Dirty Engine/Engine compartment

[Turok]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site.. I've always been a toprotege member, but moved on to the Mazda 3 a couple of years ago and I now own a 2007 MS3 and was told this site would suite me better.

So.. my MS3 is 2 yrs old now and the engine compartment is getting kinda dirty.. I've wipes down what I can, but it still looks pretty dirty.. grit/road silt etc..

Does anyone know what key parts I need to cover? Obviously the Alternator, Fusebox, Battery and any electronics/connectors.

What about the IC? Is that safe to spray degreaser on? should it be covered? Any other parts in the MS3 which should be covered?


Any advice would be helpful.


Thanks,
Adam

[Aitch]

I don't own an MS3 but my '07 sedan is the second car I've repeatedly washed the engine bay on, without covering any wires. I'm without a hose at the moment so the rinsing had to be done by hand (negating the worry of shooting high pressure water on the electronics) and I just take care with not soaking things too much.

1. Spray Simple Green degreaser everywhere, just sparingly on exposed wires and connectors. Get the underside of the hood too. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Scrub the surfaces as well to break up any tougher dirt. Either using a low-pressure hose (and low flow rate) or sponge, rinse off the degreaser. Repeat as necessary.
3. After everything has dried, spray some Armor All plastic protectant on all plastic/rubber surfaces (can include hoses too). Wipe off excess.

Done!

http://i40.tinypic.com/2mfdcw3.jpg

[skunk2]

Aitch that engine bay looks good.

[Aitch]

Thanks! After I painted the engine cover I had to get it cleaned up lol. Very happy how my quick method gets things clean.

[freddymak18]

great little guide aitch, i didn't know what products to buy. lol

[aris]

http://www.eshine.ca/How_To_Wash_An_Engine_Bay.htm

[dentinger]

1) spray engine degreaser
2) hose off. hose/pressure washer/watever
3) done.

[DESTROYER]

Great info guys. Will keep that in mind if my engine ever gets dirty... LOL

Aitch, where do you store your car and what does the one you actually drive look like! JJ. It looks brand new! Nice job man.

[yearoftherat]

I'm going to have to tackle the engine compartment soon...thx for the info.

[Aitch]

Great info guys. Will keep that in mind if my engine ever gets dirty... LOL

Aitch, where do you store your car and what does the one you actually drive look like! JJ. It looks brand new! Nice job man.

My car lives outside, and gets driven every day. I normally only post pics when it is in top condition lol. Although when you get close you can see it has stone chips everywhere.

The worst it has ever been (this took two back-to-back washings to be cleaned right):

http://i44.tinypic.com/fkxjxk.jpg

[mazdas3sporte]

lol its a mazda not a ferrari, dont take it too hard with the cleaning guys, than if something happens to ur car ur gonna be even more pissed, just drive the car and keep the interior clean

[yearoftherat]

Thats one dirty car...still looks good !!!

[DruidB]

i wash underhood every time i was the car... i use an old mit and regular carwash soap.. then rinse... i also wash inside each wheelwell

[aris]

lol its a mazda not a ferrari, dont take it too hard with the cleaning guys, than if something happens to ur car ur gonna be even more pissed, just drive the car and keep the interior clean

Just cause it's a mazda does not mean it should be dirty..if you feel that your engine bay should not be cleaned cause it's not a ferrari then don't clean it...:loco

[victor_t]

hey aitch, what is that bar that connects your two strut mounts, inside the engine bay?

[MAZDA Kitten]

thats a strut bar

[pearl3]

thats really clean bro...keep it up~

[Aitch]

hey aitch, what is that bar that connects your two strut mounts, inside the engine bay?

Yep, G-Force strut tower bar from Rick's Garage16 group buy.

[yearoftherat]

Bought Simply Green Degreaser Max. diluted it 1:1, sprayed, scrubbed, rinsed, protectant. Nice and clean now!!

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k22/cjlee9/My%20Car/IMG_0751.jpg

[hhusada]

do i have to cover the alternator or not? I am afraid to spray it with water and something happen with the wiring or electric part. And car will not allow me to start ...I am doom

[aris]

do i have to cover the alternator or not? I am afraid to spray it with water and something happen with the wiring or electric part. And car will not allow me to start ...I am doom

Not real...just try not to spray it