[er1k024]

I know that while cleaning an engine you need to cover up some parts that are not meant to be covered in water, and I know that depending on the engine these parts can be in different areas. But what is it that is needed to be covered? How do you cover it?

Thank you.

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

Some will argue it's not needed but I take precautions and cover:

Alternator
Starter
Air intake
Fuse box (older vehicles pn;y)
Distributor

I use either the plastic bags used to bag your groceries or shower caps

[er1k024]

Thanks, just what I was looking for.

[m4gician]

If you're insistent on using a pressure washer, this is what I would cover...

Battery terminals,
Air Intake/MAF,
Alternator,
Distrubitor

Any exposed or weak electric parts would be covered up with a plastic bag and some elastic bands.

From there go nuts with a degreaser, soak, scrub, rinse and and dry and dress.

[Denzil]

It might be a more expensive option but aluminum foil will work pretty well too.

[supercharged]

Originally Posted by MotorCity

Some will argue it's not needed but I take precautions and cover:

Alternator
Starter
Air intake
Fuse box (older vehicles pn;y)
Distributor

I use either the plastic bags used to bag your groceries or shower caps

yep, I also cover up the fans...

[littlemissGTO]

What's wrong with using a spray bottle (with your favorite cleaner) and a toothbrush to clean the worst places and then use a water bottle with water in it to rinse? At least that way you wouldn't have to worry about shorting anything out.

I've been fortunate enough to encounter cars with relatively clean engine bays so a wipe down with spray and wipe usually cleans everything up nicely.

[ZeroGravity]

Originally Posted by littlemissGTO

What's wrong with using a spray bottle (with your favorite cleaner) and a toothbrush to clean the worst places and then use a water bottle with water in it to rinse? At least that way you wouldn't have to worry about shorting anything out.

This is what I am planning on doing for my own vehicles. I haven't tried it yet.

But the trouble in my case is, I would have to take the car to the car wash, let the engine cool down somewhat. Get the car in the car wash during a time when it is not busy. And then start cleaning using their soap and such for the rest of the car. And use my own cleaners for the engine and tires. Which could take quite a while to do. Then drive back home. Clean it again with ONR. Then start with the polish and such.

I suppose if I go the spray bottles route, I can have card board pieces to absorb up the drippings from the engine detail. But can't really do the same for the wheels since the amount of water involved will be a lot more.

How do the DIYers (i.e. don't have their own cleaning facilities) in Calgary do their details?

[FMJ]

Originally Posted by Denzil

It might be a more expensive option but aluminum foil will work pretty well too.

maybe cling wrap would work nice too, like the hard to rearch edge area...

[bryansbestwax]

Originally Posted by FMJ

maybe cling wrap would work nice too, like the hard to rearch edge area...

Foil is the best as you can shape it and it won't blow off. Then it comes off easy when you are finished. Cling wrap may melt as you should warm the engine up before starting to loosen the grease.