Hi,

I just bought a 2004 Discovery S, and I'm looking for all the ways I can clean it up, as thoroughly as possible (I'm fastidious about these things..).

One thing I'd love to do is clean the engine and everything under the hood, but I've never done that before and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about the best way to do this (and especially what NOT to do).

For instance, can I spray in there with a pressure washer? Can I use a steam cleaner? Detergents?

Thanks as always for your help!

 

Engine degreaser = OK
Pressure washer = OK if you're careful (avoid clusters of wires, fuse box, etc)
Steam = NOT OK. Steam will get into places water can't.

 

I use de-greaser and pressure washer. careful where you spray.

 

Toothpicks and q tips

 

I just used some foaming de greaser, worked well with pressure rinse

 

I have used Meguires All Purpose Cleaner (APC) and Super Clean to clean the engine bay. I also used a wheel brush to disloge the dirt. http://www.autogeek.net/auto-wheel-brush.html for the caked on oil I used a stiff nylon bristle brush. I used a garden hose to rinse everything off.

 

Just did some clean-up in the engine bay, and underneath, yesterday. Tried Simple Green Motorsport Cleaner and Degreaser for the first time, worked pretty well. Just read that I could have diluted it, good to know- for next time. Have spent hours in the past chasing electrical 'ghosts' after water cleaning an engine, will stay away from that, especially on an engine that's still new to me.

 

Use two cans of degreaser. I like Gunk and 3M.
Get to the self car wash.
Wait 10 mins for the engine to cool off.
Spray Gunk cleaner all onto the greasy areas.
Avoid the exhaust manifold.

Put in the coins or tokens.

Go to SOAP.

Clean it all up with high pressure.

Avoid spraying / flooding the intake manifold.
I had no issues.

Put on the cute spark plug booties from NAPA.

Here is my Discovery 2 years ago when I cleaned the engine in Boulder Colorado at the Arapahoe car wash near the golf course

 

.......I'll add toothbrush.


But to answer OP's question I like to use a few cans of Gunk. Two should be good.

 

What do the cute spark plug booties do for you?