What method does everyone use to clean under the hood? Washing the car today I decided to venture under the hood and was appalled at the sight before me! I was thinking of ordering some Griots engine cleaner but that's a big job for a spray bottle and a rag! Having a e90 does any one remove the hood insulation to clean under it?
I was wondering this as well. I wouldn't feel comfortable hosing the thing down; my car has enough electrical issues as it is.
I've cleaned my engine about once every 5 years or so. I just spritz on a bunch of engine degreaser onto my cold engine using a pump spray bottle, let it sit per the directions then thoroughly rinse using a garden hose with a jet nozzle. Immediately afterward, I take it out for a nice long drive to dry things out. I try not to spray the distributor or air intake too vigorously, but so far every time it has started afterward. Your results (and mine) may vary. As for the bottom of the hood itself ... I've never thought about cleaning there.
Wipe it down each time I wash the car with a damp cloth and use this every other time or so: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product...asic&keyword=engine&sortby=newArrivals&page=1 I don't spray it directly but spray onto a towel. Results are great and this is my daily driver too. As far as the underhood insulation, it doesn't clean very well. I just replaced mine.
Use the pressure car wash I frankly go to the pressure car wash bays, plunk in my $1.50 in quarters, spray everything with the engine/tire cleaner selection, then switch to wash (hi pressure), then to rinse, close up shop and go for a long drive to get everything dry. I do this about every 2-3 years and have never had a problem with any of the many cars I've owned over the past 30 years.
