Best Engine Cleaner/Degreaser?

SwissCheese · 07-22-2015, 10:37 PM

Can anyone recommend a good engine degreaser? I'm looking to clean the engine bays of both my Z and my '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee (which has never been cleaned before).

I've already purchased some brushes and a bottle of 303 Aerospace Protectant (didn't realize it was just for appearance and not degreasing/cleaning). I was looking at the Dealer's Pro Series Engine Degreaser, but it's kind of pricey.

Also, any tips for cleaning the engine bay, in general? I've read that I should be okay (for the most part) to spray it with a garden hose, but to avoid directly spraying the electrical stuff.

macwest · 07-22-2015, 10:41 PM

zep citrus cleaner at home depot.

JARblue · 07-23-2015, 10:15 AM

I have a ton of Adam's All Purpose Cleaner, so that's usually my go to. But really any all purpose cleaner should do ok for you.

I have sprayed my engine bay with a hose before, but I try to keep it clean enough that it's not required every time. I have exposed intake filters, so I covered those along with the alternator with some towels. Then I just gave it a nice pre-wash, then APC, then a rinse, and then Super VRT where needed for a perfectly treated finish. I remove all the cowls, too. It's not difficult, and it allows you to clean the crevices much easier

Chuck33079 · 07-23-2015, 10:18 AM

Diluted simple green works and is cheap as hell.

kenchan · 07-23-2015, 05:16 PM

i use simple green on my dd's engine bay in the spring to rinse off all the salt

my z's engine bay looks like new still following my simple DIY:

step1: dont get it dirty (dont drive in the wet, salt, and dust off using a damp mf cloth)
step2: done!

RonRizz · 07-23-2015, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

my simple DIY:

step1: dont get it dirty (dont drive in the wet, salt, and dust off using a damp mf cloth)
step2: done!

Same routine I use!

07-22-2015, 10:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
SwissCheese Track Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 785 Drives: 2012 370Z NISMO Rep Power: 67	Best Engine Cleaner/Degreaser? Can anyone recommend a good engine degreaser? I'm looking to clean the engine bays of both my Z and my '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee (which has never been cleaned before). I've already purchased some brushes and a bottle of 303 Aerospace Protectant (didn't realize it was just for appearance and not degreasing/cleaning). I was looking at the Dealer's Pro Series Engine Degreaser, but it's kind of pricey. Also, any tips for cleaning the engine bay, in general? I've read that I should be okay (for the most part) to spray it with a garden hose, but to avoid directly spraying the electrical stuff. __________________ Current Ride: 2012 Nissan 370Z NISMO #0389 Mods: Fast Intentions Resonated Test Pipes and TDX Exhaust with 18" Resonators (#1054), K&N Drop-Ins, GTR Start Button

07-23-2015, 10:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 43 Posts: 36,450 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684440	I have a ton of Adam's All Purpose Cleaner, so that's usually my go to. But really any all purpose cleaner should do ok for you. I have sprayed my engine bay with a hose before, but I try to keep it clean enough that it's not required every time. I have exposed intake filters, so I covered those along with the alternator with some towels. Then I just gave it a nice pre-wash, then APC, then a rinse, and then Super VRT where needed for a perfectly treated finish. I remove all the cowls, too. It's not difficult, and it allows you to clean the crevices much easier __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \| Last edited by JARblue; 07-23-2015 at 10:18 AM.

07-23-2015, 10:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	Diluted simple green works and is cheap as hell. JARblue likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

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07-22-2015, 10:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
macwest Base Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: nyc Posts: 57 Drives: 2015 370 Nismo Rep Power: 13	zep citrus cleaner at home depot.

07-23-2015, 05:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i use simple green on my dd's engine bay in the spring to rinse off all the salt my z's engine bay looks like new still following my simple DIY: step1: dont get it dirty (dont drive in the wet, salt, and dust off using a damp mf cloth) step2: done!