Cleaning Engine Bay

e90Noobie · 02-29-2020, 11:38 AM

I'm sure there are threads about this but at least it provides the forum some life. Anyways, my engine bay is friggen filthy and I want to clean it so badly but I'm afraid to. I'm afraid of shorting my injectors and corroding or shorting other electronics in the engine bay by hosing everything off. I see people online with rusted out fuel line nuts and it's gross! I was thinking of paying to have the top and bottom of the engine steam cleaned somewhere but I'm sure they'll charge me some ridicules amount of money. Any ideas of how to safely clean this engine bay? I've been told to just use a rag but that's not going to cut it. I need to CLEAN this engine.

apexit4 · 02-29-2020, 05:53 PM

The simple solution to this would be to follow the general cleaning steps people have already outlined online (i.e. covering the alternator, other sensitive electrical components, etc). Once done cleaning, either leave the engine idling or take it out for an extended drive. Build some heat so that any of the remaining water burns off/dries off.

RED-d · 03-17-2020, 11:49 PM

I would follow the above but spray WD40 on injectors before and after cleaning.

BB_cuda · 03-19-2020, 10:42 PM

hot soapy water in a pot and a sponge. I'd wring out the sponge well and minimize the water. I've read too many stories of people spraying it and then problems starting. sponge and wipe. Yes, it will take for ever but do you want to go chase problems? I have just stayed after mine on a normal basis so it can't get bad.

02-29-2020, 11:38 AM	#1
e90Noobie Private First Class 16 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Nunya iTrader: (0)	Cleaning Engine Bay I'm sure there are threads about this but at least it provides the forum some life. Anyways, my engine bay is friggen filthy and I want to clean it so badly but I'm afraid to. I'm afraid of shorting my injectors and corroding or shorting other electronics in the engine bay by hosing everything off. I see people online with rusted out fuel line nuts and it's gross! I was thinking of paying to have the top and bottom of the engine steam cleaned somewhere but I'm sure they'll charge me some ridicules amount of money. Any ideas of how to safely clean this engine bay? I've been told to just use a rag but that's not going to cut it. I need to CLEAN this engine.
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02-29-2020, 05:53 PM	#2
apexit4 Major 1231 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 335D M-Sport, X5D Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	The simple solution to this would be to follow the general cleaning steps people have already outlined online (i.e. covering the alternator, other sensitive electrical components, etc). Once done cleaning, either leave the engine idling or take it out for an extended drive. Build some heat so that any of the remaining water burns off/dries off.
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03-17-2020, 11:49 PM	#3
RED-d Private First Class 27 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Sport, Tuned Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: SWFL iTrader: (0)	I would follow the above but spray WD40 on injectors before and after cleaning.
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03-19-2020, 10:42 PM	#4
BB_cuda Brigadier General 765 Rep 3,556 Posts Drives: 2011 335D Msport, 2013 X5D Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Clear Lake, Texas iTrader: (0)	hot soapy water in a pot and a sponge. I'd wring out the sponge well and minimize the water. I've read too many stories of people spraying it and then problems starting. sponge and wipe. Yes, it will take for ever but do you want to go chase problems? I have just stayed after mine on a normal basis so it can't get bad.
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