GUIDE: Engine Bay Valeting:
As we all know, the engine bay of our ST's are prone to getting dirty, dusty and full of dead leaves, bugs and debris with use over time.
A lot of people regularly comment on my engine bay, both at meets and shows, and ask how I keep it so clean. Today I thought I'd take a few pics of the step to step guide I use and follow when I valet my engine bay. (Below: - My engine bay as of August 2013)
Step 1:
Firstly prop the bonnet up. If you have a Mountune Cais, a K&N 57i or another Foam/Gauze air filter and have left the standard airbox unit on, you can either remove it for a more advanced valet or just leave it on. (To remove it, it is simply connected on 3 locator pins and easily pulls up and off. Alternatively, If you have one of these custom after market air filters and have already removed the airbox unit then Step 6 is applicable.
If you have the complete Ford standard air filter system, then continue with steps as required.
Step 2:
Carefully remove the front grill. Again this is easy to do and should only take a few seconds.
Step 3:
Obviously making sure the ignition is off, carefully disconnect and remove headlights. These can be tricky when new so take your time, get a feel for them and persevere! (Note: - These themselves get a build up of mud and debris behind them. Once off the vehicle, feel free to give these a once over with some warm soapy water, some brushes and sponge, making sure the rubber blank plates are secured and properly sealed.
Step 4:
Carefully bag up your after market Foam/Gauze after market filter, (If applicable), with a strong plastic bag and put an elastic band round the top to prevent the filter getting wet.
Step 5:
Carefully bag up your battery to prevent your terminals getting wet, again secured with a large elastic band.
Step 6:
Bag up your main block ensuring all spark plugs are well covered and secure with some masking tape.
Step 7:
Continue to use this masking tape and mask up all naked wires and electrical points. (Sorry to be vague here but it is an engine bay, so just take your time and use your head. It is imperative you make sure you know/remember these masked areas as you don't want to leave any in your bay afterwards)
Step 8:
Use an engine degreasant to liberally spray over areas where dust/dirt is built up and oil/grease is evident. I use GUNK spray. Allow to penetrate for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off with a strong stream of water. This stuff is awesome and penetrates, binds and lifts any pollutants and then is simply washed out the bottom of the engine bay once you jet wash over the top.
NOTE: - Some harder to reach places, nooks and crannies and more heavily contaminated areas will need some gentle agitation with an engine valet brush or old toothebrush/paintbrush. Another good engine bay cleaner is Auto Glym Engine and Machine Cleaner, which can be used over the top of GUNK to get to these affected areas and further aids the cleaning process.
Step 9:
Once happy that all vulnerable areas are masked and bagged up securely and you've GUNK'd all areas with high dirt/dust/grime build up, jet wash over the top of the engine bay covering the whole bay evenly. (NOTE: - Hold the lance a good few feet away to ensure you don't blow off any masking tape or bags and to prevent direct pressure of water into any vulnerable components. ALSO, quickly sweep over the engine 3-4 times only. This helps to prevent large volumes of water in the bay).
Step 10:
Once finished with the jet wash lance, it's now time to remove all masking tape and bags from the engine bay. (NOTE: - Make sure you take a few moments to carefully view everywhere so that you don't miss anything and be careful not to snag or damage any wires in the process).
Obviously the areas that have/were bagged up and protected will still be dirty and require some further attention to clean. The 2 main areas are......
- Around battery box and terminals.
- Inbetween spark plug/ignition HT Leads.
These again can be cleaned with the use of some hot, slightly soapy water, and a small piece of sponge and a selection of bristled brushes.
Step 11:
When your 100% positive and happy the engine bay has been fully de-masked and de-bagged and everything has been cleaned, turn over your engine for about 1 min only. The brief heat and vibration assists with the drying out process. (NOTE: - Do not run your engine bay for any longer than 1 minute as you wont be able to proceed any further due to the engine being too hot!)
Step 12:
Once your engine bay is turned off, use some strong/durable paper towels and start to dab everything dry. These are AMAZING. Strong, durable, absorbent........can't recommend them enough. Halfords Garage Towels
Step 13:
Next, a trick of my trade!, use Maguiars Endurance Tire Gel to clean/treat your hoses, plastics and engine bay surrounds for that long lasting show gleam and water beading surfaces!!
(NOTE: - Notice the areas treated with the gel!)
Step 14:
Once blinded by the show shine of your engine bay, re-assemble your headlights, front grill and airbox unit, (If removed).
Step 15:
Complete by touching up and treating any other mods you may have.
- Polish up your chrome assessories, (If applicable). If you can't find a chrome cleaner, i've found everyday household glass cleaner does the trick!!
- Auto Glym Polish your painted areas, (If Applicable).
Step 16:
Once you've finished, take a few moments to stand back and admire your amazingly clean bay and get a few pics of it before you shut the bonnet and take it for a spin!!
NOTE: - Please be aware this is only a personal guide of ideas and products and I except no responsibility for damages or complications associated with this process. All engine bay cleaning is to be undertaken at the owners own risk.
As we all know, the engine bay of our ST's are prone to getting dirty, dusty and full of dead leaves, bugs and debris with use over time.
A lot of people regularly comment on my engine bay, both at meets and shows, and ask how I keep it so clean. Today I thought I'd take a few pics of the step to step guide I use and follow when I valet my engine bay. (Below: - My engine bay as of August 2013)
Step 1:
Firstly prop the bonnet up. If you have a Mountune Cais, a K&N 57i or another Foam/Gauze air filter and have left the standard airbox unit on, you can either remove it for a more advanced valet or just leave it on. (To remove it, it is simply connected on 3 locator pins and easily pulls up and off. Alternatively, If you have one of these custom after market air filters and have already removed the airbox unit then Step 6 is applicable.
If you have the complete Ford standard air filter system, then continue with steps as required.
Step 2:
Carefully remove the front grill. Again this is easy to do and should only take a few seconds.
Step 3:
Obviously making sure the ignition is off, carefully disconnect and remove headlights. These can be tricky when new so take your time, get a feel for them and persevere! (Note: - These themselves get a build up of mud and debris behind them. Once off the vehicle, feel free to give these a once over with some warm soapy water, some brushes and sponge, making sure the rubber blank plates are secured and properly sealed.
Step 4:
Carefully bag up your after market Foam/Gauze after market filter, (If applicable), with a strong plastic bag and put an elastic band round the top to prevent the filter getting wet.
Step 5:
Carefully bag up your battery to prevent your terminals getting wet, again secured with a large elastic band.
Step 6:
Bag up your main block ensuring all spark plugs are well covered and secure with some masking tape.
Step 7:
Continue to use this masking tape and mask up all naked wires and electrical points. (Sorry to be vague here but it is an engine bay, so just take your time and use your head. It is imperative you make sure you know/remember these masked areas as you don't want to leave any in your bay afterwards)
Step 8:
Use an engine degreasant to liberally spray over areas where dust/dirt is built up and oil/grease is evident. I use GUNK spray. Allow to penetrate for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off with a strong stream of water. This stuff is awesome and penetrates, binds and lifts any pollutants and then is simply washed out the bottom of the engine bay once you jet wash over the top.
NOTE: - Some harder to reach places, nooks and crannies and more heavily contaminated areas will need some gentle agitation with an engine valet brush or old toothebrush/paintbrush. Another good engine bay cleaner is Auto Glym Engine and Machine Cleaner, which can be used over the top of GUNK to get to these affected areas and further aids the cleaning process.
Step 9:
Once happy that all vulnerable areas are masked and bagged up securely and you've GUNK'd all areas with high dirt/dust/grime build up, jet wash over the top of the engine bay covering the whole bay evenly. (NOTE: - Hold the lance a good few feet away to ensure you don't blow off any masking tape or bags and to prevent direct pressure of water into any vulnerable components. ALSO, quickly sweep over the engine 3-4 times only. This helps to prevent large volumes of water in the bay).
Step 10:
Once finished with the jet wash lance, it's now time to remove all masking tape and bags from the engine bay. (NOTE: - Make sure you take a few moments to carefully view everywhere so that you don't miss anything and be careful not to snag or damage any wires in the process).
Obviously the areas that have/were bagged up and protected will still be dirty and require some further attention to clean. The 2 main areas are......
- Around battery box and terminals.
- Inbetween spark plug/ignition HT Leads.
These again can be cleaned with the use of some hot, slightly soapy water, and a small piece of sponge and a selection of bristled brushes.
Step 11:
When your 100% positive and happy the engine bay has been fully de-masked and de-bagged and everything has been cleaned, turn over your engine for about 1 min only. The brief heat and vibration assists with the drying out process. (NOTE: - Do not run your engine bay for any longer than 1 minute as you wont be able to proceed any further due to the engine being too hot!)
Step 12:
Once your engine bay is turned off, use some strong/durable paper towels and start to dab everything dry. These are AMAZING. Strong, durable, absorbent........can't recommend them enough. Halfords Garage Towels
Step 13:
Next, a trick of my trade!, use Maguiars Endurance Tire Gel to clean/treat your hoses, plastics and engine bay surrounds for that long lasting show gleam and water beading surfaces!!
(NOTE: - Notice the areas treated with the gel!)
Step 14:
Once blinded by the show shine of your engine bay, re-assemble your headlights, front grill and airbox unit, (If removed).
Step 15:
Complete by touching up and treating any other mods you may have.
- Polish up your chrome assessories, (If applicable). If you can't find a chrome cleaner, i've found everyday household glass cleaner does the trick!!
- Auto Glym Polish your painted areas, (If Applicable).
Step 16:
Once you've finished, take a few moments to stand back and admire your amazingly clean bay and get a few pics of it before you shut the bonnet and take it for a spin!!
NOTE: - Please be aware this is only a personal guide of ideas and products and I except no responsibility for damages or complications associated with this process. All engine bay cleaning is to be undertaken at the owners own risk.