Engine cleaner / degreaser

[MattS]

Now the summer's coming and the car's been serviced, the filthy engine and all those pipes need a good clean.

I know that steam cleaning isn't recommended so does anyone have any experience of using those engine cleaner sprays that Halfords etc do? There seem to be 2 different types -1) Distillate-based - most powerful, flammable and non-green and 2) Bio cleaners which are greener, non-flammable but apparently less powerful.

Basically I'm looking for the shiniest engine for the least elbow grease ( not too keen to take to one of those places under the arches for a 'professional valet')

As usual, any advice gratefully received!

[jaytip]

Hi Matts,
a mate of mine who is in the valet game(or rather was) steam cleaned my engine with no problems.all he used was the high power jet.he didn't use and detergent of any kind because he had run out,but there was still an improvement in the engine bay.

[ctrlaltdelboy]

my recommendation:

1 get the CD2 twin pack from halfrauds
2 make sure you are within 10 mins of a jet-wash
3 start engine
4 unpack can 1 - engine cleaner - shake well (for 5 mins while engine warms)
5 apply liberally to the engine and under-bonnet area
6 start the clock for 10 minutes
7 get to jet-wash
8 once 10 mins are up wash it all off with jet-wash
9 drive off to dry everything then park up (not on your driveway)
10 unpack can 2 engine detailer - shake well
11 spray liberally all over engine bay
12 leave to dry

now it should look lovely - you can park back in your driveway/garage now