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      10-06-2013, 09:04 AM   #1
jpwbrown
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dirty engine fix?

I looked under the hood and I noticed engine compartment was very dirty/dusty, how or should I clean it? I live in a very dusty area, lots of dust storms in the summer.
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      10-06-2013, 10:05 AM   #2
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Mine was same way, Idaho has lots of dust storms. I used our shop hotsy pressure washer. Its low pressure 1500 psi but with heat. Heats melts the grime, low pressure makes it safe. Then I used compressed air to dry, some will disapprove but I don't like dirty engine.
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      10-06-2013, 11:52 AM   #3
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I just used diluted simple green. Use a small brush on stuff that I can reach. Then a garden hose with a "shower" sprayer head to hose it off...being careful to stay away from the alternator and any electronics. Dry it off with a towel on anything that you can get to. Dry the rest off by taking a 30minutes or so drive.
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      10-06-2013, 12:04 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XMetal View Post
I just used diluted simple green. Use a small brush on stuff that I can reach. Then a garden hose with a "shower" sprayer head to hose it off...being careful to stay away from the alternator and any electronics. Dry it off with a towel on anything that you can get to. Dry the rest off by taking a 30minutes or so drive.
+1

50/50 solution. Rinse before spraying simple green. Let it sit a minute or two and rinse off.
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      10-07-2013, 07:41 AM   #5
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I agree with the simple green. Also be sure not to use armor all or anything like that under the hood, it just attracts dust. If you have something really greasy caked on, brake parts cleaner works pretty good, and won't leave a residue

I would also wash the engine while it's still warm too as others have said. In terms of drying, using a leaf blower works pretty good too.
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      10-07-2013, 08:35 AM   #6
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Google "scrubbing bubbles" and "engine cleaning". Lot's of BMW experience using it.
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      10-07-2013, 12:31 PM   #7
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Someone will scream at me for this , but I just take mine to the local spray-bay carwash and rinse it off. Bring some Simple Green for the really nasty stuff. Never an issue in the 20+ years I've done this. Just don't get too aggressive with it.
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