Cleaning under the bonnet

Jimothy · Unread post by **Jimothy** » 26 Sep 2010, 09:48

Hi all,

the van needs a few things doing to it (filter changes, fluids renewing, that kind of thing) but under the bonnet is filthy, and I'm just wondering what the best way of cleaning all those nooks and crannies is so as to avoid contamination whilst carrying out servicing.

cheers,
Jim

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 26 Sep 2010, 09:54

Can you get a pump spray bottle from Wurth (the bottle with solvent proof seals, not the degreaser pump bottle), and a litre of brake cleaner? Lay old newspaper underneath while you do this, and avoid risk of fire - brake cleaner is quite flammable.

Brake cleaner will remove the loose soot and oil/grease while evaporating fast. Afterwards, you might use regular water-soluble degreaser - but be sure to (a.) wash it off fully and (b.) keep it out of spark plug wells, distributor caps, alternator bodies etc.

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 26 Sep 2010, 11:41

Thruppy had some sort of solution to get off the grime and stuff. Can't quite remember what it was.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 26 Sep 2010, 12:12

Can't see a solution in Thruppy's posts but Paraffin/White Spirit would and does work.
Steam clean maybe - OK on a hot engine with the electronics protected.
As long as it is a steam clean and not a jetwash

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 26 Sep 2010, 13:20

He told me about it at the Stratford rally.

Jimothy · Unread post by **Jimothy** » 26 Sep 2010, 13:28

myglaren wrote:Paraffin/White Spirit would and does work.

Is that safe to use near rubber tubes etc.? i know some solvents are liable to make such materials brittle...

Unread post by **myglaren** » 26 Sep 2010, 13:46

Jimothy wrote:
myglaren wrote:Paraffin/White Spirit would and does work.
Is that safe to use near rubber tubes etc.? i know some solvents are liable to make such materials brittle...

In the short term, yes. As long as they are wiped down they should be fine.

evilally · Unread post by **evilally** » 26 Sep 2010, 20:02

I've used Autoglym Machine Cleaner in the past with good results. Cover any electrical items, alternator etc with a plastic bag. Work in a small area at a time. Apply machine cleaner liberally and leave it to soak for a few minutes. Agitate with the brush and then rinse with the skooshy bottle. It's also safe to use on all materials under the bonnet.

vince · Unread post by **vince** » 27 Sep 2010, 22:48

Jim, short of buying anything fancy for the task...get 2 rags...one wet and one dry. scrub with the wet one and then dry with the dry one. Once youve got round everywhere then clean up the plastics with
£2.50 tyre shine from Tesco and your done

Wont be mint but will be alot cleaner

Brigsygtt · Unread post by **Brigsygtt** » 28 Sep 2010, 13:19

Any water based cleaner/degreaser will do, fine brush to work it in, hose off as necessary. Keep away from electrics/airbox.