Cleaning The Engine Compartment

[Art]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best/safest method to clean the XC's engine bay? With past vehicles, I've usually had it done by detailers, but I'm not sure if it's okay to treat the XC in the same manner. Are there sensitive components that may be damaged as a result of being to overzealous? http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[lsokol]

This might be  a stupid question, but why is it good to clean the engine compartment?

[Art]

Yea, come to think of it, it does seem a bit anal, but when you think about the amount of time and energy we spend on our car's exteriors/interiors, why not put some of it towards what's under the hood? Just a thought. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[coastal]

I usually get the dealer to do mine as it's part of the included service. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

On the VW's I use Gunk Engine Cleaner. Works very well, but I think it might be a bit harsh for the XC's engine bay with all the plastics.

Anyone know if there's problem areas of the engine in terms of water seepage on the XC? For instance, I know that on most older cars, when washing the engine bay you should cover the distributor.

[Pastor John]

I just use the spray at the local coin-operated car wash to clean my engine.  I live just a few blocks away, so the engine does not get really warmed up (worried a little about condensation in electrics).  As soon as I'm finished, to avoid condensation I start the engine and let it idle while I clean the rest of the car.

Works good for me...

John

[Hiro's XC]

The best bet it to clean it every time you wash the car. Then you don't have to clean it with anything harsh. Just water. Or some 409 or similar cleaner. Just check the cleaner for marking on Aluminum components. Some oxidize. Just a light spray is all that's needed. I then use LEXOL's Vynalex (sp) in a mist to coat all the plastic components (lightly). Run the car for 10 minutes and leave the heat dry it out. Looks stellar. Don't use armor all. It has chemicals that draw the polymers apart in plastics and rubber destroying it in the long run. Griots products, zymol, and some higher end stuff are great.

Jason

[sendwongy1]

hey guys,

When I get my car serviced by the dealer, they used to clean the engine bay for me everytime.  However, they dont do it anymore because it's supposely causes some of the parts in the engine bay to deteriorate.  What about using degreso and a pressure hose to clean the engine?

Eugene

[Art]

Thanks for the advice guys. I had the dealer wash the bay during my last service.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

My greatest concern in doing it myself was having water contact some of the more sensitive electrical components. Figured I'd let the dealer worry about that.  http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[1Lieutenant]

I have had great luck using a product called Simple Green.  It is non toxic and gentle to plastics.  I make sure the engine is cold (I do not want to hose down a hot engine with cold water) and spray the dirty areas.  I let it sit for a few minutes and use a stiff bristle parts cleaning brush to clean dirtier areas. I then hose down the engine with a very light spray.  I try to stay away from belts, alternator, and other electrical systems.  These I clean with a damp towel.

Finally, I dry the engine as much as possible with towels.

This system has worked well for many cars with no subsequent problems.

Steve

[Hiro's XC]

Good advice. If you just don't use a full force hose aimer into the fues box, the alternater and the relays you will be fine. They are designed for a wet enviroment and should be ok. If you do it ofter enough you don't need an type o nasty degreaser. The dealer was using that kind of product and thats why they don't do it any longer. Also it is time consuming and they got cheap. There is no need if you are careful to cover stuff with plastic like I have seen some do. That's overkill. A cool enginge is ok, just don't spray the turbo and the exhaust components with ice cold water when the car is real hot. You COULD damage something.

Jason