I cover the following parts with plastic while spray-cleaning the engine
and carefully clean by hand when done:
- coil pack
- ignition wiring
- oil filler cap
- air filter(s) if you have an open box style such as P-Flow
- relay/fuse block in front of the battery

*chris
*97 golf vr6

----------
> Does anyone know specifically what needs to be covered in the engine
> comparment during cleaning, and where the parts are if they're
> particularily odd-ball? I know basically what needs to be protected, but
I
> wouldn't want to miss something and risk problems. Private replies
welcome.

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In a message dated 7/28/98 11:08:19 AM Central Daylight Time, eliewnkhw
writes:

<<  I'd like to know, too. I've been hosing my engine down
 each time I wash the car. Nothing's gone wrong yet, but I have this
 nagging feeling I'm doing something wrong.
  >>

  I've said this before, so excuse the repetition for some older
listmembers... but generally I would recommend using a high pressure wash
wand, at low pressure - don't hold the handle down, to keep the water speed
low.

  Generally, we at ol' Emmons Coachworks in Chicago use P21S wheel cleaner,
spray it on a warm engine, then leave the engine running while we hose it
down.  I'll use higher pressure on some more modern engines in the nooks and
crannies, on my VR6 I use full pressure with no qualms.  After that, I close
the hood and let it run for about ten minutes to dry the engine.  Then I'll
open it back up and spray tire dressing everywhere, to get the black plastic
bits glssy, then wipe it down.  Works a charm on a modern engine.
  Some older cars I'll be careful with - old Jaguar's with Prince of Darkness
electrics, anything with exposed wire and/or big carbs, etc.  But my GTI
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<<Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1999 18:07:54 EST
From: PktRktVR6aol
Subject: [gti-vr6] Cleaning engine cover

Anyone know any good ways to clean the engine cover and exhaust manifold?
Mine are getting kinda dirty, and I still want them to look like they are
new! anyone have any ideas to fix  this...without polishing the manifold,
and painting the plastic engine cover!  thanx>>

It's real easy, actually.  Open your hood, leave the car running.  CAREFULLY
wet down the engine compartment with a GENTLE stream of water.  Don't blast
it!  After it's wet, turn off your car.  Spray the engine compartment with
wheel cleaner and use a soft brush, either a soft wheel brush (not the
corn-cob one) or a soft detail brush, to gently scrub the grime and dust
away.  You can clean anything under the hood with that stuff.  When you are
finished, carefully rinse the engine compartment down, and be sure to get
all the wheel cleaner off the engine and other parts under the hood.  Use a
towel to dry it off, then start the engine to make sure everything is
running fine, which it should be.  From there you can turn off the engine
and detail the rubber hoses and wires with 303 Protectant or whatever you
like to use.

I have done this many times with great success.  Pictures of my squeaky
clean engine compartment are on my web page.

Good luck,
Manny Rodrigues
Denver, Colorado
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6: This is Black Sunshine . . .
http://hometown.aol.com/velodiesel/mannyweb.html


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Get a spray bottle of Simple Green, spray the heck outta everything, brush
(gently) the really grungy parts, and garden hoser the stuff off. Works like
a charm, and don't hurt a thing. Smells good, too.

Dave
'98 JettaGLX TRed
Simple-Green'd edition
----- Original Message -----
From: Chadwick, John/COR/INV <jchadwicCH2M>
To: GTI List (E-mail) <gti-vr6ccsi>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 3:43 PM
Subject: [gti-vr6] washing the engine compartment


> How does everyone clean their engine compartment? Mine is about ready for a
> good cleaning. Do you buy a cleaner at Pep Boys or something? Or do you jus
[...] 13 lines deleted

I do the exact same thing - and it works like a champ.  Just be gentle
hosing stuff off!!!!!

----- Original Message -----
From: David and Debbie Steele <cvo24chicagonet>
To: Chadwick, John/COR/INV <jchadwicCH2M>; GTI List (E-mail)
<gti-vr6ccsi>
[...] 42 lines deleted

I have used a 50% dilution of Simple Green.  However, see the following
quote:

>>>>
  The '99 manual says that the whole engine compartment is treated
		with anti-corrosives at the factory, and if you degrease the
		engine, you should have the anti-corrosive reapplied.  They
		recommend wax- or tar-based, and that you should let your dealer
		do it.
>>>>

Can't remember where I clipped this comment, but it has me wondering if
washing out the engine compartment is a good idea.

--
Julian Vrieslander <mailto:julianvmindspring>

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As long as you don't go wild with it (i.e every week or two), I don't see a
problem. I've done it for years on all my VWs and haven't had problems
yet....

Dave
'98 JettaGLX TRed
washing-the-bay-only-when-it's needed version.

----- Original Message -----
From: Julian Vrieslander <julianvmindspring>
To: <gti-vr6ccsi>
Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: [gti-vr6] washing the engine compartment


> I have used a 50% dilution of Simple Green.  However, see the following
> quote:
>
> >>>>
>   The '99 manual says that the whole engine compartment is treated
> with anti-corrosives at the factory, and if you degrease the
> engine, you should have the anti-corrosive reapplied.  They
> recommend wax- or tar-based, and that you should let your dealer
> do it.
> >>>>
[...] 14 lines deleted