehicle’s overall appearance and performance. It involves cleaning and restoring the engine bay, including the engine itself and all its components.
To detail an engine, one should start by ensuring that the engine is cool and removing any debris with a vacuum or brush. Next, a degreasing spray and water-free rags or bristle brush should be used to clean the engine bay. After allowing the degreaser to sink in for a few minutes, the grease can be scrubbed away with a rag or brush.
Once the engine is clean, a protectant can be applied to all the rubber hoses and plastic parts to prevent them from drying out and cracking. It is important to choose a protectant that is safe for use on engine components.
Overall, engine detailing should be done regularly to keep the engine running smoothly and looking its best. By following the steps outlined in this guide, anyone can detail their engine like a pro.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Engine Detailing: Keep Your Motor Running Smoothly
