I wanna hose down and clean the engine. What to use and how to do it the right way? Thanks.

 

http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...detailing.html

 

This is what I do twice a year, takes 15 mins;

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...38&postcount=1

 

I'll be honest with you ... in the 'old days' when it was mostly a distributer cap and such under hood I would take GUNK and a hose to a warm engine.

But today, with dozens of connectors and computers and modules and stuff that don't like water ... I'm just not happy with hosing down the engine compartment.

So, lately I've taken to using my air compressor to blow away dust and stuff ... a small California duster for the tough stuff ... then some carefully applied detail spray and terry towel for any grease or oil spots. Lastly I use some tire protection spray for the plastic and rubber parts. (I use the same stuff for the plastic fender liners too.)

The engine compartment may not be hospital shiny clean but at least I'm not worried about water getting where it doesn't belong.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it

 

I try to do this every month. I just get a few rags soaked in hot water and just wipe down the inside of the engine compartment. I try to get every nook and cranny.

 

Some APC and the water hose set on mist with a brush to agitate the dirt will work fine

 

+1

 

Have hosed down engine bay a few times now .. APC and a brush to shift the gunk and then make sure engine is warm and running and hose down ... just use your common sense , if you think it not good idea to drown a connector or certain areas in water .. dont .. never had a problem ...

 

why should the engine be running?

 

I use a power washer and some detergent, never had a problem.

I don't leave the engine running, but start it up straight after and leave running until dry.