I was wondering if anyone knew of a product or a certain technique to get your engine to be looking like new. I have heard there are ways to make it that way but I dont know them nor do I know anybody that does know them. So... anyone have any secrets to having a clean engine?

 

Brake cleaner, lots of rags, and about 4 hours.

Spray brake cleaner liberally, wipe down, spray again, wipe down, repeat, etc. Rinse with water when done. Tape off any electrical connections before you start and don't get chemicals on your paint. Engine Bright/Engine cleaners suck. Use brake cleaner, it actually works. Some areas will need a bristle brush/SOS pad.

Run your engine for about 10 min when you're finished to burn off any cleaner that falls on your headers.

 

Some brake cleaners can be really damaging to paint, rubber parts, and plastic parts as well. I have used it, but I have also seen it do damage to rubber and cloud plastic. If you want my advise, 50/50 simple green and water. That will lift very heavy dirt and grime and will not harm anything, plus its organic so it's safe to rinse off into the street. Then you can use an engine bay "detailing foam" or something similar to make it pop

 

Agree, I wouldn't go with too harsh of a chemical either. I'm with norcalz28, I too use a 50/50 simple green mix. I also usually try to pick up some inexpensive "Chip" paint brushes. They're great for getting into nooks and crannies. You can also cut the bristles down to make them stiffer for a little heavier cleaning where needed. Also, I feel that resisting the need to get it spotless all in one session helps too. Like if you decide to spend a little while on the motor before you wash it each time, I'm sure that it will start to look good after a couple mild cleanings.

 

I agree with simple green. Gentle cleanser but you may have to use a few times. I placed plastic bags on battery, alternator, ac compressor, etc. Then poured simple green solution on rest of engine and scrubbed off dirt with brush, toothbrush, etc. Last I rubbed in armour all into rubber hoses. Rinsed off with gentle water spray from hose and, let dry for awhile and then ran motor. After I was done, I could see spots that I missed. I feel better doing it this way than with steam cleaner or power washer. How dirty is your bay, got any pics?

 

1) The super fast easy method... Go to the coin op carwash. Use the high pressure soapy mix to blast all the grease and dirt off everything. Set the machine to tires and spray the engine bay again. Follow up afterwards with detailing spray or the super secret "engine shine" you'll find it on the shelf under the name "Tire Foam". Follow the instructions on the can.

2) The car dealership detailing shack method... Spray everything down with a pressure washer. Saturate EVERYTHING in Armor All or the detailing spray of your choice. Let soak, then blow off the excess with compressed air.

3) The scrub all day method. Use engine degreaser for the big stuff. Windex, Simple Green, paper towels, and elbow grease for the little stuff. Mothers Aluminum Polish on all the bare aluminum surfaces. Repaint any chipped, faded, or otherwise beat painted surfaces. Use detailing sprays sparingly since they'll attract dust.