How to SAFELY Clean your Cars Engine | Car Detailing Tips and Tricks
Cleaning your engine compartment can be scary. Spraying down your engine with water may seem like a terrible idea, but I will show you how you can safely and effectively clean your engine and make it look new. In my professional car detailing business, I do a good amount of engine compartment details. If I know that a customer is getting ready to sell their vehicle I always recommend an engine compartment detail. Being able to pop the hood of your car and have a brand new clean engine to show a potential buyer is much better than showing and engine that is covered in filth. But there are a few precautions you will want to take before diving in to the engine... ENJOY!!!
See the items I use and join the mailing list at: DTLRsupply.com
Products used in this video:
Gloves - amzn.to/3xIego2
Super Clean Degreaser - amzn.to/39iLvFk
Microfiber Towels - amzn.to/3aR59Zw
Applicator Pad - amzn.to/3QhOWMV
Sprayable Dressing - amzn.to/3HeMAKN
Technicians Choice Ceramic Detail Spray - amzn.to/3aOfl4Q
Engine Cleaning Air Tool - amzn.to/3O4PIuM
Brushes:
Boars Hair - amzn.to/3QeLKBV
Soft Synthetic - amzn.to/3Ofzn6V
Wheel Brush - dtlrsupply.com/products/dtlr-...
Time Codes:
0:00 - Engine Compartment Detail
0:24 - Tools and Chemicals for Engine Cleaning
3:24 - What to do before you start
4:12 - How to keep sensitive parts safe
5:02 - Engine Cleaning Process
10:30 - Special Engine Cleaning Tool
14:11 - Dressing the Engine
17:39 - Solvent vs Water Based Dressing
#CarDetailing #EngineDetail #EngineWash
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).
As a auto tech I would advise everyone to not use a water hose, especially a power washer, to clean your engine compartment. It gets into electrical components and wiring connections and causes corrosion and electronics failure. I use brake cleaner for removing leaked oil and blow/wipe off the dust, clean vents.
Yeah I am less worried about the Alt as compared to connections Plus it's Toyota NOT a FORD
Thanks!!
What about steam machine and distilled water?
I dunno why anyone would want to do this
As an auto tech on the side, and heavy equipment mechanic for the past 10 years. Your car will be fine with water. Iv seen some wash pit guys use over 2k psi all on am engine compartment and computers. I wouldn't recommend it cause you could slice wires but a normal pressure washer and hold it a couple feet away you'll be fine
I use a couple of plastic bags from the grocery store to cover the alternator!!
Great way to do it!
Me too
Same here
Hurry please
I like it I will try the same thanks for advice 👍🏼
Hi Josh! Thanks for this video! I've been really intimidated doing an engine detail. Your videos are very informative and straight to the point! Keep up the great work!
You are so cool, brother. Seriously thank you for covering everything. You are valued and familiar with so many people, and saved countless cars! I hope you are treating yourself well
I've washed all my engines and never once had any issues. It's just about educating yourself and using the right tools and technique
I like that air tool. With enough pressure you could probably just use it to clean vs. spraying the engine down with water. Thanks for sharing!
Great video on engine detailing. Details on how to, we're very well explained, I'm not a complete novice but you showed me the next level to try and DIY my own engine detailing. Thanks !!
Good video, just subbed! Two other tips I would give as well is to cover the intake inlet, especially if its an aftermarket intake, you don't want the ait filter getting soaked. And also make sure the engine has cooled off at least 15-30 min before you start spraying it with water/products. If Im doing a full detail, I usually do interior first to give the engine time to cool, then the engine detail, then the exterior detail
that engine cleaning air tool is awesome, I'm definitely getting one.
Thanks so much Josh! I've been watching you for a few months now, and man, the knowledge you give out is so helpful! I'm actually just starting out on my own detailing business and your channel is such a great resource. Hope you keep putting out videos like this with tips and techniques. Thanks man! Wish me luck, and I wish you the best!
love your video i'll be doing this to my wrx i drive it daily want to keep it clean for a very long time
Thanks for the video. Been afraid to attempt it.
That air tool is the cats meow. Never seen one of those. Going to grab one of those for sure. Thats even good to detail inside the vehicles. The crevices and cracks. Thanks for your videos bro. I've been binge watching your channel the last week. I started detailing cars again the last 5 years. I did it for years. Went to a vocational H.S. for Auto careers, and always loved doing car detailing. That'd was my side hustle on the weekends out of High School. Until I got a job in the body shop. Started cleaning cars and worked all the way up to running the ship. I had a 12 year career in the body shop. Keep uo the great videos Josh. God Bless my boy!!
No most batteries get wet from road splatter during a storm.
Hi I love your videos and watch them for quite a while now I’m a weekend warrior detailer love to work on my car inside and out. Just a quick comment if I could. I have detailed my cars for years and ended up with dry eye , and respiratory problems for not wearing a mask and safety glasses when dealing with chemicals. For what it’s worth I would strongly recommend at least eye and face mask protection especially using the air compressor with super clean The residual chemicals can’t help but fall into the air and eventually into your eyes and lungs. Just my two cents : enjoy your videos , Keep up the great work !! Bruce Toronto Canada
Dude, I love your videos. I also love that blower tool you have to get into the cracks and crevices. I'm only a weekend warrior, but I still like to have good tools when I can allow myself to afford them. I've got a tornador and a good air compressor, so this tool should work great. Thanks again for another fun and informative detailing video. Marc T.
Hey Josh. Love your posts!! Lots of great ideas that I use. Thanks for those. I’ve detailed my engine compartment (2011 GMC Sierra 1500). I used ArmourAll foam tire black. Sprayed the compartment, wiped it down and repeated the process. Looked great. Easy to control spray so I didn’t get it where it didn’t belong. Any thoughts, positive or negative would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi, great video, it's full of useful information 😀 well done mate 👍
Why clean our engine's ourselves when we can have this guy do it for us !...
Thank you! I cannot believe the amount of videos that do not mention covering the alternator when dealing with the engine bay.
Because it's really not needed. It's literally sitting in the front of an engine bay, that's made to withstand water being introduced.
Great information/teaching tips!!!
Thanks!
Thx for the tips!
Thanks Josh for this video, really helpful
👍👍👍
Another great video from the hardest working man in the biz.!
Thanks Vince!
Couple other things to note for detailing engine compartments. 1. If you have a cold air intake (cone air filter) obviously cover that too. You don't want to water log your engine. 2. Solvent based dressings can also interact with some of the hoses and plastics in your engine bay - some don't play nicely and will actually eat away at your plastics and hoses much like wd40 would. Great video!
I use biodegradable orange cleaners .
Good hints and methods.
Looks like we clean engines more in the summer time. Four engines in a day! Great information Josh! Appreciate you man!
Thanks again!
Very well done, both the detailing and the video. Thanks! You didn't even knock the camera over when you were moving around!
Hah thanks. Sometimes I do kick the camera
Got to get me one of those tools, great video Josh 👍😁
Thanks 👍
I keep a roll of Saran wrap for items like the alternator. I use it for all kinds of things in my shop. It's a pretty cheap handy thing to have around. Great video man!
That’s a great idea!
Just be careful if the engine is hot...
I place a paper towel on the the alternator then mold a piece of tinfoil over that. Or you could use a cloth under the tinfoil. Works great.
Would a shower cap do well
Awesome video. I’m just too darn afraid to clean under the hood. Maybe one day.
Tbh the only way to mess it up is to sit there with the water flooding under the hood. You'll be ok. When you drive in the rain some water makes its way to the engine. Cars are designed to withstand some water. I have faith in you.
Great video.
Thank you for posting vid,I have this same engine in my wife’s Camry I’ll be sure to do the same as you did thank you 😊
You Bet!
master tech here, be vigilant of ALL sensor in the engine compartment, just a little water penetration into any sensor while cause a lot of issues
Great video! I think I will take advantage of that little tool as it says it can be used with oils and kerosene and such… possibly a great cheap undercoating tool to apply under my truck for us up here in the salt areas!! Keep up the incredible work!! 🤙
Hi Josh, just watched this video, how to clean the engine safely, which I think I can work myself to do it. My concern was, what else to cover besides the alternator. But I see now that, that is it. Great helpful video...oh and I subscribed as well.
Great video! Amazing content, taking notes from all your vids lol
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video! What brand and model electric pressure washer are you using? I noticed it shuts off or at least stops pumping when you release trigger.
Thanks for the tips, I need to do this to my Grand Cherokee! I've seen someone use a plastic bag to wrap the alternator, I might use both
Same. Recently had the engine oil cooler housing replaced bc it was leaking oil and it’s all over the place
great video, a question for you? do you do anything different or use a different chemical for vehicles with rustproofing under the hood?
THANK YOU. For not being afraid of actually spraying the engine. Your video has to be the easiest way of cleaning the engine. Great good. Also another thing people fail to realize is cleaning your radiator is a huge difference maker, since it catches all the grime, dirt, bugs, everything.
Love your channel, very informative for the DIY'er , but haven't seen anything about interior door panel scratch fixes? My wife has long nails and when she opens the door they scratch the plastic. I tried to get her to go with short nails but you can figure what she told me🤣
Thanks for all the tips and tricks! After watching this, I just want to take my car to you for the cleanup. Not that I'm lazy (ok a bit) but I think my car would be cleaned thoroughly in your hands. Lol 😂
This is exactly what I was looking for. Question, what size nozzle are you using on the pressure washer?
There are only 2 pages I watch the commercials for. You are 1 of them
Your video and instruction is fantastics. I love it. Many thanks for your video. I do also have a question for you. How do I clean my diesel BMW engine. Would it be safe the same as cleaning gasoline car. Again Many thanks.
Great tips and tricks! I've been gearing up to clean my truck engine after doing some offroading. Got all the supplies ready last week for the weekend and ended up breaking my collarbone Saturday. Guess il just binge re-watch all your videos in my downtime. Also just got the M8sV2 with your coupon code. I haven't got to use it yet so hopefuly I heal soon so i can do some polishing. Keep the videos coming and thanks for the honest content and great reviews👌
Oh man thats rough. Heal up fast!!
That cover with the toyota emblem that covers the valve cover comes off very easy.
Great job josh! Im a firm believer of clean engine bay. I feel engine runs cooler!👍
Thank you!
It doesn’t
@@scottw595 come on! Let us think we're doing something here!🙂
@@richardwanamaker9080 ok it does.
@@scottw595it is easier to work on clean parts and spot leaks though.
That’s tool looks cool and awesome to use I would be worried about splashing chemicals onto the paint if it is coated/ PPF or wrapped. Just cuz I’m ocd about what chemicals touch the paint
Hey Josh . I have a 2012 Ford fusion. I would do the same on my car in steps plus only covering alternator or is the more things to cover up on the vehicle
Great video and many great tips! Just look up Super Clean a little as it's caustic. You had problems with high ph products. See what caustic products does for your material and health. That mist from the air gun I personally would be useing a mouth protection. Especially if you do this often. Sometimes it can be okay and also on the engine bay as it's not so often you do it. Sure caustic products is very effective but they are really harsh sadly. Just a friendly concern especially for your health and getting a foggy mist with harsh products.
For engine cleaning I use the biodegradable orange cleaners .
Super clean is not the best to use on an engine. It can corrode aluminum. Other KZhead detailers have long promoted it as safe, but they specifically say on SC website it can corrode. HD Simple Green, the purple stuff, is specifically made to be safe on aluminum.
Great vid Josh. Where abouts in Calif you located?
I like your content... thanks. I would highly recommend that you use activated charcoal breather while your atomize your diluted super clean with compressed air tool... at bare minimum hold your breath, never breathe it in...
Hi JoshV one question to clean my hybrid engine on my Camry what’s an easy way to give it a quick detail? Let me know thanks
Thank for the video. There might already be someone with this comment, but I didn’t feel like going through it :) Any thoughts on the “P21s Autowash”? It claims to apply it, let it sit for 1 minute, and use a regular garden hose to rinse it off. No brush, no scrubbing. Thoughts?
Josh - Nice tips. I’ve been using aluminum foil over the alternator, major electrical components. It’s nice because you can mold it around various shapes and tight spaces, doesn’t absorb water. As I’m still new to professional cleaning, I’ve been tweaking my work flow. What are your thoughts on starting on the engine bay, interior, wheels, exterior, tires and engine dressing. The logic is that engine and interior have the most time to dry. Thanks for content and response.
Common sense 🤙🏼
Can the degreaser be use on the seats of the car?
Just curious if you have to take special care around hybrid components?
Would you recommend ceramic coating the paint and plastics in the engine bay on a brand new vehicle? Would the heat destroy the coating? I would like to do it if would help keep the engine clean, but don't want to if it won't last.
Use the Costco tire shine for coating
I’ve always had good luck using a motorcycle cleaner (S100). I just spray and rinse. I wash under the hood and the big plastics with car wash soap.
Awesome.
If you use a light degreaser or heavy soap, close the hood, let it soak for longer, you don't have to do anywhere near as much agitation. Also use a plastic bag on the alternator to be safe. Apparently P21S Total Auto Wash eliminates the need to use a pressure washer or to do any agitation whatsoever, but it's too expensive to expect a non-detailer to buy it.
You rock !!!
I have a Toyota Corolla s 2006 can the engine be washed? And what type of chemicals use to wash the engine? What chemicals use to clean the seat?
How long does the water based dressing last is a question I have. I’ve used ultra black by mequire on outer plastic and it lasted a week tops 😞
I used muriatic accid work 100 %
What's the status of your pressure washer and foam cannon give away? Just asking.
On your alternator use a big Baggie..& on fuse box....
Hey where about in California you work out of like to know good work great job and idea’s
I’m sure I’m going to get a ton of flack for what I’m about to say but, well, here goes. Yes you want to avoid absolutely blasting the alternator continuously with direct high pressure water but that same thing can be said for all the components on the belt drive and indeed most components in the engine bay. With the exception of the commutator and brushes, the alternator really isn’t any more susceptible to water damage then anything else. I’m sure there are a few exceptions but every alternator I’m aware of uses sealed ball bearings, and all the internal electrical parts like the rectifier and voltage regulator are sealed. There are probably some older vehicles with alternators where this isn’t true but I’m unaware of any in the last 15 or so years. Granted I’m not an expert on every single alternator made and used by every single brand on all the various engines so there’s probably a few exceptions but I doubt many. Considering most manufacturers mount the alternator down low in the engine bay where it may or may not be covered, they clearly aren’t overly concerned with it getting wet either. Road spray has all kinds of granulate and other chemicals in it and generally speaking the alternator doesn’t care. Yes caution should be exercised when pressure washing around the alternator but really no more then any other belt component. If the vehicle is in bad shape or old or has very high mileage then many seals in connectors and bearings may be more susceptible to water damage but again that doesn’t really apply specifically to the alternator. Now bring on all the comments about how I’m wrong and have no idea what I’m talking about.
You are correct! There is no need for covering the alternator
@@chrissands6332 makes ocd people feel better.
Good video josh . A couple thoughts . I've been detailing both at a dealership and a side business for close to 40 yrs . Have done hundreds of engine bays . I haven't found a need to cover anything. Never have had a issue since the 80s to mid 90s . 80s were Chrysler 4 cylinder distributor and halofict . Chevy with distributor cap in the back and liberty's when the plug boots start going bad .
Same here! I’ve done it for years also on vehicles that I’ve owned for 5 years plus!
What pressure washer do you have? It sounds nice & quiet 😮🤔
we cant get 'super clean' in australia, what other products would you recommend instead?
How about the computer Does it matter if it gets wet nice video 💯
Where do you give description of tools used so we can purchase?
Great information! Is there a matte water based sprayable dressing that you can recommend? I clicked on the link above but it is a gloss dressing and I'm more of a matte guy. Thanks.
Griots makes a matte tire dressing I like to use, only part I don't like is it aerosol.
Awesome, thanks Freshcoast! I'm ordering some on Amazon right now.
What do you suggest for an air compressor for a mobile-based detailer? Something that won't trip a generator or inverter, (less wattage), for example, and still be effective with that long engine nozzle you used. Thanks!
Most of them will work for this, it's more a matter of how long you can run them for, the smaller the tank the less time you can continuously spray. There are some as small as 1 gallon, but it would probably be refilling constantly and be annoying, 3-5 gallon would be good I think, then you just might prioritize ones with quieter motors. A lot of people like the ridgid 4.5gal 200psi one
If I use chemical guy vrp diluted 5to1 on engine will it make belts sqeek? Thanks
Water base dressing ? What brands are out there ? One that you use.
I have a 2000 Gmc 3500 hd truck will this process work on my truck ... it has a 7.4 motor
What air compressor do you use? Thanks.
Atomized product especially superclean is a terrible idea in closed spaces and with out a proper respirator, which is why I only used water in my tornadors and now just converted them into just just a blower for carpet and drying panel cracks.
I don't use any dressing. Will it made the plastic parts fade without it?
Hello there, I truly appreciate all your videos, they help an old school retired guy that used Meguiars cleaner wax back in the day to navigate the confusing world of auto detail products. I would love to see your review of DR BEASLEY'S NSP Z1. Thanks!!! 😎👍
Instead of a towel to cover the alternator I use some foil. Just tear off whatever size sheet I need and I can really fashion it around the alternator. Covers well and then I have little reason to be worried about the water. If you want added protection follow the foil with your cloth.
Great
You could take the engine cover off [ plastic / rubber ] . I stuff 1-2 microfiber towels into the air intake to be a barrier against water . And I use a piece of heavy plastic / bag to cover fuse box and use two rubber bands to hold down . X-Treme EPDM Bands - Alliance Rubber Co. PO BOX 20950 HOT SPRINGS AR 71903 USA
I always power wash my motor & my alternater. I put degreaser inside my ALTERNATER & power wash the inside. Let it dry a few minutes. It always starts right up. Ford f150 pickup.
Sweet! Perfect timing I am thinking about cleaning my engine bay and JoshV uploads! 👊🏼
👍👍👍
Also, once I get to the point where I am going to dry with towels inside the engine bay I actually will take the time to dry off the quarter panels on either side first just to make sure i don't have superclean affecting the paint. Then, I go into the engine bay. I mean I have a couple of clean towels. Why not start off using them on the quarter panels.? I might even use them on the cowling first also if the cowling hasn't had any detail done to it for awhile.
For years Ive submerged trucks and jeeps completely in mud and power washed the entire thing, (alternator and all while running) with 0 issues. Alternators are pretty damn water resistant. Im also a detail supervisor at a car wash
I've only ever had problems with ford's. Otherwise Ive been pressure washing car engines for 20 years never had a problem. Only 2 F150s, they seem to miss fire if water gets on the topside plugs/wires.
Can you make your next video about how to make the best car wash soap please 🥺 thanks
yea im working on that!!!
I would cover the alternator as well as fuse boxes and the battery.. Juuuust in case.
Luv your videos very informative 2 Questions Would it be beneficial to disconnect the battery? Also would steaming the engine be a faster and safer way ?
If you are concerned about arcing a 12v battery, then water does not have enough conductivity. You shouldn't spray water on the battery as it can very likely have acid on the top and water alone doesn't neutralized it enough, so it can spray back to you and burn your skin/face/eyes; the acid can also splash around and degrade hoses, wires, belts, etc. The battery should be wiped (not flooded) with a base mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize or check if there's acid on top of the battery, then the battery can me wiped with soap and water; the battery should be disconnected for these steps. Is it safe to use steam to clean the engine? The answer is yes and no. Yes you are using less "water" in the form of vapor but if you stay too long and too close in one area around cables and connections then the vapor will enter places where water would have never been able to even if flooding the area and this will lead to corrosion. Using a sprayer is safer than steam, but steaming will be faster but a greater risk. Talking about "safe", it wasn't mentioned on the video, but gloves and safety glasses should be worn specially when dealing with battery acid.
@@Centaur008 thx for great info👍👍
How would you approach cleaning an engine bay that the battery is uncovered I noticed that one the terminals are covered with plastic tops but a lot of cars there not
No need to cover or worry. The plastic cap on the positive terminal is to prevent grounding to metals
Purchasing the Engine Cleaning Gun!
I have been cleaning my engines for 20+ years and never had a problem. I do it a little differently though. I don’t use high pressure and I cover the ignition coils with a plastic bag. I then use a leaf blower to blow out as much water as possible, much more than in the video. Dress it, then let it sit in garage with hood open overnight before running it up to temp. That burns off any water left over so it isn’t there long enough to corrode. Engines bays are made to get wet/damp, but not sit in water, that’s the key.
what about the link to the air compressor??