Engine bay cleaning and cable tidies

1. lewisvtrmk1 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jan 2010 suttone ely Posts: 161 1999 vtr black as and 1.6 si escort 3dr

   #1 4th May 2010, 10:05

   in basic form my engine bay is a mess and would like to get her shiny and clean what you recomend on a budget for the job.
   I would also like to tidy up all my cables what could you recomend for this to .
   any advice would be much appreciated
2. russelldav Infrequent Poster Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 223

   #2 4th May 2010, 12:19

   Steam cleaning the engine will probably cause more problems than it's worth wrt. electrics etc. It can also put future buyers off as it's a technique used by people to cover up evidence of oil leaks and spills etc.
   
   Cable ties would probably be fine for most of the cables you want to tidy, but whatever you use make sure you're aware of any nearby heat sources - don't want anything melting or catching fire!
3. kc-saxo Established Member Joined: Sep 2009 Edinburgh Posts: 1671 Mk2 VTR

   #3 4th May 2010, 12:36

   re route the cables to the arches, and engine de greaser and a bit of elbow grease should get the bay looking tidy
4. Stevo123 Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr

   #4 4th May 2010, 12:46

   You can buy cable stuf called "spiral wrap" which is noce for making a neater job. TYo clean engine use an old paint brush (and put tape around the metal bit that hold the bristles incase you scratch paint) along with engine degreaser, any generic stuff will do from local motor shop. Rinse with hose, dont get multiplugs to wet but they are okay to withstand a bit of a splash though.
5. lewisvtrmk1 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jan 2010 suttone ely Posts: 161 1999 vtr black as and 1.6 si escort 3dr

   #5 4th May 2010, 12:53

   thanks i may go for some cheap degreaser can get citrus stuff at work on the dirt cheap and it like the idea of routing the cables through the body work and exposed ones in bay was thinking slice down some hosing and jubilee clip together
6. BenMc Regular Poster Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 325 Citroen saxo vtr MK2

   #6 4th May 2010, 16:17

   i just jet wash mine like give it a go over with jet wash but i know how safe it is... you just have to cover air intakes etc your electrics should be fine .. ive got blue plastic bendy conduit too tidied it up a bit like!
7. Reechard Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 Cirencester Posts: 2286 2x Mazda Mx5s, Volvo s80, Citroen DS4

   #7 4th May 2010, 16:48

   Cling film the cables and any engine parts that you dont want water to get in, eg dipstick.
   
   Then presure wash away, or hose down and then degrease it.
8. vtsal Infrequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Amlwch Posts: 156 Saxo VTR

   #8 4th May 2010, 20:12

   I need to sort my rocker cover gasket and then do mine as its an oily mess!!
   
   Al
9. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #9 4th May 2010, 20:36

   Gunk is a good engine degreaser.
   
   Steve.
10. vtsal Infrequent Poster Joined: Apr 2010 Amlwch Posts: 156 Saxo VTR

    #10 4th May 2010, 20:41

    My dad swears by Gunk....just make sure there is something under the car to catch all the mess!!
    
    Al