harry_p1

Ive had my 03 WRX STI PPP afew months now and the engine bay just isnt as it was when i bought it, whats the best and most safe way to clean the engine bay?

totalllama

The way i done it,

Morrisons bag round the alternator,
spray with chosen degreaser,
wait a bit and scrub badly soild bits,
Hose off with water


Rinse and reapeat
Made it look like new

maydew

iTrader: (9)

hi mate i done mine today its an 03 sti with 30k on the clock and never had been cleaned still had all that wax stuck to everythin.i used car plan tetroclean from any motor factors i tried gunk and would not shift the wax,i used a paint brush to apply the tetroclean and washed off using water in a spray bottle its very effective everythin came up like brand new just wish i had taken a before pic now as it was pretty dirty. i have read alot using the above method but down to your own preference really i wouldnt but i aint read anythin bad by using that method show us some before and after pics heres my after
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fleetwood lad 118

Hi mate i can highly recommend you take your car down to scoobyteknix fleetwood & let webby steam clean it,he did my 1994 impreza turbo last week & i can honestly say it looks brand new & it`s nearly 13 years old excellent job.
Neil
ScoobyTeknixUK the North West Subaru Performance Specialists.
tel;01253 871188

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

All I will say is if you get water on your alternator it could lead you to a very big bill for a new one

Tony

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

Only on the newage cars tony!
I can get starters/alternators from TA Spares in Chatham, Kent for around £60 each.

scoobysmiff

iTrader: (2)

Does it have to be a Morrisons bag? i only have a tesco's one are they not as good or will it be suffice for this type of application

Gear Head

iTrader: (2)

I use asda!

pslewis

This has been done a few times and I have yet to beat my method ....

1. Buy 2 Cans of Engine Cleaner from the PoundShop

2. Warm Engine

3. Cover the Intercooler fins with cardboard - bag up the Alarm

4. Spray 1 can all over engine and leave to soak for 1 hour

5. Start Engine and spray the other can all over engine again + surrounding bodywork

6. Get PowerWash out of Garage, should take 20minutes

7. Wash the Engine and Bay - KEEP ENGINE RUNNING!!

8. Close bonnet with engine still running - this gives it a brilliant steam clean

9. Take car for drive

10. Open bonnet and admire the £2 Engine Bay clean that cannot be beaten!

To do anything else is a waste of time and effort IMO

rooferman

iTrader: (6)

Scoobybits do alternators cheaper than that....

Pete

Just drive the thing......lol

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

Hows this for a clean...

before



After



All it took was a whole day with a steam presure washer.

pslewis

A day out of your life??

Imagine your last day on earth, you are given the choice what to do with it - would you choose to clean your engine??

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

Ahhh, but what I did not say was that I did not steam clean it myself. Scoobyclinic mechanic did

pslewis

So, you lost money AND your car for a day??

While the rest of us were enjoying our vehicles

Simon 69

A trifle **** Peter.....

pslewis

I found that Trifle didn't protect as well as something a bit sturdier - but you continue with the sloppy stuff

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

They did it whilst where doing 'some' work on my Impreza.

harry_p1

Cheers all for the replies, will have a go this coming weekend

Shark Man

Alternator is waterproof...well on Classics it is, have YET to find ANY car that has suffered alternator damage from water after pressure washing.

Alarm siren however, is not...cover it!


Mud in alternators on the otherhand...big problem (dries on teh brushes which then stick).


Here's teh proof: 10 year old car, cleaned with degreaser and hot water pressurewasher/steam cleaner, this pic was taken BEFORE any protective laquer was applied (laquer can make dirt shine..so thats cheating )....



f**k-off huge pic here (if your bothered) http://www.nataz.pwp.blueyonder.co.u...neIMG_0510.jpg

Alternator still works too And the fins were bent before cleaning - Main Dealer mechanic used it as a tool tray (although something else to avoid direct aims of the nozzle at close range)

tonybooth

Old Mercedes did not like it First time I have ever had a problem in 20 odd years - Even my Chevette never complained!!

T