How to Clean a Car Engine Safely / STEP BY STEP GUIDE

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

🚨 If you love videos like this the don't forget to check out my new channel which is dedicated to teaching you everything you need to know about Car Cleaning. kzbin.info/door/RcnBHHmSSoCVddBC3bI25Q

[@EnthusiastsGarage]

do people really think that engineers don't design under hood components to get wet? modern cars use various seals and gaskets on all electrical connectors and covers. this isn't a tv or an electronic that's in your house that stays warm and dry all the time. car are subject to extreme temperature swings, high humidity, monsoon level rain, and snow/slush that packs under the car. what do think happens under your hood when you drive through a deep puddle and water shoots over the car, does it magically stay out of the engine compartment? just don't flood the engine bay with water and blow it off with a leaf blower or air compressor and you will be fine.

[@Christopher-kj9us]

I don’t trust engineers

[@daneitor97]

It can get wet, but it can’t get pressure washed

[@aesaphyr]

In fairness... old cars are still around and can't be driven though the kind of puddle that would get water onto the electronics. But also, some people would just rather not take risks. My IP68-rated Samsung phone got damp the other day, and everything shorted. It turned out the adhesive had failed because of the heat generated by the processor (thanks for putting Exynos instead of Snapdragon inside the UK model, Samsung). Would hate to find out the hard way that the casing or cover over my car's electronics has failed.

[@Insertnamehere3000]

I suggest you good heat soak. Steam was literally the worse thing he could have done

[@je2338]

Yes but a pressure cleaner could dislodge and force those rubber seals to break, especially when they have hardened. This could cause electrical issues.

[@mariomdv]

I've been washing the engine bays of every single car I've ever owned for the past 35 years and have never had any problems. One exception. My mother's 1989 Peugeot 405 developed a misfire after engine cleaning that took a whole day of driving to clear out. Dealer later told me that it was a common problem. Those cars were bad. Really bad.

[@alex-is4lr]

My father had a 405 mi16 and it was a great car until it wasn’t. Electrical problems galore and good luck fixing issues. Awesome handling car and great fun to drive but sadly electrical issues ruin it

[@karl3927]

Thank you for the video Dave 👍. You're spot on about steam cleaning being a lot slower but safer than a pressure washer.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

It's much slower lol. In the words of Jeremy Clarkson I prefer speed and power lol

[@mmcarspani1623]

the first detailer that uses steam to wash the engine👌👌👌. I was surprised how top detailers pour water on the engine or use foam cannon. In modern cars, there is so much electronics that we can always break something.my Favourite steamer is Polti Vaporetto eco pro😀great job👌

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

To be fair I still use snow foam. Depends on vehicle of course

[@mmcarspani1623]

@@epicautomotivedetailing you are brave🤪👍

[@dalydetailz2120]

I always love the sense of humour you bring to your videos. 100% prefer using steam to clean delicate areas around the cars that I work on.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate. New channel name? ill have to check it out

[@dalydetailz2120]

@@epicautomotivedetailing yeah, I've been doing some filming, but the delete it because I sound like a dick lol

[@elliottquinton2084]

How much do you make a year?

[@Can8ian.]

I detail cars at a used car dealership and cleaning the engine bay used to be my least favorite task but I have discovered the a foam cannon followed by a soft brush and a spray bottle of plain water take care of it pretty fast and no high pressure water hits anything. The highest pressure that hits it is a spray bottle so there is zero risk. I've never used steam. Some engine sensors are very sensitive to temperature (like the IAC inside the air intake) especially quick temperature changes. Steam may not have the pressure to get past wiring seals and such, but it carries risk too.

[@crystalcars5210]

I’ve just gone balls deep in buying a Matrix SO8 steamer to replace my domestic one. It makes the engine bay and door shuts so much easier to clean with the 8bar pressure power.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Nice one be interested to see how that works out

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Brilliant video Dave,that's a idea use the steamer to clean the engine,at a steady pace to use.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Steven 🙏

[@stephenhanford5139]

Awesome information for people scared to do engine bay cleans. I was really worried , but after getting useful info from other detailers & valeters I'm a bit comfier now 👍 aswell as watching all your videos 👌 Can't wait for your product launch.... I will deffo be getting some 😊 Keep up the amazing work Dave . Thanks 🙏

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate that's very kind 🙏🙏

[@paul-fk7de]

This will be a much safer way to clean my engine bay as it has warning labels on it no pressure washer thanks for sharing 👌👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Like anything there is always a risk even with steam cleaning if used incorrectly. But your be surprised how much an engine bay can take before it's dead

[@100GTAGUY]

So I've been sold on steam cleaning for a while now having learned how effective and commonly it is used to clean airplanes, but wasn't sold on investing in industrial grade steamers being that those are a bit too pricey for my personal hobby detailing. However one of these lil steamers may just be in my price range for how often I'd use em, I just have to see where it ships from being across the pond so I'm gonna shop around a bit. I mainly want to move away from using solvents (I primarily use klean strip low voc orderless mineral spirits, doesn't damage cured vehicle paints or resins used in coil windings, doesnt craze or embrittle plastics or rubbers, and it breaks down the nastiest of sludge and grease buildup) and siphon wands, despite how effective they can be as well, runoff containment can be a bit tricky granted not impossible. Though I will admit if I took the time to fully contain all drips, it would be a great solvent used in combo with steam to really break down some sludge. Especially on my two stroke mx bike and old leaky farm truck.

[@dgurevich1]

Steam cleaner is perfect for clearing out small gaps and hard to reach areas. It is great on rubber and of all cleaning methods it leaves the item damn near new.

[@MrLines22]

I've have a classic mini and the previous owner smothered it in wax oil great it has persevered it but how do I get rid of it, have you ever had this.

[@pfmusic1]

Thanks for the tips. I've got a similar steam cleaner but never used on my car. Will give it a go. Thanks

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Patrick

[@marktrower2267]

Another fantastic video Dave. Cleaning products can't wait to see 👍🏼

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Mark I'm working hard to get these ready within next 2 weeks but it's a rough guess

[@eamonkelly2792]

Great video dave, like you said so many people are afraid to go near them, most weeks after clearing my car I just wipe down everything and once in a while I'll get the apc out and give it a better clean, p.s can't wait to see you on tv again tomorrow night

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate. Tomorrow I won't be on it but from episode 3 I feature in pretty much every episode. All new content too. Not sure how much they will show. We filmed some amazing cleans

[@TurboDetailing]

Amazing video! Appreciate it man! I am a detailer myself I will definitely use these tips.

[@bluerineimb1148]

Hi just to say first love your channel been watching for about month.ok first off you use a pet dryer just a tip and it a one purchase but double tool. A wet vac has a blower outlet all you do is fit the pipe in and it blows with loads of power and you can use it as a vac.2 that steamer has gone all down the wing so has the the cleaner so that has made you more work because that wing now needs to be corrected streamer is just to overkill

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Hiya sorry I needed to state this was not a clients car. It's an old import that needed work so basically sat here left for dead and it was horrendous so it wasn't an issue for me to go OTT. All my demo videos just feature cars where I can go a little excessive with water, steam or chemicals 🙏

[@BJA1127]

Did you have to disconnect the battery before using the steam?

[@mze5622]

Hello can you do a video on how to use pressure washer from a bucket containing water? Some houses in london are difficult to connect to. Your content is gold mate!

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yes mate great idea challenge accepted

[@briansymes2936]

great video to understand the ways youre teaching.

[@riderzinc]

What would you recommend on a classic car engine? It’s quite greasy

[@ellcharlotte]

could you make a video on essential tools and products you need to get started on doing a professional job. thank you for another great video!

[@julianfisher6134]

Great & impressive video ! Loved the pun about a Peugeot driver !!!!!!

[@paulcloughton4000]

Great vid with great info, got to love a clean engine bay, your own products sound great👌

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Cheers Paul 😁

[@xHypnoToad]

is it possible to get a decent engine bay clean without a pressure or steam washer?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yes 100% I'm making an in depth video on my new channel all about cleaning by hand

[@fabiang0822]

I owned a 2021 Hybrid would it be the same?

[@erikvadasz7435]

Would you recommend a towel covering a diesel engine itself if it does not have the cover. It basically is bare with no plastic top guard. If it is understandable this way

[@HitchinValeting]

Nice upload and advice, just started doing engine bay cleans again after a few years, many thanks.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate

[@clewis5220]

So pleased you made this video as I’ve been scared of cleaning my engine bay……until now :-)

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate. This is just the basics but for the majority this is all you need to do

[@mann8254]

Great video Dave, totally excited for you on your own products, can't wait to see them in action👏👏💫

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate not long now till it happens

[@InfinityWax]

Great walkthrough Dave 👌🏼

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate 😃

[@davidbarnett8002]

Hi mate im no detailer but looking to buy a steamer for inside what do you recommend and what would use as a prewash

[@simonmarsh5007]

Great video ,it’s one of those jobs which I’m sure a lot of people are worried about ,great help to look at this as have been a bit worried about doing them myself 👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Simon

[@mrlooneycooney8948]

Great video and explanation... However I do have my doubts about it being safer. Electronical contacts nowadays are made 'splashfree', but isn't steam more able to intrude these contactpoints? And since steam is also water...it can oxidate easier. I've used pressurewashers for over 20years now, without any problem and also use steamcleaning in the enginebay, but mostly to remove nasty oily stains etc on the engineblock. Just my 2 cents...you always need to know what you can and cannot do in an enginebay, no matter what method you use 😉

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

to be honest I just foam it up. if its a rubbish car then I tend to give a wide birth

[@adamford871]

Do you have a guide templates to different cleaning packages

[@dragonext2001]

What's your tip for removing excessive burnt oil and power steering fluid buildup?

[@keithgriffin6207]

Love the video For the great information And dos and dont Makes everything a lot easier for everyone

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks Keith. I'm focusing more helping people now. I'm trying to simplify everything for beginners

[@keithgriffin6207]

@@epicautomotivedetailing Seems to me uve been doing that a while now I just think this video will help a lot off people including myself The engine bay is always a tricky place to do beside all the electrical stuff that frightens the crap out of people And to top it all off most people have a household steam cleaner That will work not as good as the pros ones but it all helps Ps looking forward to see what you have coming out

[@stevehobbs6863]

What would you recommend for removing baked on tree sap? Thanks

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Quick hack antibacterial hand gel does the job

[@stevehobbs6863]

Thanks Dave I’ll give it a go 👍

[@decker0373]

Hi Dave, I'm a new subscriber and have been wading through your videos recently. My VW Polo GTi has a battery in the boot so I'm leaning toward a pressure washer clean but wondered, if there are any parts in the bay that I should protect, what are they? Thanks.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

just electricals, and alternator really. Just dont flood it. a good citrus pre wash will eat into the dirt

[@whitezillaa]

is there any cordless steam cleaner?

[@Lookbusybuddy]

How much for a small hatch engine bay 🤔 ive allways wanted a top to bottom clean of my engine bay just to know its atleast been done once.

[@LothianValet]

Fantastic tips and tricks there 👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Cheers mate appreciate it. That Just reminded me to check your video out lol

[@aledhughes1513]

Karcher actually do a brush attachment for the steam cleaner amazing little attachment

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

yeah i got some but couldnt be bothered to use it lol

[@johnspencerspencer7438]

Hi can i picked your youthful brain. What is the best paint cleaner in your experience..60yr old wkend warrior and love your video's..ive advised to put down my much awaited old fusso 99 on clean paint work..thanks john from coventry

[@jeyomcnugget9584]

Hi John from Coventry. Maybe I can help. Before you put your beloved fusso coat on you should make sure you do a thorough wash with a shampoo. Dosnt really matter the brand, just aslong as it’s not a wash and wax one. Needs to be pure shampoo. You should also do a decontamination with tar remover, iron remover and a clay bar if you’re polishing. Hope this helps!

[@johnspencerspencer7438]

@@jeyomcnugget9584 thanks for the advise my friend..while im here can i ask you whats the best pre wash i can use through a pressure bottle id love to use show foam but i have a misses who doesnt get all the stages we go through for perfection..👍👍👍👍👍

[@jeyomcnugget9584]

@@johnspencerspencer7438 there is no best product friend . Just ones you get on good with. I’d probably recommend a citrus pre wash, can be applied through a pump sprayer or similar and has good cleaning power. They are pretty much all the same 😊

[@MS-sy8ls]

“Unless you’re a Peugeot driver” 😂👏🏻

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

True facts right there 🤣

[@onedaystrangerenough]

Great video going to do mine with your new products 😜👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate. Any day now

[@lifeslooker]

Can you use a steamer and degreaser to clean your tyres? Safe to do so?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

It doesn't degrease it very well but it's still possible. I used to use citrus pre wash with steam when I did a car that couldn't be pressure washed

[@lifeslooker]

@@epicautomotivedetailing that's really strange that it doesn't degrease well since I'd of thought the heat and the degrease would really clean up nicely

[@stephenjwprior6358]

Fantástico

[@davidperry8046]

Ty I don’t like to wash my engines so this’ll do nicely

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks David

[@eddiewilson4529]

Great vid , what steam cleaner are you using there ? That is bad ass 👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Karcher sc4. Thanks mate 😃

[@eddiewilson4529]

@@epicautomotivedetailing top man 👍

[@callumkalsi9336]

love thr new logo 😁

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks came up with it myself

[@LouMires]

Great video. Thank you!

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks mate

[@harryblinkhorn2792]

I've just bought the stubby gun do I need adapters to attach so I can rinse the car

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Best thing is to contact a company direct as they sell different ones

[@harryblinkhorn2792]

@@epicautomotivedetailing have done,got what I need

[@donniebowers8969]

Awesome good job and info

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you 🙏

[@matty5057]

Great video! Informative and easy on the eye! 😉

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you 🙏

[@marshallgoldberg8376]

But towards the front of that engine is an aluminum oil filter housing. How do you clean aluminum engine parts without making it worse? I’ve tried many ways and nothing seems to restore aluminum parts.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Normally a good polish is enough to tidy it up 👌

[@TheMilkybarkid69]

l have a " pet dryer " for my motorbike, great bit of kit.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Nice one 👌

[@fabiang0822]

How about for Hybrids?

[@otomoravec1732]

Hahaha, that Peugeot remark killed it 😅

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Love a Peugeot joke lol

[@tuningemporium]

great video mate :)

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

thanks mate

[@tuningemporium]

@@epicautomotivedetailing your videos are always honest advice 👌👌👍

[@David.B.V]

Great job, but i prefeer the tornador.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

I've got one coming

[@adrianfernandez1041]

hello what brand are your sprayers?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

steamer? karcher

[@adrianfernandez1041]

@@epicautomotivedetailing no the hand sprayer you are using, Im struggling with finding good one

[@darrenfish5544]

Need a video of a engine clean with out all the covers on

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yes if I get enough votes for one then 100% I'll go something like a classic car. Covers on or not the process remains the same

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

Suggestion. When using any device that has pressure, wear protective eye glasses.

[@mdh3616]

I tried washing the engine bay :D forgot to cover the alarm and sprayed it with water and it set the alarm off. Couldnt get it to turn off for 15 minutes.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Happens to the best of us 🙏

[@dogsrule4935]

Just disconnect the battery it’ll stop.😂

[@landraandra3105]

BMWs and water are enemies.😂

[@noahark200]

cover the parts with plastic you dont want to mess

[@DetailsNMe]

You can also disconnect the battery

[@anthonywhite721]

Peugeot driver I would say Renault as well

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Lol

[@davidwilliams116]

Let's see you clean a Jaguar V12 engine bay.

[@steorris]

Do the hood? We’re British, bonnet if you please 🤣

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

I'm trying to appeal to the Americans lol. The amount of people who can't understand me is unreal so i'm trying to use some their words. Im caring like that. Also I was shopping in crawley town centre the day before so you can see why the word (the hood) was stuck in my mind 😂

[@steorris]

@@epicautomotivedetailing 👊🏻🤣🤣🤣

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

@The MBOD yeah genius

[@sambishop4720]

If it is a classic car just pressure wash it after covering intake filter. Done it 100 times lol.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

I agree. I had to make this video because i need to share as many methods as possible but yeah i just blast the engine bay now lol

[@simdad8429]

Dave has a thing for camera's #prayfordavescamera

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

lol

[@polarcleankft.6821]

Very simple thing. With dry ice blasting.

[@bakpaowthelegend7828]

Im worry for eccu

[@righteyeblink8996]

1:12 EPIC!!

[@mikeb5981]

I just use a blower to blow it down

[@Qntn_1003]

Thats gonna take you 1Hr to clean it with the steam machine.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yeah personally I'd just pre wash and snow foam to be honest

[@paul-fk7de]

1st can't wait for this 👍👍

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thank you very much. Thank you for your support

[@peterrudy9207]

Safety glasses / goggles or maybe even a face shield

[@Marcony-R2D2]

Only unreliable Peugeot has an engine designed by BMW 😂

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

yes finally after 1 year someone finally got it 👏 😉

[@stevehobbs6863]

👍

[@gordonjackson2832]

Pug’s lol 😂

[@jona_le_mus]

glad to be your 666 like

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

I get paranoid about that lol

[@knoparenSOC1]

👍👍👍😄👌👌👌

[@dr.moustafaibrahim6810]

YoU are doing great job, But it will be greater if you can talk less.

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Thanks I'll remember that. Alternatively please press the mute button to get an alternative viewing experience and press CC 🙂

[@MissionaryForMexico]

BMW a car with many plastic parts under the hood! Buy Mercedes Benz instead!

[@SuperLocoloco69]

Dude you talk too much

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Yea I agree with you

[@vonm282]

What kind of steamer is that where can i get one

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

Karcher sc3 , available everywhere mate

[@mrwyattsl]

How long did this take? Sans talk Just actual time working?

[@epicautomotivedetailing]

I can't remember. It took few hours to film so really I'd say 30-60 mins on average