How To Clean a Dirty Engine Bay!

How To Clean a Dirty Engine Bay!
#carcleaning #cardetailing #detailing #relaxing #satisfying #thedetailgeek #detailgeek

[@CinemaLtd]

It’s hard not to feel like I’m going to mess up something in there if I do this to my car lol

[@justinnolte3205]

If you dont put a bag on your alternator like this guy didnt do there is definitely a chance you will

[@larry365]

Alternator is fine. Half the time they are under the engine getting absolutely blasted with everything. A little bit of water isn't going to harm it. 👍

[@MrQuay03]

Use towel with degreaser to clean where you touch most. I wouldnt want water inside engine bay

[@almeida8x]

Definitely some things that can get messed up. Alternator and ignition coils to name a couple.

[@PitPwny]

Your engine is water proof. What do you think happens when you drive in the rain? Just don’t blast it, directly with a pressure washer.

[@shannonp1656]

Recognized the car from the thumbnail. I appreciate the dedicated engine bay videos in addition to those in full detail videos. These encouraged me to tackle my truck engine myself a while back. Thanks, Mitch!

[@sharkcat8442]

You should've put plastic bag over alternator. I hope it's not fried

[@justinnolte3205]

Thats why most detail shops dont clean engine bays frying the alternator is pretty easy to do.

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

In all his engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals.He uses a blower on any excess water. I didnt always know this but u can buy battery blanket winter x.❤😂

[@100GTAGUY]

​@@justinnolte3205 my alternator sits plumb right behind my flimsy airbox inlet and radiator, thing is drenched every time i drive in rain or snow. Old owner used to have a snorkel kit on it, the mud in the engine bay confirms it was used as intended. They had the sucker submerged deeper than the hood. Ford OEM part number on the alternator, original to the engine from 93. Working just fine and dandy to this day.

[@Andrew-kg9yo]

Electrical engineer here. “Fried” only occurs when there is a short. A short causes damage when the current through some component exceeds that components rating. As long as there is no electric potential in the circuit, as in this case where he disconnected the battery, there won’t be a short, as there is no energy to cause a short. If the circuit remained wet when he reconnected the battery, that could indeed cause a short, but as long as it is dried before reconnecting the battery (as he did) then it should be totally fine.

[@lucadeloddere4062]

@@Andrew-kg9yo exactly my dad has done this for 30 years with water but still with old engines and sport engines blow out water to remove rust. for the rest just dry it out natural cause!

[@danielcercel1665]

If your worried disconnect battery and remove it then after washing and cleaning let it completely dry then connect battery again

[@tjonesauto]

Use the engine cleaner pneumatic gun. It shoots a very fine mist under air pressure to prevent drowning sensitive components. Do while engine's running to quickly evaporate water mist.

[@jamesbudd9987]

Cover your alternator too in plastic!!!

[@YTisDumb]

Not always, but forgetting to dry the sparkplug wells will probably cause a nice misfire for the customer until the water cooks off.

[@davidmorris-fz6ts]

they got seals for a reason my boy

[@josea1531]

I used to do this to and old Toyota Tacoma while the engine was running. Would spray it with Red Hot. Let it sit for ten minutes then blast it with a pressure washer. Never stoped running. Truck was an 80 something

[@lannynavitka8949]

If you have ignition coils that sit in a valley, the seals aren't waterproof and water will make it's way in. On some newer cars, you can't even replace them. Seen so many immaculate engines with corroded ignition coils!!

[@MusawirAttar-kt9tq]

A lot of people are saying that you have to cover your alternator, I don’t know why, but I have been pressure washing my all cars without covering anything, and I have turned the engine on immediately, runs perfect 😅

[@josh2711]

It’s kind of like smoking cigarettes, not everyone gets lung cancer.

[@Josh92SA]

I've heard many stories of people effing up engines for not covering it. Pressure washing most likely won't, but chemicals, specifically something thick like dressing most definitely will clog it up.

[@backintogear9071]

Yea I think it's really older ignition systems that y have to be careful. Pre 80s . I been power washing engines for over a decade and they always start up🤔

[@Bulletz4Breakfast13]

I would cover the alternator and the electrical connectors with plastic wrap, the alternator has air vents in it and if water gets in its toast if you turn it on in a week if water is still inside copper coils and other electrical components when vehicle turns back on. You won't know it's fried till a week or two later. Ask me how I know, people cleaning engine bay brought in their cars on tow truck.

[@gerrymatheson4020]

I don't get all the comments about moisture killing your alternator. How do they survive rainy and slushy weather? Engine bays can get pretty wet. Obviously you don't wanna blast it with a pressure washer or direct hit with a gushing garden hose but water shouldn't kill it.

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Mitch! 👊👍 Appreciate you my friend 🙏

[@TinyBugg7042]

Great video! Is it possible to make one on how to clean and condition the black plastic on the exterior- like the trim on the wheel wells and the bumper? Mine seem so faded after awhile. Thanks ❤

[@joshuadeshesky5498]

Use a torch

[@timex7155]

@@joshuadeshesky5498 like a torch used tosolder copper ?

[@chrisdik5311]

Ι follow you at least 3 or 4 years and you make incredible videos all the time. I can't wait to see the episodes from the new channel too

[@melraine919]

Well done 👏🏼 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@zackgounden7802]

Electricians: Your engine bay cleanings are the reason our business is running strong

[@siradinar]

I'd be afraid of messing up the electrical parts under the hood cleaning it like he did. Don't you need to protect those parts? (Alternator, distributor cap, etc)?

[@justinnolte3205]

Yeo you sure do

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

In all engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals.

[@Leonsmane]

That's the safest but those 3 I would definitely cover 100% I'm sure what he's done is show us the cleanest way but forgetting to mentioned the car has to sit until everything is dry like half the day or so .

[@konradkiebowicz5800]

No, it will remove water. It will evaporate easily.

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

@@Leonsmane Maybe Soo but he hits it w/a blower. Also he turns the heat on 2 dry other parts,seats.Engine bay no exception.🙃😂🤣

[@picassojulien899]

Yea honestly the tech on this car is very outdated but a back up camera heated seats, heated steering wheel for a 09-15 7th gen is really good. Sadly maxima is now discontinued. And yea the leg room is kinda tough in here. You do get power driver and passenger seats tho! And in a base S you get that !

[@LifefeedsonLife]

Funny part is reading the comments. How many “experts” here? I see a lot of hands up!! And you’re mostly wrong. Stupidity runs deep in the auto world for sure

[@joelbuchanan471]

I love it that this is cut from your latest video. This was a dramatic change. Go Mitch. ❤

[@gaelortega7637]

People forget the engine gets wet every time driving through rain, water, snow, mud, etc.

[@shamrockgirlshenanigans3372]

Always love this detail. I wish my local detailers cleaned the engine bay :(

[@ejamoj7484]

Typically unless it's a package deal they won't do it. You have to ask for it as an optional extra. Also, if they still don't offer it then they aren't really detailers, just a car wash or scratch and shine.

[@divinedragoon4743]

Most detailers don't have the proper drainage systems for engine details. Washing off road grime and mud with enviro safe soaps is one thing, but for engine detailing you need to have an oil water separator system as to not contaminate the city and local water systems, this obviously costs extra and also needs to be pumped out regularly, hence why most don't offer or allow it to be done even at self service wash centers.

[@ejamoj7484]

​@@divinedragoon4743From a legal perspective you are correct, but I can safely say that I know detailers who do it anyway.

[@100GTAGUY]

​@@divinedragoon4743 most car washes should already have oil/water separators to begin with, granted other local regulations may be much more laxed (not sure if its a federal regulation atm). But cars in general tend to be oily messes during a wash even if you're not detailing the engine bay. Ever seen the oil slick that forms during an undercarriage wash? Newer cars are generally less leaky, but theres a lot more old/er cars on the road that have been wearing out and leaking. They still gotta get washed, and oil leaks are bound to be rinsed. It would make sense to have a separator system in order to prevent clogs and buildup in your drains/treatment system, as well as preventing environmental contamination.

[@cornerstrike]

I’m still very hesitant to rinse an engine bay with water and soaking the alternator and electrical connections.

[@jayleon89]

Here for the details and the synthwave lol

[@ShalenaRhodes]

My Method of Cleaning the Engine Bay - Disconnect the Wires - I'll use the Pinalen Floral Delight Cleaner, Spray on all 3 Brushes, Agitate - Wipe Off - Apply a Protectant: I'll use the Protectant Air Freshening Spray, and a Microfiber Applicator Pad

[@daddydankmemes6260]

This is probably the safest method. It takes longer than just spraying degreaser and water everywhere but at least you know the you won't break anything

[@hello3483]

i did this for my dads car when i was younger and i didnt know that he had the spark plugs out and so when he put it all together and started it, the engine seized and he made me rebuild his engine and he didnt let me sleep until i was done with it. 2 days later child servies took me away from him and i had to live with my grandparents all because i tried to help him clean his car. then my grandpa was doing maintenance on his car and i cleaned his engine bay too while he was doing an oil change and he also seized his engine too! And well, you know the rest.

[@holo7120]

bro what the hell

[@a012345]

Car killer!

[@user-pqk91918qqk]

What the hell boi

[@clementkaiman6133]

I'm scared l might washing detergent might go in to the holes of engine parts and car might not work 😮

[@jonrenny3107]

Shoulda covered every electrical connection and wire connection to avoid ruining anything….

[@timex7155]

why not just pull the battery ? often times there is a insulated barrier .

[@sloppyjoe1315]

I need to do this thanks for the motivation

[@lovedede2002]

Say goodbye to all your electrical circuits hope the car doesn't start having glitches 😅

[@jamesdelong6401]

Turned out. 👌

[@claud1542]

steam cleaning an engine is the best way to clean an engine.

[@ChanFacets]

I need to clean mine but I'm scared to mess something up

[@PraveenmondoOfficial]

Same

[@cameronward9443]

Engine's aren't protected from the outside, so your engine gets soaked every time you drive in the rain. Just don't use a pressure washer like you see some use.

[@Ricky-pi9kk]

Chill ppl....This not hurting anything let the Pro do His Magic.

[@faridfazileh-kd8vs]

Good job i like it🎉

[@Loveduhmusic]

Definitely should put a warning due to the many electrical components.

[@konradkiebowicz5800]

Wd40 will not affect it, will even remove water.

[@RF-dw8ms]

Wait till you hear about rain 🤣

[@jameshineman3502]

Don't do that to your car.

[@Godsforever1]

once I started having trouble with a car.. later it turned out to be an oxidized with broken forks throttle sensor .. i wonder what caused it... and those guys with computer engine checking told me it was problem with car computer.. until one found the problem.. had to pay $80 though just for him to use his bigger computer and find the problem,,, that was more than 5 years ago

[@josephramirezjr3627]

In other videos people were saying avoid the alternator, this guy didn't......🤷‍♂️

[@jacobclark2975]

What engine de greaser do you use

[@user-wz6fm9fs8g]

Didn’t cover the alternator 😢

[@jrkillerboss5472]

My alternator gave out two weeks later

[@maharaasim6352]

Superb

[@Nick-kk9ei]

Why didn't you cover the alternator?

[@MrAntonio1311]

I tried this a long time ago on a ML and the car died a few blocks from home. Idk what I did wrong but ended up junking it

[@trapphenry]

Do a full video please on this

[@bluzzjazz]

Must protect ALL the electrical connectors or you're asking for trouble later.

[@user-hz7ti2dz3k]

As a mechanic, I can confirm this is the best way to clean an engine, just spray water and degreaser directly on the electronics. I'll see you in a few days 😆

[@maxscriptguru]

The key is low pressure rinse

[@danielcercel1665]

Engines can go completely under water if they have a snorkel a little water don’t do anything

[@shiorywalker7978]

I always worry to do any kind of cleaning like that because maybe I will break a ring or something that it's attached to another thing.... because now they make a lot of fragile plastic pieces 😅

[@hightttech]

From day 1, engineers design cars so that the underhood area, which is loaded with electronics and mechanical assemblies, is protected from the elements. As a mechanic, I highly recommend SATURATING the underhood area with degreasing solvents, detergennts and water. And do it monthly because that's how often I pay my bills 💵😂💰.

[@Shields-swords]

Do you have to pay for your products or do you get it free

[@user-oh5jy7bg4i]

Can you wet the alternator like that? 😳😳

[@WayToManyAssassins]

Good idea using low pressure water to rinse. A lot of idiots throw pressure washers into the engine

[@BC-te9ow]

I would never do that, only because I would screw something up.

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

Yeah some people on here suggested that sometimes their car didn't start when he did the engine bay.whether they were just kidd'g or bein 4 real is anybody's guess.Maybe Y ppl reluctant 2 pay 4 engine bay details. As seen n all his engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals,uses blower 4 any excess water.I dont know how long a car like this would hv 2 sit 2 get thoroughly dry?❤😂 (Tak'g screengrabs #2 of 1)

[@carelbemelman906]

Have you thought of cleaning with dry ice?

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

i feel sorry for the ppl that have to wrench on someone elses grime. even when i get tire work done i take the wheels off and clean them inside and out then haul them to the shop in another vehicle. the mechanics are always giving me complements on having a clean engine. most of the time they think the engine was recently replaced.

[@edufuentes1134]

God bless you bro what degreaser used ?

[@alexbryan7641]

I’m sure he used superclean but any apc will work. Just pick one that’s not too caustic

[@kristianaquillen7931]

I did this when I was 16 with my first vehicle except water got in my spark plugs.

[@dinoocampo4232]

Oh the alternator😢

[@NerdyMeathead]

no covering the alt?

[@muneermehaboob7646]

What color is this !

[@Titanic19127]

Sprayed into the alternator

[@gritskennedy5007]

Uhm pretty certain ya not supposed to clean the engine like that..

[@justinnolte3205]

No its fine but only if you cover the alternator which this guy didnt do so its probably fried

[@justinnolte3205]

Nope thats why most detail shops dont offer engine bay detailing its actual labor to clean an engine with a wet rag like you are supposed to

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

As I've already said a few x's on here,he disconnect the battery terminals on all engine bay details.

[@Late80s]

Cover alternator!!!

[@Bigone818]

Tire cleaner works better

[@tdot3101]

What about rust how can I get rid of rust?

[@isaiasr1228]

Do mine next

[@jameslennard4062]

Nobody talking about water in the intake?

[@MNIGN56]

What was scotty kilmer say

[@goose-the-gamer]

instructions not clear, i sprayed degreaser and the car blew up, so i scrubbed the fire and sprayed it again, i think it might be clean, the hood burnt shut so i made a hole and sprayed in it.

[@rin6960]

Rip alternator

[@mikesinaro]

You've never had an issue with an engine not starting or something breaking doing this? Feel like I'd screw something up if I tried this lol

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

I'm going to sound like a broken record here but I'm going to say it again 'n all his engine bay details he disconnected the battery terminals and uses a blower 2 remove any excess water.

[@maurocardoso3579]

I doubt that will start now

[@magicwrap]

what is the degreaser brand?

[@StoragelockersRI]

Now you need a new engine, great. Don't do this guys. Theirs a proper way to do it and this is not the way.

[@SteveRogers461]

Be very careful with your electricals especially the alternator !!!

[@caitlinwiththechevy]

No kidding. That’s what I’m saying. You don’t know what’s up under the hood and what could potentially be exposed. I thought everyone knew that you’re not supposed to spray water or anything directly into the engine bay. You can wet a cloth and wipe stuff down but it’s never a good idea to spray the entire engine bay like he did.

[@JTCDesignStudio]

Exactly what i was thinking! We’d usually wrap some plastic bag over the alternator when washing the engine bay..

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

​@@caitlinwiththechevyIn all his engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals and uses a blower 4 any excess water.

[@sonyf6596]

Sikat wc 😬

[@jaydawg1721]

You're supposed to spray a microfiber towel and just use steam mainly. I love this guy and follow him and watch his videos, but he wouldn't be under my hood doing that lol

[@justinnolte3205]

Watching you just spray the alternator without putting a bag on it made me wince you are gonna have a pissed off customer one day when their alternator is fried

[@larry365]

What about the alternator can't get wet? The bearings should be sealed and the contacts will be water resistant beyond a light shower. Most of the time alternators are under the engine getting absolutely blasted with water from the road.

[@sksandip24]

Is Alternator Motor water Resistant ?

[@oskarmakedonian7609]

It moved from a boat😅

[@WhereMyCountryLies]

also, never clean an engine.

[@100GTAGUY]

You should check out the publications from the FAA and DOT concerning engine cleaning and the efficiency gains and losses from a clean vs dirty engine.

[@WhereMyCountryLies]

there's dirty and 'really dirty'. normal dirty is not a problem.@@100GTAGUY

[@UProductions457]

@@100GTAGUYOnly makes a difference if the mechanical components are clean. Just rinsing off the outside won’t make your engine run much better

[@g25r8cer]

303 really keep dust off that well? Been wanting to get some

[@justinnolte3205]

Yeah but it smells weird and absolutely sucks to touch. You ever went to a dealership got in a car touched the steering wheel and your hands were kinda greasy but in weird way for 8 hours. Its that stuff lol.

[@g25r8cer]

@@justinnolte3205 what's a good interior cleaner that doesn't smell weird but repels dust etc?

[@g25r8cer]

@@justinnolte3205 pretty certain that's what was used on my interior. It came from a dealership.

[@mikeyriley8959]

The alternator. Don’t do dat

[@abouttime2569]

Imagine cleaning like that and you realize the car doesn't start.... oh boy

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

Some people said that has happened on here where he detailed the engine bay and the vehicle wouldnt start. now if they were just jok'g or they were 4 real...anybody's guess.I think it means water shortened someth'n out or n the engine.Maybe Y ppl reluctant 2 pay 4 engine bay details.❤😂

[@justinnolte3205]

Yeah this guy doesnt cover the alternators so there is always a chance when they go to fire their car up it fries the alternator

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

@@justinnolte3205 All his engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals.

[@Sam-kw9wd]

I hope the alternator made it out alive. 😂

[@JordyMonio_exe]

question, do I take the battery out to do this? also, how long should I wait before I reconnect the battery? sorry, I'm a dumbass lmao

[@lauradiaz5366]

Nice 👍 job

[@mrpeace8820]

the sad about this. your instrcutiion was covered by your profile

[@Mr.SoRandom]

Internals just entered the comments section!! 😡

[@CaelinHyepock_64]

You covered your alternator in soapy water lmao

[@defilade1066]

Nope!

[@lyndelljohnson5022]

Starts the car up "BOOM"💥

[@jaw707]

Don’t do this

[@josemaririnon8776]

Hi, where can i buy your products?

[@TheDetailGeek]

detailgeekautocare.com 👍🏻

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Pontiac Sunfire/ Chevy Cavalier?

[@TheDetailGeek]

Sunfire 👍🏻

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

@@TheDetailGeek thanks, Mitch!

[@michaelang562]

You're going to have electrical problem in future....

[@JTCDesignStudio]

Alternator left the chat

[@elizabethannfarrow1971]

I'm goin 2 sound like a Mock'g bird or Talk'g Parakeet but n all his engine bay details he disconnects the battery terminals and uses a blower 4 any excess water.