This stuff is available from halfords - I'm thinking of trying it but not too sure about spraying the engine with loads of water - I guess its wise to cover up the fuse box - any other areas that should be covered?

should the engine be kept running when washing it down?

 

Its not a good idea to get too much water around the electrical components, although most should be pretty well sealed against water ingress. Gunk is very expensive. Best bet is to go to a motor factors and buy a gallon of engine de-greaser ( various manufacturers do it ). It is water soluble, and any crap just needs hosing off, unless well ground in. Work in with a brush, and power wash off if really bad. A gallon cost about £10, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than any gunk will from halfords.

 

Take great care when adding water to the engine bay.

The chief mechanic I knew at a dealer used to refuse to have it done by his people because of the problem risk.

So, I normally buy the spray on Halfords type cleaner and wipe off with lots of cloths soaked in a bucket of water. Means its a faff but you can work on one area at a time without firing water in any dodgy bits.

Still means you can clean the bay.

 

Has anyone hosed of such cleaner and had any problems? Should I leave the engine running while hosing it off?

 

Used to clean my last engine bay with Gunk and I must say it is very good at getting **** off of everything! down side is it will make it horrid smell for a while....

It isn't expensive from halfords and one can should do a few cleans....

Not sure I would do the scoob though.... there is a pretective laquer on the engine (which is why the dirt clings) and probably best to keep it on or re-apply afterwards... becareful what you spray too....

Personally I would only have someone who has done it before and had no probs after doing it, do it...

 

If you use a pressure washer, avoid the IC or you will spend hours bending the fins back. Avoid the airfilter, if you havent got the standard box. cover the alarm and any other electrics. Other than that, go for it, just don't go really mad with water. Did mine last year, no probs what so ever! Not sure about the running engine though, mine was off!

 

Footnote to my earlier post

Had a Legacy done a few years back at a valeters (while I waited) and it took them (and loads of WD40) half an hour to get it started
again

 

If you use any detergent on your engine bay you may find by winter corrosion setting in on all unpainted parts.


Would suggest leaving it as it is m8. If your still planning to do it then i would use a citrus based cleaner followed by liberal coating of WD40 around all your components.

Having owned and ridden bikes through winter i can definately say that all that gunk around your engine protects it from the sihte salt they spread on the roads.

 

Ive just used some degreaser on an escort engine that im rebuilding... as said you really need to use a pressure washer and then protect the engine after...

David

 

Get some Multiclean from the Wax Wizzard & ask him the best way to clean an engine, also get some of the wax he sprays on afterwards.
If you do it properly your engine bay will look the dogs doodas
Also if you use Gunk take care on Tarmac drives as it eats the tarmac.

Stuart

 

Halfords in Northampton sold a pack of two aerosols labelled CD-2 and with a Turtle Wax sticker on them - about a tenner, I think. One can is a Gunk-like degreaser and once rinsed off with a hose (not jet-wash and put cling film over electrics) squirt it with the can of protective stuff. Comes up a treat. Leave engine off.

Cheers,

Richard.

 

A tip to protect the engine parts from winter corrosion - I use Duck Oil, sprat on or brush on, it does a similar job to WD40 but seems to last longer.

Available at most motor factors. I think there is a website.

 

ive used gunk before, and so far no problems.

when i wash it off, with a light spray of water i have the engine running with the alarm and electrical stuff covered with a small plastic bag.

it does stink for a bit but it does a good job.

it actually leaves a protective film on the components as well i believe.

edited to say i used the spray can, and its not that expensive, £5 ish i think

[Edited by CHRIS_D - 6/30/2002 11:40:35 PM]