Engine Bay Cleaning

Basic needs related to restoring a 6er including
Electronics, Bodywork, Welding, Painting, Engine Swap, etc
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Jambers
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Location: East Midlands UK

Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by Jambers »

I've been watching Youtubers do it - but any tips from fellow e24 owners? Mine is almost out of the bodyshop now - the exterior is mint, but the engine compartment needs doing.

The suspension turrets and inner wings have this yellow haze over them, probably a bit of wax oil, engine oil and grime over the years. Whats best to use to clean? I know not use steam or pressure/power washers - don't want to flood the electrics.

Just normal dish soap in a spray bottle and lots of rags? Never done this before so any guidance would be much appreciated.
Current cars:
1989 635CSi Manual
2007 Z4M Coupe
G31 530d M Sport
F21 118i M Sport
Based in the U.K. Leicestershire
Previously : F30, E60, E21, E30, E12, E28
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hornhospital
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by hornhospital »

A product called Simple Green works well for me, but it's probably not available in the UK.
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
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Mark Shutt
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by Mark Shutt »

you will have a very hard time removing that stuff, I spent a long time removing mine and ended up using thinners but very carefully!!
1988 635csi Auto Highline, Royal blue with Lotus white.
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slofut
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by slofut »

I know a lot of guys don't agree with this, but I pressure wash the engine bay of every vintage car I have (excepts restored ones that don't need it). Gets it all down to a good starting point and exposes stuff that needs replacing or attention like wire loom, connectors, hole plugs etc...
I've never had a problem that wasn't in need of attention to begin with. I'd rather find trouble now than on the highway. But really, it's never caused any real concern, even on my old jags (lucas). Let it dry out in the sun.
Bill
'87 635csi, 5sp man, dk blu on pearl beige
'88 635csi, auto, black on grey
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Hakeem43020
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by Hakeem43020 »

I use something called "purple power." Works great on my white engine bay. It does remove a little paint so I'd advice you to only use it if it's extremely messy. Mine had 30 year old crud and nothing else would move it. Try simple/mean green then purple power in the worst case scenario. If you do don't let the spray sit for more than 5 seconds and get it away from your clothes.
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jps635
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by jps635 »

I also recommend Simple Green. Used this with the engine out at about 30:70 mix. Sprayed it and washed off with hose. Worked great. Is also kind on the environment.
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
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sansouci
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Re: Engine Bay Cleaning

Post by sansouci »

Word of warning on Simple Green - do not let it dry out on the surface. Spritz and scrub and wash off.
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
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