Engine Room Cleaning

[Kahi]

Thanks for the response...Clorox slightly diluted and scrubbing made quick work of 90% of the mold and black marks...some wouldn't budge, but overall, very happy with the results..took about 4 hours today and just started with the back and worked forward, hit every spot I could with the bleach and water, purple degreaser on the oil spots etc...I now need to work the rust spots..but overall very happy..

[Kahi]

I tried a product recommended to me by a store clerk. It's called Formula 88 and I was really please at the job it did removing built up grease and WD40 that I sprayed over the years. I sprayed it on a gunked up hinge that kept sticking b/c the layers of wd40 and dirt formed a nice paste..well this pray melted it down and left bare metal..not often I find a great product so I thought I'd share it out..

[Boat Kings Detailing]

The best marine degreaser is Spray Nine which i recommend for all boat owners. You can pick it up at any Boat Owners Warehouse or West Marine. That should work fine to get the engine compartment cleaned up. As far as the rust stains if its on metal surface get this stuff called naval jelly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. i usually use muratic acid which works like magic but make sure u have access to a running water hose so u can rinse it off quickly and wear gloves. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or take a look at my website for tips. http://www.boatkingsdetailing.com

[Bud Man]

Wow this was a great thread, I wish I found it sooner.

[wissahickon]

I can remember utilizing a steam generator (Steam Jenny) to clean automotive engines etc. it did a great job removing grease and grime. The one draw back I remember was the heat had a tendency to dry out the rubber components i.e. hoses and gasketing. The steam Jenny was basically a home oil burner heating a coil and tube heat exchanger and it kicked a** once up to temperature.

[Tricia Lynn]

Simple Green works awesome. It is biodegradable so no environmental issues. Spray it on liberally full strength and let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a bucket of warm water and simple green mixture and whatever brush suits the job.

[Artson D]

Simple Green seems to work well in many situations, yet keep in mind it depends if your boat is in or out of the water. SG is marine approved and is some what stronger than detergents. If your boat is out of the water Purple Power seems to work wonders on exterrmly dirty places yet i would not use it while in the water. In one of the other posts it was mentioned to use bleach and soap. This would definately work on moldy areas (bilge, deck box, fish and bait box) yet will not cut grease. Keep in mind with what ever you use keep the area to be cleaned ventillated! Hope this helps!

[CR Bound]

I was hoping to get some responses regarding cleaning my engine room...which is not by any way large but rather a small compartment which houses a gas engine and generator.

Has anyone used a hand held steam cleaner to blast away the built up grease and grime? Steam shark from TV looks portable enough to get down there with me...

This will work... Judging by your location, I would just use a quality degreaser. Such as purple power or something of that nature.

I found a few engine wipe products that seem will intentioned...would these help with removing the hand prints and engine oil on my white generator?

De-greaser and a rag go a long way. Try a toothbrush if you want to get crazy and have lots of time on your hands.

I also have noticed some rust spots along the engine..after brushing and removing the rust, should I use WD-40 or other product near hoses or belts? Im worried theses products my eat plastic or rubber?

Paint, paint , paint...Paint may be easier.

After some basic maintenance on my generator, I noticed I had chipped the paint off in a few places...should I touch up these places as to protect the exposed metal? maybe use I high heat engine paint in the same color as my gen?

yes absolutely!!! Hot places such as Turbos get oven paint...

Thanks in advance..

Kahi
Miami Beach, FL

let us know how it works out.