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Honda: How to Clean Engine Bay

Cleaning your engine bay is the easiest, most helpful job for your car. Check out this how-to and learn to do it the right way.

By Nathaniel Brown - February 26, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000) and Accord (1990-2002).

Cleaning the engine bay not only makes your car look cleaner, but also helps you identify any leaks. This DIY project can be completed in less than an hour. Some methods may require a little more skill or machinery like a steam cleaner or power washer. However, this method is just as effective and requires only a little more time. If you've never seen under the hood of a car, then you might want a professional to clean the engine, but it will cost you more.

Materials Needed

  • 10 mm socket
  • Simple Green all purpose cleaner and degreaser
  • Soft bristle nylon brush
  • Toothbrush
  • Plastic bags
  • Rag
  • Electrical tape

Pro Tip

Prior to cleaning the engine bay, be sure your car hasn't been used within 20 minutes.

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery and cover important parts

Remove the negative (black) cable from the battery. Then, tape plastic bags around the air filter, fuse box, distributor, and battery to ensure you don't damage any vital, expensive parts.

  • Figure 1. Disconnect the circled cable.
  • Figure 2. Covering the distributor.

Step 2 – Spray the engine bay with degreaser

With the Simple Green degreaser, carefully spray the dirty portions of your engine bay. Let the degreaser sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Figure 3. Spraying the engine bay with degreaser.

Step 3 – Remove the dirt and rinse

Use the nylon brush to loosen and remove any dirt or grime from the engine bay components. Lightly rinse the dirty areas with water. Then, brush and rinse again for any areas you may have missed.

Figure 4. Scrubbing the engine bay clean.

Step 4 – Let the engine bay dry

Leave the hood open and allow the engine bay to dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove the tape and plastic bags from the covered components. Continue to let it dry for another 10 minutes. You will need to use the toothbrush to remove any dirt from these parts and wipe them with a rag.

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