How do I clean my engine bay?

[TheV6Bird]

I want to clean my engine bay because its soooo dirty.

My brother has cleaned his 3.8 many times before. He says to leave the engine off, and clean when its cold. He says a hot engine + cold water = damage (block cracking....seems like common sense)

I have a 3.4 though, and it has a distributor, not coil packs. Do I have to cover up my distributor with a plastic bag or something? He doesn't cover anything on his 3.8.

Also, I did a search, and some people say clean it when the engine is RUNNING, or when the engine is hot. I don't know which to do! My brother has been fine cleaning it his way, should I do the same?

Also, I have an oil leak in my passenger side valve cover...is there any chance that water could squeeze its way through during the rinsing process?

Thanks in advance [img]smile.gif[/img]

[3.4 slow to go]

A 3.4 Firebird with distributor?????????? You sure you didn't swipe my motor????

anyway

What are yo planning to clean it with? If spray like gunk engine cleaner, read the directions. If yo really need to get hardcore cleaning, I used a strong concentration of oxyclean before on the 79 T-bird I used to have. SHiz got so hot it burnt my hand, and even bleached a metal bracket before I rinsed it off. :eek:

[ravenp]

I cover my pcm harness and coils with plastic bags... then spray everything with Simple Green, or any good degreaser. Let it sit for 10 mins, then take the hose, high pressure to it... then wipe everything down with a rag to get the stubborn stuff off..

Then get a good engine detailer... the stuff I use is like clear coat for your engine bay... makes everything shine afterwards, not sticky either [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Predator Bird]

i did mine by hand. i took a wet towel and wiped everything down real good. sprayed armor all on q-tips and cleans the rubber pieces (works really well for the intake elbow) and then used simple green on top of the engine. spent about 45 min doing it and it came out pretty nice.

[y87inside]

There is this stuff called CD2 engine cleaner. Its awesome!! It comes in two cans...one as a cleaner....and one as a detailer. Ill see if I can find a link for it. I get mine here on post at the PX.

[y87inside]

Looks like you would have to get it online. Heres the link.... http://midwayautosupply.com/manufact...ine%20Cleaners

It would be well worth it to order. This stuff is like Zaino for your engine compartment.

[TheV6Bird]

Thanks guys, I bought the Gunk Engine Brite. I guess I'll just cover up whatever electronics I have (guess I don't have a distributor ) and follow the directions.

[Loochy88]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by y87inside:
There is this stuff called CD2 engine cleaner. Its awesome!! It comes in two cans...one as a cleaner....and one as a detailer. Ill see if I can find a link for it. I get mine here on post at the PX.<hr></blockquote>


Heh... i got that stuff at kmart. It did work pretty well

[Loochy88]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by y87inside:
There is this stuff called CD2 engine cleaner. Its awesome!! It comes in two cans...one as a cleaner....and one as a detailer. Ill see if I can find a link for it. I get mine here on post at the PX.<hr></blockquote>


Heh... i got that stuff at kmart. It did work pretty well