D Car — November 2003

For grime that has accumulated over a long time, a dedicated engine-bay cleaner is available. It works well: spray it on and rinse with water to remove even stubborn oil stains…

To get it clean, scrubbing with a brush and detergent is the most effective method!

If water gets into the alternator, it can cause trouble, so cover it with a plastic bag…

Cover it with tape.

The key precaution is to keep water out of electrical parts. In particular, water entering the alternator or spark-plug wells can prevent the engine from starting or damage the bearings…

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If water enters the spark-plug wells, the engine may not start…

To keep water out, disconnect the cable and seal it with tape.

Waterproof the electrical parts before you begin. For best results, spray on cleaner and let it sit briefly without drying; once the dirt lifts, scrub it with a brush.

Spray engine-bay cleaner. It is best to start with the hard-to-reach areas at the back…

…is a good idea.

Even the underside of the hood can look this clean!

The hood had been completely black, but the original green color is coming back…

…even the lettering is becoming readable again.

Lesson 1

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Use a small nylon brush for recesses and corners…

Scrub with a brush. Brush as much as possible in areas you can reach.

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Once the cleaner has lifted the dirt, spray it off with water…

…and keep them protected.

…then rinse it off before it dries.

Use Simple Green cleaner on the underside of the hood…

Spray on cleaner and brush it in; this can make the paint…

For plastic and rubber parts, use a commercially available…

Spray on protectant and wipe with a towel to bring out a shine…

…and it will shine.

Absorb as much of the remaining water as possible…

This prevents stains and electrical problems.

Supplies and tools used

Easy

Engine bay

KURE Foaming Engine Cleaner. The thick foam lifts heavy grime…

…dedicated cleaner.

KURE

CRC

Foaming Wash Cleaner; Engine Cleaner. Easily cleans dirt in the engine bay!

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Pro Series

Simple Green Automotive Cleaner / Degreaser

Simple Green Automotive. It works on wheels and general car grime. The concentrate is economical when diluted…

It works.

Switch the Simple Green nozzle to mist, spray it on, and leave it for a while so the cleaner can soak into the grime.

After

Just trace the lettering lightly with a cloth and its original white color appears. Be careful not to rub hard, or you could erase the letters.

Look how black the wiped-off towel is! We had no idea this much dirt was there until we started cleaning.

For a major cleaning of the underside of the hood, use a car-wash brush; for smaller areas…

…a nylon wheel brush is handy. Also prepare rags and a bucket.

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