Engine Wash / Shampoo / Clean Recommendations

Wizardnet · Feb 26, 2021

I have a 2018 Macan S and I am looking for advice on engine cleaning chemicals. What does everyone recommend or do with their cars, most people scare you because of electronics but I also see many shops offering the service.

I looked at Autoglym spray, Chemical Brothers and etc.....

Thank you

lefizzet · Feb 26, 2021

I use superclean un-diluted sprayed onto various parts of my engine bay, agitate with a brush and then rinse off with a hose. I just try to avoid directly soaking the air intakes. Any car built within the past 2 decades will have no problem with water in the engine bay. All important components are sealed off.

segascott · Feb 26, 2021

I've got a number of different chemicals in my arsenal, but CD2 Engine Degreaser is pretty darn effective, as well as good 'ol Meguiar's APC and Meguiar's Super Degreaser (in varying dilutions) depending on how greasy things are. It's a good idea to have a separate set of detailing brushes for engine bay. You don't need fancy brushes, cheapo paintbrushes at different lengths and widths are pretty clutch. After spraying your chemical of choice, agitate with the cheapie brushes and then gently rinse - I use a small pump sprayer for for that. Easy to modulate, and won't flood anything in the engine bay.

Finally apply dressing of choice - CD2 also makes a great engine bay detailer, but there are a TON of options here. Meguiar's Hyper Dressing, Griot's Engine Bay Detailer, it's kind of hard to go wrong with any of these (though I'd stay away from classic Armor All, a little too greasy for me).

dtrykow · Feb 26, 2021

I was brought up using Fantastic or 409. Spray on then agitate the heavy areas then hose off. I used to use Simple Green but that pits Aluminum. I wash engine bay twice a year. In the Fall and after Winter. I’m not letting it build up to bad. I’ve found simple household products do a great job for 1/2 the money. Dave T.

///Bruce · Feb 27, 2021

A pressure washer and Simple Green.

LOVMTB · Mar 4, 2021

I’m looking for ideas and opinions on washing the engine in the S.

notmac1 · Mar 4, 2021

I wash my engines regular. You need a couple produce bags to cover the intakes if your car is first generation. The engine cover will lift straight up from the motor. I use 409 as I never really let the motor get too dirty. I don’t like an engine cleaner like Gunk as it leaves an order after rinsing. Do not directly spray the alternator but feel free to rinse throughly. I also wash the hood at the same time. I been doing this for years Porsche, Audi, BMW and more Infiniti included. After wash start the engine you may get some belt squealing which will not last long.
A clean engine runs cooler which in the long run can extend engine life. 😉

LOVMTB · Mar 5, 2021

///Bruce · Mar 4, 2021

Simple Green! Spray it on a cold engine. Let it sit. Pressure wash it off. Spray the engine a second time and start the Macan and let the heat dry off the extra fluids. It'll look like a new detailed engine.

Yadkin · Mar 4, 2021

Cold engine, foaming cleaner safe for plastics, agitate with a paint brush, hose off gently, dry with a leaf blower followed by running the engine and getting it hot.

dtrykow · Mar 4, 2021

Hey is it true that simple green pits aluminum? Like the alternators and cast housings? Dave T.

CSBE · Mar 5, 2021

SG does surface corrode aluminum, but I just looked and they have an aluminum safe version.

notmac1 · Mar 5, 2021

@LOVMTB I would be very careful with a pressure washer in the engine compartment just my opinion.

wspollack · Mar 5, 2021

No experience in any of this, but here's a different point of view (and, IMO, some useful tips):

notmac1 · Mar 6, 2021

This guys a goober. Nice clean battery terminal NOT. I wouldn’t take a lawn mower to him.

shorton335 · Mar 7, 2021

Cover air intakes and alternator with foil. Use hose or pressure washer with a low pressure soap tip (usually black), rinse. Electrical connections can get wet but avoid direct fire. I use P21s total auto wash diluted 6-10:1 in a spray bottle (unless you buy it already diluted). Apply cleaner liberally and let dwell 3-5 minutes and rinse. Very little agitation prior to rinse should be needed, but if it is a variety of EZ detail brush sizes do the trick. Let dry or blow dry (I use a master blaster) then liberally apply 303 Aerospace to all surfaces then close the hood and wait ~30 minutes - it'll level itself out and usually wont need to spread or mop up excess dressing. Super easy!

dtrykow · Mar 7, 2021

Nice job. Dave T.

macgom · May 21, 2021

I have some oil burning smell that is getting worse than before.
Since there is no oil drop on garage floor, I'm thinking that there may be some oil leak or oil drops from oil change, etc... and being burnt on Catalytic converter or something when it gets hot.
I'm thinking about spraying some degreaser on cold engine (of course, cover intake openings with garbage bags) soak up and rinse off with water. Is there anything to watch out for or downside of using degreaser on the engine?
Anyone has done this?

dtrykow · May 21, 2021

Too bad you can’t take the bottom engine cover off. And check for a leak first. David T.

makeadeel · Feb 19, 2023

My OCD is in overdrive because I am taking all the engine compartment covers off to do some work, and the dirt needs to go, including the grit in the vee ove the engine. Has anyone washed their engine with light soap and water (I'll cover the intakes)? Should be OK, but looking for experience here

Engine Wash / Shampoo / Clean Recommendations

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