How to SAFELY Clean your Cars Engine | Car Detailing Tips and Tricks

[@brucemccoy8359]

Hi I love your videos and watch them for quite a while now I’m a weekend warrior detailer love to work on my car inside and out. Just a quick comment if I could. I have detailed my cars for years and ended up with dry eye , and respiratory problems for not wearing a mask and safety glasses when dealing with chemicals. For what it’s worth I would strongly recommend at least eye and face mask protection especially using the air compressor with super clean The residual chemicals can’t help but fall into the air and eventually into your eyes and lungs. Just my two cents : enjoy your videos , Keep up the great work !! Bruce Toronto Canada

[@williampinchbeck4321]

I use a couple of plastic bags from the grocery store to cover the alternator!!

[@imjoshv]

Great way to do it!

[@Sir_CJ87]

Me too

[@timmy8784]

Same here

[@whitneygebo4036]

Hurry please

[@big-patria-lo3508]

I like it I will try the same thanks for advice 👍🏼

[@seashackf1]

Super clean is not the best to use on an engine. It can corrode aluminum. Other KZbin detailers have long promoted it as safe, but they specifically say on SC website it can corrode. HD Simple Green, the purple stuff, is specifically made to be safe on aluminum.

[@melissasmess2773]

As a auto tech I would advise everyone to not use a water hose, especially a power washer, to clean your engine compartment. It gets into electrical components and wiring connections and causes corrosion and electronics failure. I use brake cleaner for removing leaked oil and blow/wipe off the dust, clean vents.

[@swedishbob_7315]

Yeah I am less worried about the Alt as compared to connections Plus it's Toyota NOT a FORD

[@ArpanMukhopadhyay93]

Thanks!!

[@rikrdostark]

What about steam machine and distilled water?

[@clintsaines9274]

I dunno why anyone would want to do this

[@OK62776]

As an auto tech on the side, and heavy equipment mechanic for the past 10 years. Your car will be fine with water. Iv seen some wash pit guys use over 2k psi all on am engine compartment and computers. I wouldn't recommend it cause you could slice wires but a normal pressure washer and hold it a couple feet away you'll be fine

[@MiataPower96]

Good video, just subbed! Two other tips I would give as well is to cover the intake inlet, especially if its an aftermarket intake, you don't want the ait filter getting soaked. And also make sure the engine has cooled off at least 15-30 min before you start spraying it with water/products. If Im doing a full detail, I usually do interior first to give the engine time to cool, then the engine detail, then the exterior detail

[@2down4up]

I’m sure I’m going to get a ton of flack for what I’m about to say but, well, here goes. Yes you want to avoid absolutely blasting the alternator continuously with direct high pressure water but that same thing can be said for all the components on the belt drive and indeed most components in the engine bay. With the exception of the commutator and brushes, the alternator really isn’t any more susceptible to water damage then anything else. I’m sure there are a few exceptions but every alternator I’m aware of uses sealed ball bearings, and all the internal electrical parts like the rectifier and voltage regulator are sealed. There are probably some older vehicles with alternators where this isn’t true but I’m unaware of any in the last 15 or so years. Granted I’m not an expert on every single alternator made and used by every single brand on all the various engines so there’s probably a few exceptions but I doubt many. Considering most manufacturers mount the alternator down low in the engine bay where it may or may not be covered, they clearly aren’t overly concerned with it getting wet either. Road spray has all kinds of granulate and other chemicals in it and generally speaking the alternator doesn’t care. Yes caution should be exercised when pressure washing around the alternator but really no more then any other belt component. If the vehicle is in bad shape or old or has very high mileage then many seals in connectors and bearings may be more susceptible to water damage but again that doesn’t really apply specifically to the alternator. Now bring on all the comments about how I’m wrong and have no idea what I’m talking about.

[@chrissands6332]

You are correct! There is no need for covering the alternator

[@richardwanamaker9080]

@@chrissands6332 makes ocd people feel better.

[@2Shine55]

Hi Josh! Thanks for this video! I've been really intimidated doing an engine detail. Your videos are very informative and straight to the point! Keep up the great work!

[@fireball7671]

I keep a roll of Saran wrap for items like the alternator. I use it for all kinds of things in my shop. It's a pretty cheap handy thing to have around. Great video man!

[@imjoshv]

That’s a great idea!

[@freshcoastdrifttracks6074]

Just be careful if the engine is hot...

[@richardwanamaker9080]

I place a paper towel on the the alternator then mold a piece of tinfoil over that. Or you could use a cloth under the tinfoil. Works great.

[@marks-7736]

Would a shower cap do well

[@Xxshadowman11xX]

Couple other things to note for detailing engine compartments. 1. If you have a cold air intake (cone air filter) obviously cover that too. You don't want to water log your engine. 2. Solvent based dressings can also interact with some of the hoses and plastics in your engine bay - some don't play nicely and will actually eat away at your plastics and hoses much like wd40 would. Great video!

[@peterrudy9207]

I use biodegradable orange cleaners .

[@A5Skavanger]

So there is no problem getting the battery wet? That’s the main thing that has held me back from cleaning my engine. I’ve seen other videos where they remove it.

[@seashackf1]

No, Doesn’t matter. I’ve had batteries located just in front of the windshield under the hood. Water from rain and washing got them wet all the, never a problem. Batteries still lasted 6-8 years.

[@Jaredius]

As a diy detailer I never bother cleaning my engine compartment…ever. I might wipe down the cover every few years, nothing more. That might change once I get further in to off-roading, but probably not.

[@josephbbc1579]

Awesome video. I’m just too darn afraid to clean under the hood. Maybe one day.

[@gregorybarrera8719]

Tbh the only way to mess it up is to sit there with the water flooding under the hood. You'll be ok. When you drive in the rain some water makes its way to the engine. Cars are designed to withstand some water. I have faith in you.

[@warpig03]

I've washed all my engines and never once had any issues. It's just about educating yourself and using the right tools and technique

[@rickbarg3980]

There’s always a first time

[@fabianamador1658]

Just my opinion from my years auto detailing, I would NEVER USE A POWER WASHER FOR ENGINE CLEANING, way to big of a liability to use water across the engine and battery like that. If your looking for a better way I would definitely recommend steam cleaner and all purpose by hand, takes longer but you won’t mess anything up and a lot less water, remember if you use water once you turn the vehicle on if you don’t leave the hood opened it will start to smoke and some customer HATE THAT !

[@hunterblack6937]

I like your content... thanks. I would highly recommend that you use activated charcoal breather while your atomize your diluted super clean with compressed air tool... at bare minimum hold your breath, never breathe it in...

[@alexsanders8345]

Don’t teach ppl that way! 😢at least disconnect + terminal, cover alternator, intake and other sensitive electronic connections. Corrosion will be soon after spraying this way bro

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

I bet you still wear a covid mask.

[@keith38able]

master tech here, be vigilant of ALL sensor in the engine compartment, just a little water penetration into any sensor while cause a lot of issues

[@johnthorne6942]

Hey Josh. Love your posts!! Lots of great ideas that I use. Thanks for those. I’ve detailed my engine compartment (2011 GMC Sierra 1500). I used ArmourAll foam tire black. Sprayed the compartment, wiped it down and repeated the process. Looked great. Easy to control spray so I didn’t get it where it didn’t belong. Any thoughts, positive or negative would be appreciated. Thanks

[@funkynassau..4881]

On your alternator use a big Baggie..& on fuse box....

[@michaelmartinez6660]

I’ve been getting in deeper than my competition for years now. Well at least that’s what my wife says😂🤷🏼‍♂️

[@ddautodetailing]

I like that air tool. With enough pressure you could probably just use it to clean vs. spraying the engine down with water. Thanks for sharing!

[@ebwholesaler]

Why clean our engine's ourselves when we can have this guy do it for us !...

[@tonymattisson6158]

Great video and many great tips! Just look up Super Clean a little as it's caustic. You had problems with high ph products. See what caustic products does for your material and health. That mist from the air gun I personally would be useing a mouth protection. Especially if you do this often. Sometimes it can be okay and also on the engine bay as it's not so often you do it. Sure caustic products is very effective but they are really harsh sadly. Just a friendly concern especially for your health and getting a foggy mist with harsh products.

[@peterrudy9207]

For engine cleaning I use the biodegradable orange cleaners .

[@seashackf1]

Super clean is not the best to use on an engine. It can corrode aluminum. Other KZbin detailers have long promoted it as safe, but they specifically say on SC website it can corrode. HD Simple Green, the purple stuff, is specifically made to be safe on aluminum.

[@marctrainor5595]

Dude, I love your videos. I also love that blower tool you have to get into the cracks and crevices. I'm only a weekend warrior, but I still like to have good tools when I can allow myself to afford them. I've got a tornador and a good air compressor, so this tool should work great. Thanks again for another fun and informative detailing video. Marc T.

[@forestnfren8146]

holy shit that "special engine cleaning tool" is coating everything around the car lol

[@thatguy7085]

Blow dirt off first

[@steveoatway7001]

NEVER USE A PRESSURE WASHER on a modern computerized engine. You just ensured there will be component breakdowns in the future because you forced water inside connectors which will not dry until it has rusted metal which will cause electric failures. The mild pressure from a garden hose is enough and safe to do even with a spray nozzle.

[@BeingJermaine]

Great video…have you considered using a shower cap on the alternator under the towel?

[@danielarenas8481]

Good idea!

[@dtna]

I would wear eye protection, too.

[@imjoshv]

good idea

[@richsmith3120]

What's the status of your pressure washer and foam cannon give away? Just asking.

[@davidshuberg5427]

Love your channel, very informative for the DIY'er , but haven't seen anything about interior door panel scratch fixes? My wife has long nails and when she opens the door they scratch the plastic. I tried to get her to go with short nails but you can figure what she told me🤣

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

But her a hoopdy to drive that way it won't matter.. Tell her when she develpes respect for a nice vehicle then y'all will get her one.

[@smittyboi1755]

That air tool is the cats meow. Never seen one of those. Going to grab one of those for sure. Thats even good to detail inside the vehicles. The crevices and cracks. Thanks for your videos bro. I've been binge watching your channel the last week. I started detailing cars again the last 5 years. I did it for years. Went to a vocational H.S. for Auto careers, and always loved doing car detailing. That'd was my side hustle on the weekends out of High School. Until I got a job in the body shop. Started cleaning cars and worked all the way up to running the ship. I had a 12 year career in the body shop. Keep uo the great videos Josh. God Bless my boy!!

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

No most batteries get wet from road splatter during a storm.

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

I steam mine. Since electronic ignitions were put in yrs ago, you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping into points and such, so a monthly steam and all is good. Takes me about 5 minutes start to finish. Don’t forget the underneath everyone!

[@heatherprincipe8537]

Can I just use a little dish soap and water mix? I have both both Dawn or lemon Joy to use. And can I use paper towels to wipe stuff down? I don't have a hose or brushes and don't want to have to rinse anything off. I need to take my car to a repair shop and just want to do a wipe down under the hood so thing's can be seen better for the mechanic.

[@timdumoulin2576]

I would do this if my car still had a factory warranty. Always worried a direct water spray will fuck the computer or another expensive component.

[@kyfisher3662]

we cant get 'super clean' in australia, what other products would you recommend instead?

[@what_the_fff]

I've only ever had problems with ford's. Otherwise Ive been pressure washing car engines for 20 years never had a problem. Only 2 F150s, they seem to miss fire if water gets on the topside plugs/wires.

[@A.K.A.AbuKaifAnwar]

Always toyotas used for videos on engine washing. I wonder why!

[@blacktalonalan]

Is it okay to remove the plastic cover for the spark plug coils and use the same methods?

[@Matt_bechillin]

I be too scary to use a pressure washer lol. I use pretty much the same method but a pump sprayer instead of pressure washer.

[@rickbarg3980]

Be careful ,it doesn’t take much moister to cost a pile of money

[@derrickabare9986]

Good video josh . A couple thoughts . I've been detailing both at a dealership and a side business for close to 40 yrs . Have done hundreds of engine bays . I haven't found a need to cover anything. Never have had a issue since the 80s to mid 90s . 80s were Chrysler 4 cylinder distributor and halofict . Chevy with distributor cap in the back and liberty's when the plug boots start going bad .

[@heyyall9037]

Same here! I’ve done it for years also on vehicles that I’ve owned for 5 years plus!

[@rubendelarosa2818]

Great video on engine detailing. Details on how to, we're very well explained, I'm not a complete novice but you showed me the next level to try and DIY my own engine detailing. Thanks !!

[@tsum23]

Thanks so much Josh! I've been watching you for a few months now, and man, the knowledge you give out is so helpful! I'm actually just starting out on my own detailing business and your channel is such a great resource. Hope you keep putting out videos like this with tips and techniques. Thanks man! Wish me luck, and I wish you the best!

[@jrod96819]

Should the Super Clean be diluted even tho the engine is wet?

[@favorbless4340]

I have a Toyota Corolla s 2006 can the engine be washed? And what type of chemicals use to wash the engine? What chemicals use to clean the seat?

[@jvon0311]

Thank you! I cannot believe the amount of videos that do not mention covering the alternator when dealing with the engine bay.

[@mikezupancic2182]

Because it's really not needed. It's literally sitting in the front of an engine bay, that's made to withstand water being introduced.

[@koreywilliams4570]

I cant wait for it to warm back up. My car is filthy

[@derekbittle7114]

Use the Costco tire shine for coating

[@youtubecreatersTJC]

ALTERNATORS ARE TOO EXSPENSIVE TO RISK. WHEN YOU CAN USE A PASTIC GROCERIE BAG. COVER, LIKE PUTTING IN THE BAG. BAG HANDLES BETWEEN ALTERNATER AND ENGINE. TIE THE HANDLES. THEN COVER WITH YOUR TOWEL. HAVE AT IT. Thank You for the video.

[@edwardvasquez218]

I always power wash my motor & my alternater. I put degreaser inside my ALTERNATER & power wash the inside. Let it dry a few minutes. It always starts right up. Ford f150 pickup.

[@toml.8210]

Let's see you detail a 1968 Mustang, instead of a new car. It will take you an hour just to get most of the grease and dirt off, even on a 'clean' engine, and the intake manifold will be another hour or more.

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

Not if you put all the gaskets on correctly during the rebuild.

[@theredscourge]

If you use a light degreaser or heavy soap, close the hood, let it soak for longer, you don't have to do anywhere near as much agitation. Also use a plastic bag on the alternator to be safe. Apparently P21S Total Auto Wash eliminates the need to use a pressure washer or to do any agitation whatsoever, but it's too expensive to expect a non-detailer to buy it.

[@supersignman636]

Great information! Is there a matte water based sprayable dressing that you can recommend? I clicked on the link above but it is a gloss dressing and I'm more of a matte guy. Thanks.

[@freshcoastdrifttracks6074]

Griots makes a matte tire dressing I like to use, only part I don't like is it aerosol.

[@supersignman636]

Awesome, thanks Freshcoast! I'm ordering some on Amazon right now.

[@ericc8275]

What do you suggest for an air compressor for a mobile-based detailer? Something that won't trip a generator or inverter, (less wattage), for example, and still be effective with that long engine nozzle you used. Thanks!

[@EileenTheCr0w]

Most of them will work for this, it's more a matter of how long you can run them for, the smaller the tank the less time you can continuously spray. There are some as small as 1 gallon, but it would probably be refilling constantly and be annoying, 3-5 gallon would be good I think, then you just might prioritize ones with quieter motors. A lot of people like the ridgid 4.5gal 200psi one

[@johnreese3762]

Very well done, both the detailing and the video. Thanks! You didn't even knock the camera over when you were moving around!

[@imjoshv]

Hah thanks. Sometimes I do kick the camera

[@miggi2969]

Hey Josh, Just wondering...Should the battery cables be disconnected?!? Or would it make no difference?

[@dustin3700]

Make sure the cables don't have any exposed copper, it will accelerate corrosion if water gets into the wire insulation. Always check cables for corrosion, if they are clean them and spray with anti corrosion spray or dielectric grease/paste.

[@seashackf1]

Doesn’t matter. I’ve had batteries located just in front of the windshield under the hood. Water from rain and washing got them wet all the, never a problem. Batteries still lasted 6-8 years.

[@drumzguyz]

My car is currently in the shop, after washing my engine. I barely made it...check engine light on...engine back firing ...and loss of power. 😢

[@davestewart9146]

Got to get me one of those tools, great video Josh 👍😁

[@imjoshv]

Thanks 👍

[@peterrudy9207]

You could take the engine cover off [ plastic / rubber ] . I stuff 1-2 microfiber towels into the air intake to be a barrier against water . And I use a piece of heavy plastic / bag to cover fuse box and use two rubber bands to hold down . X-Treme EPDM Bands - Alliance Rubber Co. PO BOX 20950 HOT SPRINGS AR 71903 USA

[@jameshenderson5385]

Can't get Superclean in the uk.😥

[@jimprice-i4w]

Also, once I get to the point where I am going to dry with towels inside the engine bay I actually will take the time to dry off the quarter panels on either side first just to make sure i don't have superclean affecting the paint. Then, I go into the engine bay. I mean I have a couple of clean towels. Why not start off using them on the quarter panels.? I might even use them on the cowling first also if the cowling hasn't had any detail done to it for awhile.

[@PappysCycles]

Bummer, tool is no longer available 😢

[@bartjopling4886]

You do realize that your alternator does get wet when driving in the rain and hitting puddles right. Hell there are some cars with the alt on the bottom of the engine. You can fully submerge an engine and it will still run fine as long as the air breather is above the water. Hear of a snorkel anyone? You will not fry the alt by getting it wet. You are more likely to force water past electrical connectors blowing the water off the engine with the air hose. And you should never immediately start the engine after washing it. That,s the main reason for doing the engine first so it can completely dry just in case water got anywhere it shouldn't have been, worn or broken connector boots etc. Dressing is the lazy way detailer's hide their work. dressing will do nothing but attract more dirt. Shiny does not make clean.

[@seashackf1]

I have been cleaning my engines for 20+ years and never had a problem. I do it a little differently though. I don’t use high pressure and I cover the ignition coils with a plastic bag. I then use a leaf blower to blow out as much water as possible, much more than in the video. Dress it, then let it sit in garage with hood open overnight before running it up to temp. That burns off any water left over so it isn’t there long enough to corrode. Engines bays are made to get wet/damp, but not sit in water, that’s the key.

[@xsqatterx]

you don’t even have to water spray the engine bay lmao just spray whatever chemical, the dirt etc will lift up and you just wipe it down, it does not have to be perfect if your environment is not constantly warm out, if it rains or snows or is cold, just spraying with your chemical, letting it sit for a 30 sec or so then wiping it down would be alot better and safer, also, you can finish it off with a plastic protector

[@DJMEDIC671]

That’s tool looks cool and awesome to use I would be worried about splashing chemicals onto the paint if it is coated/ PPF or wrapped. Just cuz I’m ocd about what chemicals touch the paint

[@rotha2020]

Your video and instruction is fantastics. I love it. Many thanks for your video. I do also have a question for you. How do I clean my diesel BMW engine. Would it be safe the same as cleaning gasoline car. Again Many thanks.

[@Rabbit.760]

For years Ive submerged trucks and jeeps completely in mud and power washed the entire thing, (alternator and all while running) with 0 issues. Alternators are pretty damn water resistant. Im also a detail supervisor at a car wash

[@toml.8210]

Don't expect to make your engine look like a new car's engine, on the first cleaning. You will get some dirt off, but regular cleaning will get it to the point where you will be satisfied and impress the amateurs.

[@dustin3700]

Atomized product especially superclean is a terrible idea in closed spaces and with out a proper respirator, which is why I only used water in my tornadors and now just converted them into just just a blower for carpet and drying panel cracks.

[@Samdigiovanni]

Im not a fan of wetting the battery also

[@Worthrhetime]

That looks great. I not sure I totally got it , how about I swing my truck by and you could clean it up , just so I understand…😊

[@JoeCole12]

I’ve always had good luck using a motorcycle cleaner (S100). I just spray and rinse. I wash under the hood and the big plastics with car wash soap.

[@jontester8920]

If I use chemical guy vrp diluted 5to1 on engine will it make belts sqeek? Thanks

[@thejackofalltrades2692]

Just a tip from an auto tech. Dint soak the motor down and start it and let it run to dry the motor. If there is any connections or wires where water gets in and makes a ground you will short things out instantly. Best thing to do is light use of water and the dry with compressed air or a leaf blower. Just my two cents to keep your insurance claims and costs down.

[@ThekiBoran]

Sounds like a California Air Tools compressor. If so, they're super quiet and durable.

[@reymondrm1828]

Alguien que hablé en español, inglés? Dígale a este mae que me gustan sus videos pero no sé inglés, que si puede poner subtítulos en español, como en otros canales que veo que hablan en inglés, por favor 🤨😅😅

[@TheChillDeadpool]

Don't do this if you have an older car power washer can force water into ports or other electrical places you wouldn't want to get hit by a power washer that is not safe to do High pressure water is just a bad idea in general for engine bays even a garden hose could be bad Plus rust is a big deal too

[@trd4x429]

Thank for the video. There might already be someone with this comment, but I didn’t feel like going through it :) Any thoughts on the “P21s Autowash”? It claims to apply it, let it sit for 1 minute, and use a regular garden hose to rinse it off. No brush, no scrubbing. Thoughts?

[@donschultz7759]

Hey Josh . I have a 2012 Ford fusion. I would do the same on my car in steps plus only covering alternator or is the more things to cover up on the vehicle

[@clevelandhill3138]

I have a 2000 Gmc 3500 hd truck will this process work on my truck ... it has a 7.4 motor

[@jimprice-i4w]

Instead of a towel to cover the alternator I use some foil. Just tear off whatever size sheet I need and I can really fashion it around the alternator. Covers well and then I have little reason to be worried about the water. If you want added protection follow the foil with your cloth.

[@user-ep6wd7ip7v]

Avoid getting water near wiring if you have any open spots loos connections good luck haha so best to not wash your engine at all use air gun some break clean or steam

[@audreywilliams5198]

What else should I cover before spraying everything down?

[@justinbukoski1]

That engine cleaning tool is really great but man you should be wearing a respirator with that thing. You are breathing in a lot of atomized super clean and that is not good for you at all.

[@smokymountainconcealment5356]

How long does the water based dressing last is a question I have. I’ve used ultra black by mequire on outer plastic and it lasted a week tops 😞

[@keithyoung5779]

paint shop tip to wrap and protect things easily.....heavy aluminum foil.

[@zackstaa7826]

Coach Sauers: Take a salt tablet ImJoshV: Grab a microfiber towel

[@maxcichon2557]

...you could have started with the air gun application of de-greaser?

[@return.of.the.nac18]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Question, what size nozzle are you using on the pressure washer?

[@kennylavay8492]

why not just cover the alternator with some kind of plastic bag or tin foil then put the rag over that

[@datsuntoyy]

That little spray tool looks like it would work in a hundred places like around the door hinges and suspention.

[@OBZRV82]

I would cover the alternator as well as fuse boxes and the battery.. Juuuust in case.

[@airzillarocks]

Engine bay is already quite clean, is there a version with a dirty engine...

[@robertf3340]

Great vid Josh. Where abouts in Calif you located?

[@brokenSnake]

Why not use something like carpro multiX?

[@The_Cyberz]

Tip: Make up brushes from the dollar store work great instead of the over priced detailing brushes.

[@imjoshv]

Yah many of the detailing brushes are just taken from the makeup industry. But they are a higher end brush that can withstand some chemicals

[@jerz732]

You are Correct I've been using them for years!

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

I use makeup brushes to detail my Harley.

[@pkt1213]

I am going to have to pick up one of those air guns. That is the only way I am going to get my transaxle without removing it.

[@wavesofkatrina]

what about the link to the air compressor??