[johnfinnell]

I'm looking for suggestions for what to use to clean the engine bay and under carriage after parts break. I have some minor leaks from my PSC hydro assist steering lines and I have power steering fluid all over the front axle, bumper, etc. Also, just had the thermostat housing crack and spray coolant everywhere. Is there a degreaser/cleaner that can be used to spray down the engine bay? Want to clean this up before the coolant and power steering fluid corrode everything. TIA.

 

[snout]

I'm not a fan of power washing the engine compartment, but when I need to clean stuff in there, I mix up a 50/50 spray bottle of simple green and reverse-osmosis water.

 

[johnfinnell]

I agree, not wanting to power wash the engine bay, I'll give it a go with your simple green solution and see what happens, thanks.

 

[Fury22]

I usually cover the battery, air intake, fuse box...then spray the compartment with simple green then use the mist setting to rinse it down

 

[floridajpr_8151]

I know this is an old post but I use GUNK Foamy Engine cleaner and although it does leave a kerosine smell for a little while, it cleans the engine compartment very well. I do cover my alternater and air intake with a plastic bag when cleaning. Never covered the fuse box and had no problems. Sometimes I also use Engine Brite and that stuff makes your engine compartment glow like brand new. I was told car dealers, new and used, use Engine Brite.

 

[Old Dogger]

I know this is an old post but I use GUNK Foamy Engine cleaner and although it does leave a kerosine smell for a little while, it cleans the engine compartment very well. I do cover my alternater and air intake with a plastic bag when cleaning. Never covered the fuse box and had no problems. Sometimes I also use Engine Brite and that stuff makes your engine compartment glow like brand new. I was told car dealers, new and used, use Engine Brite.

Good idea! Living in Arizona, we have a lot of dust in our environment. I cover the alternator, and air intake also. But I use simple green. Let it soak and then wash it off with a garden hose. Then leave the hood open for the sun to help dry it, and use a leaf blower to remove the excessive water. I have never had a issue in doing this.

 

[Vanhalo]

Lots of crap under my hood that wont like being washed with a pressure washer. I am sure many others are in the same boat.

I might use a steam cleaner in selective areas.

On my TJ I would cover the alternator and other sensitive areas with foil and and spray everything down then come back with armor all.

 

[floridajpr_8151]

You are right! Never use a pressure washer in the engine bay.

 

[GP NOIR]

When using Simple Green, be sure to thoroughly rinse it off. Simple Green is known to cause corrosion on aluminum.

Dirt will stick to power steering fluid and coolant to create a nasty sludge and the fumes stink, but neither will cause corrosion.

 

[demarpaint]

When using Simple Green, be sure to thoroughly rinse it off. Simple Green is known to cause corrosion on aluminum.

Dirt will stick to power steering fluid and coolant to create a nasty sludge and the fumes stink, but neither will cause corrosion.

Yes. I use Simple Green HD Pro, it's purple. It is safe for aluminum. Mix it with 3 parts water, 1 part SGHD Pro, the green can damage or discolor aluminum even if diluted.