I have a pontiac Grand Prix GTP, its 2000 the under hood is clean but not clean enouch, Should i just go to a car wash and use pressure water on the engine components? how does one clean these wiers and stuff the dust seems to be every where, are there any pros who do it for you? is yes how much taht cost?Pls helpThank you
After you've degreesed and power sprayed it, buy a couple of rolls of paper towels and some household cleaner. Spend an hour wiping the components and connectors by hand with the paper towels. While your'e in there get the exess water out of there. Use can of brake cleaner on those hard to reach spots. It's worth the hour or so of effort for a nice clean engine compartment, and a must do if your prepapring to sell the vehicle - it says I cared for this vehicle to any used car buyer.
You can use the high pressure spray as others say, but be careful around electrical connectors. That pressure is high enough to blast right through the small rubber seals on them, trapping the water inside. Even if it doesn't cause an immediate problem, it can corrode connections and wire over time. Use one of the degreasers, work it in with a parts cleaning brush where you can, and carefully rinse. Don't hold the wand too close to help prevent above listed problems. If possible, I prefer to do mine at home. I'll usually start the engine and let it warm for a few minutes, then shut it off and let the exhaust cool down for about 10 minutes. I've seen manifolds crack from being hit with large amounts of cold water when they're really hot. The oxygen sensor probably wouldn't appreciate it either. Once the exhaust has cooled slightly, I spray the degreaser anywhere it's needed and work it in with a parts cleaning brush. Before it can dry, get rinsing and keep the brush handy - you might need it to get rid of stubborn bits. I also avoid the fuse box area, and put a plastic bag over the alternator to prevent damage. You MAY be able to get away without these precautions, but why risk it for the sake of a few minutes? As someone else mentioned, be ready to dry things up thoroughly, or it will look very spotted. After that, I would take it for a drive for at least 15 minutes to help thoroughly dry things out. You can use paper towels, but if you've got some old bath towels around, they work great. Use two - one for the main initial drying, and the other for the small details. Pros will likely have nice looking results, but probably won't take the time to care much about your electrical system.
Do the pressure wash. I'd leave the car running, there is no distributer so the chances of killing the car from the water and soap is zero.
Go to the auto parts store, and buy some engine de-greaser/ cleaner it may be a few $$ per cantake it to the car wash and follow the directions.you will be surprised at the results
If it's just dust and dirt use the pressure washer at the car wash, if it's grease/oil get some engine cleaner (gel type is usually better) and follow the directions. Take a can of WD-40 with you in case water gets in an electrical connector. You can get your engine bay professionally detailed cost varies so call any detail shops in your area.
