Product to clean engine

S

skuz

New member
I'd like some advice about which product to use to clean the engine bay.



Currently I'm using what's left of my Meguiar's extra tough all surface cleaner bottle which IMO did a great job, but it's been discontinued for a while. I happened to buy the last bottle the local store would ever have for my first engine detail.



I'm planning a shopping raid next Tuesday to some stores in the surrounding cities still listing this product as "in stock" on their websites. I'll try to buy as many bottles as I can find or budget allows, whichever comes first.



If they don't have much, which product could I use that are as safe as Meg's Extra ?



I don't have access to a lot of products locally, so a few suggestions would be preferred to increase my chance of finding one.



Thank you.
 
hmmm there's a purple bottle of All purpose cleaner at walmart that some people use... i think the brand is castrol.



if you want to use the web, meg's APC is 15 bucks for a diluteable gallon.
 
Looks like my local Walmart isn't aware of this product. I'd like to order on the web, but the extra profits (read : shipping) really is a form of legal thievery when products are sent to Canada. I can't get Meg's APC locally.



I only had time to visit one city today and managed to find 3 bottles of Meg's Extra. :woohoo:
 
Try some Simple Green, thats what I use and it works great. Never had any problems using it either.

Here is an example of its power. ;)

IMAG0150.jpg


IMAG0197.jpg
 
Another vote for Simple Green for when you run out of Extra. Wash your engine regularly with regular shampoo and it'll hopefully never need any thorough cleaning.
 
For the initial degreasing (usually ten years or older), a strong degreaser like Gunk's Engine Brite works great. The Gel form of it is really wonderful around electrics, because it doesn't get anywhere you don't want it to go.



For newer cars or a mild touch up, simple green is the way to go.



For a basic cleaning for engines that are otherwise very clean, soap and water in a spray bottle work just fine.
 
Simple Green, yes that is available here.



Orange Blast, that one I'm not sure, I think I've seen it before.



I'll check it out when my Extra is depleted.



Thanks a lot guys. If there are more suggestions, bring them on. :)
 
Scottwax said:
I like Greased Lightning's Orange Blast.
Click to expand...



I can graduate to the next detailing level... one of Autopia's living legends and I like the same product..... :D :getdown :bow



Full power it makes short work of the grease.





Alex
 
I also recommend the orange stuff. Even the offbrand you can get for $1 at Dollar Tree. It's the only stuff I use to degrease my bicycle chain, plus it rinses away easy and smells good.
 
Mad iX said:
Another vote for Simple Green for when you run out of Extra. Wash your engine regularly with regular shampoo and it'll hopefully never need any thorough cleaning.
Click to expand...

I used to use Simple Green when it first came out, back in the day. It cleans anything, but leaves residue. The residue attracts twice as much dirt/grime as before, and it's harder to get off. Unless they changed the formula, I would advise against Simple Green. My experience is simple green leaves a residue behind that makes it a dirt magnet.



Peace.
 
I will tell you a Trade Secret Citrus cleaner it does metal brightening and makes rubber nice and black, its great for heavy duty carpet cleaning and Citrus cleaner Contains NO petroleum distillates or chlorinated solvents and eliminates dulling and is an organic solvent. Ideally suited for use on electric motors, electronic equipment and ignition systems if used right. One thing about citrus cleaner make sure it contains at lest 80% "d-Limonene" anything else is to weak for heavy duty cleaning. There is cheap citrus cleaners out there. Look up d-Limonene in a search engine. When you apply d-Limonene (as I call it) it looks like a light weight cleaning agent when you look at it but don’t let it fool you, it’s a great safe solvent cleaner that cleans like nothing else.

I buy d-Limonene Citrus cleaner in a 25 gals container from a chemical Co. some of it I sell to customers. I had been using it for over 15 years.



You’re welcome
 
StudyBuddy said:
What dillution do you guys use with Simple Green? I'd like to use it on my engine bay. What process do you use? Spray on, rinse off? Spray then scrub?
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Hello, Auburn Fan. I would try using 10:1 ratio for the engine. Spray on leave for a few seconds, scrub..then rinse. From what I've heard. Never leave chemical to dry on surface.
 
Hi all, been lurking for awhile and had to join. Wow I've spent many an hour searching and reading already, so much good info!

I'm learning alot about detailing and thought I would share my engine detailing secret.



This is for engines that are only dirty, not covered in a 1" thick layer of grease.



1. Spray entire engine compartment with S100 motorcycle wash/cleaner.

2. Set hose nozzle on jet/sharp stream and blast well, watch dirt run off.

3. Set hose nozzle on shower, rinse thoroughly.

4. Dry.

5. (optional) Apply favorite vinyl/rubber dressing to everything except belts, let sit for a couple of minutes and wipe off excess.

6. Proceed to open hood at every opportunity hoping someone will compliment your clean and shiny engine. :cool:



Did this process to five supras at Supras Invade Las Vegas a couple of years ago, some of these guys weren't even going to open their hoods at the show because they were ashamed of their dirty motor.

What a sight, five supras in driveway and street in various stages of detailing at my house! I didn't think to take pics. :cry:
 
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