Recently picked up a 2004 WRX Wagon as my daily run around, Although having full service history with the car, the engine was looking like it had seen better days. So being bored & looking for something to do over the festive time off, i decided to degrease the bay & jet wash it down, finished with some back to black. I know it's not a show finish example & no where near as clean as some of the other cars on here but i'm happy with the results - need a new header tank now as it stands out like a sore thumb!
Before:


After:

 

Looks good that fella, massive improvement

 

looks loads better

 

Looks loads better that mate, just wish it had stopped raining at all up here to be outside.

 

Great transformation there. What did you use?

 

Mine could do with a degrease, im just scared of sticking a hose over the engine lol

 

+1 want to do mine but scared those engine bay down even if i covered any electrics i could see i wud still be worried of f##kin something up lol

 

I used Gunk engine degreaser diluted slightly in a spray bottle, sprayed on to everything, agitated with a wheel cleaning brush, started engine, jet washed entire bay, then sprayed again with Muc off & jet washed again. Left engine to idle until dry, wiped all plastic trim with some back to black stuff that i found lurking at the back of the garage.
Not very special i know but at least i can now see the engine

 

The great thing is once its been cleaned properly, its easy to keep on top of.
Anyone not happy to use a hose...watering can or cloths will do a decent job, just takes longer.

 

Looks alot better. Did you just cover the battery while cleaning it?

 

No i just avoided jetting any obvious electrical parts. These engines are well protected anyway, all connectors etc, are rubber sealed anyway.

 

Looks great i did mine with a hose pipe no problems, Bit worrying when i started it and the engine was steaming lol, But all ok once dry

 

did you cover the alternator?

 

No, just stayed away from it with the jet washer.

 

Looks exactly the same as mine on the before picture, same rusted/corroded header tank too lol

Fantastic job though mate, looks loads better

 

Cool.

Good job on the cleaning

 

Top job Buddy!

 

Cheers guys.

 

Do you need to cover the intercooler at all?

 

No, it will be fine mate.

 

Nice work there well worth the effort put in.