Engine bay cleaning

Wighty

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Dean Fletcher

Dean Fletcher

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Yeah I'd imagine so, my indy replaced a bust brake pipe 2 weeks ago and replaced it. Why is it supposed to be clear and half full?
Thanks
 

Wighty

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Yeah I'd imagine so, my indy replaced a bust brake pipe 2 weeks ago and replaced it. Why is it supposed to be clear and half full?
Thanks
There will be a marker level on the side of the reservoir , and new brake fluid is not dark unless it's old . It's normally a change every 2-3 years .
 
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Dean Fletcher

Dean Fletcher

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20190304_152034.jpg 20190304_152041.jpg
Just been had a look. The fluid is clear and it seems it's quite full prob over the max level. I live on a hill that's why it looks higher to the right.
 

Bopo

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I've been watching endless Youtube vids on engine detailing, trying to screw up the courage to spray the APC around and give it a light jet wash.

What is putting me off is that you need to cover any sensitive electrical bits before doing this... and I don't know where they are.

I'm not a mechanical numpty, but I'm really struggling to find what, if anything, I would need to cover up with clingfilm, foil etc.

I think part of the problem is that there's so little access around the engine. Should I remove the engine cover(s) to get better access before cleaning?
 

AnthonyUK

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I've been watching endless Youtube vids on engine detailing, trying to screw up the courage to spray the APC around and give it a light jet wash.

What is putting me off is that you need to cover any sensitive electrical bits before doing this... and I don't know where they are.

I'm not a mechanical numpty, but I'm really struggling to find what, if anything, I would need to cover up with clingfilm, foil etc.

I think part of the problem is that there's so little access around the engine. Should I remove the engine cover(s) to get better access before cleaning?

I'd be concerned if the electrical connectors were not water tight tbh. If you clean it and lightly rinse as might be expected from road spray I'm pretty certain it will be OK. I did mine like this without issue but do expect problems if you jet wash at full power into the electrics.

Spray with your cleaner of choice, work in with brushes if needed then rinse off as lightly as you can.
 

Wighty

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I have given the engine a light jet wash in the past , spraying from a distance after using APC or degreasant . One point to watch is the oil filler cap , which can collect water in the rubber seal around it .
If I were you first time , why not leave the cover on which will cover most electrics and concentrate the cleaner around the actual engine bay . Fold a microfibre cloth over the oil filler cap , which will stop water pooling there .
There are people who would never jetwash an engine , I do , but from a distance as more of a mist .
 

peterws1957

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I've been watching endless Youtube vids on engine detailing, trying to screw up the courage to spray the APC around and give it a light jet wash.

What is putting me off is that you need to cover any sensitive electrical bits before doing this... and I don't know where they are.

I'm not a mechanical numpty, but I'm really struggling to find what, if anything, I would need to cover up with clingfilm, foil etc.

I think part of the problem is that there's so little access around the engine. Should I remove the engine cover(s) to get better access before cleaning?
Yes , I must admit to have chickened out on this aspect as well. I restrict engine bay cleaning to waterless wax and and a wipe over. You're bound to get better access for cleaning by removing the engine covers though.
 

Taffy7hfa

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Not one for jet washing under a bonnet myself, as LK, maintenance spray and lots of rags has got to be the way to go, your also more likely to spot potential problems this way, its good preventative maintenance.
 

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Craiglxviii

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If that is ACF50 Jon then top marks. I bought some and fully recommend it.
 

Craiglxviii

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Almost identical then!
 
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Dean Fletcher

Dean Fletcher

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I have given the engine a light jet wash in the past , spraying from a distance after using APC or degreasant . One point to watch is the oil filler cap , which can collect water in the rubber seal around it .
If I were you first time , why not leave the cover on which will cover most electrics and concentrate the cleaner around the actual engine bay . Fold a microfibre cloth over the oil filler cap , which will stop water pooling there .
There are people who would never jetwash an engine , I do , but from a distance as more of a mist .
@Wighty where in the engine bay would I find the ECU plug? The stupid car went into limp mode again this morning but soon as I turned it on and off it's been fine all day. I want to check the plug as last time this happened and the same code came up my Indy said my ECU plug was dirty he cleaned it and it been fine for 6 weeks.
 


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