Phil got a question about engine bay

[Yuppie]

I bought the adam's detailing kit I believe MSRP is 150? if that helps which kit it is. I want to know is there anything in there I could use or any other product I can use to clean the engine bay? I have a 01 S4 and the engine bay seems to be dirty and would like to know if you can give me some steps how to go about cleaning it. I do not want to start and end up messing somthing up.

Thanks,

[daves4izzle]

Yuppie,

I took a look at the kit that you purchased, and it does not come with a cleaner that is suitable for degreasing an engine.

Basically I have used Simple Green, 303 Aerospace Cleaner, and a citrus-based engine degreaser all with similar results. The Simple Green and the 303 worked much better than the degreaser.

What you want to do is spray the entire engine bay down with the cleaner that you decide to use. After you spray the motor down, start the motor up and let it idle for a few minutes until it becomes warm to the touch, but not hot. You should be able to rest your hand on it comfortably. Leave the motor running while you rinse the engine bay down just in case you mess something up, the motor will tell you and you can shut the motor off and stop rinsing. I recommend using the hose with no attachments on the end, just let the water rinse the cleaner off with low pressure.

Once everything is rinsed off, turn the motor off, and use either a shop vac, leaf blower, or compressed air to blow as much water off of the motor and parts as possible. Make special note to blow out all of the connectors, plugs, etc. After everything is dry, you can use the VRT to get all of the big surfaces that are easy to dress, and then use the In & Out Spray to get the hard to reach areas. Wipe the excess off if necessary at the end.

The motor should look fantastic!

[daves4izzle]

Oh, and I know this might seem obvious but do this BEFORE you wash the rest of the car. :)

[Dark 'n' Dirty]

I second that and would only add that you should note where your air filter, alternator, etc. are so you don't get too much water into them. If you have an exposed air filter, you don't want the car sucking in water to the engine.

[daves4izzle]

Ah yes...I'm too used to most people running air boxes...

Definitely cover the filter very cautiously.

[DetailersDomain]

I would use a degreaser like P21S Autowash or Simple Green.

Most would disagree with the Simple Green but I've used it and so far its been okay. My first choice however would be P21S. Expensive but really safe.

Like Dave and Oscar mentioned I would cover all vital areas.

Spray the degreaser on all the covers, tanks, underneath the hood (don't spray the insulation material it can get damaged.)

Use a scrub brush if necessary to loosen up the dirt. Next spray down the engine. Let is dry or wipe the water off with an air compressor or towel. (best to do this when the engine is warm, if not let the engine run a bit so it gets warm.

Okay so here are the steps

1. Have a warm engine (turn off the engine when covering vital parts)
2. Spray down the engine with the degreaswer
3. Scrub if necessary
4. Spray the engine clean
5 Dry down the engine bay and wipe off excess water
6. Dress with a Vinyl Rubber dressing

This should be it, if I missed anything guys or if you want to add something post it.

Here is a link from the site if visuals will help more:
http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/cleaning_motor.cfm