Are there any products to use to keep the engine looking clean? or it just constant care? I've never really been into cars until I got my S2000, so i want my baby to keep looking good inside and out. Any info on how this can be done would be appreciated....

 

On new engines driven on good roads with fair weather, compressed air and a simple wipe down does a great job of cleaning.

Driving dirt roads, mud puddles, snow, etc... You'll have to dig out the water hose and maybe do a little scrubbing. Be careful not to drown electrical parts in water. Compressed air works great to get water out of hard to reach areas and dry things up a bit when done.

If you've have spilled or leaking oil you'll need a can of degreaser and running water.

 

Go to http://www.griotsgarage.com . They have a great engine cleaning kit. They also have an under carriage spray that works well.

 

Should we cover anything in the engine bay before spraying water?

 

I don

 

Should I let the engine running when washing the engine bay? (I heard this from one of the mechanics) Anyone knows?

 

Don't see how that will make any difference except that any water on the belts will get flung all over. No, don't leave it running.

 

Not sure about having a hot engine whilst cleaning with water.

Remember, extreme temperature transfer (eg cold water on hot surfaces) can cause rapid contraction and cause certain materials to crack. (Try pouring cold water on a very hot glass and you'll see what I mean. )

I would personally wait for the engine to be cold before dousing with water.

Brad.

 

All the cleaning products out there for your engine are CRAP! Spray-on and rinse...Whatever! What you need to do is everytime you wash your S2k detail your engine as well. First take a used face towel and soak it in warm water...Wipe down all accessable areas with the face towel. For hard to get at areas take some Simple Green (FOund at K-mart, Walmart, Pep Boys, Autozone, and on infomercials) and a toothbrush and go at it. Don't forget the underside of the hood!

Rinse and wipe down again with clean water....DONE!
Do it OFTEN and it won't be a choir. It takes me about 20 mins out of the 2 hours I spend on my car.

 

Go to a motorcycle shop and get some S100. It is made to clean motorcycle engines and imparts a great shine. Can be sprayed on then scrubed with a soft brush. It will not harm painted surfaces either. It is fairly expensive but works really well under the hood.