Engine Bay Dirt

**scottishbud** · 01-04-2009,11:36 AM

Hi, has anyone found that their engine compartment is very dirty compared with previous cars? The arches above the wheels forward are made of a sort of cardboard which absorbs the dirt! Am I the only person with this problem?

**rich164h** · 01-04-2009,11:37 AM

Does it matter? It's an engine bay!

**Col** · 01-04-2009,05:48 PM

Originally Posted by rich164h

Does it matter? It's an engine bay!

Of course it matters.

A clean engine bay is very important if you fettle your own car. If you take somewhere to get a 'man' to fettle it for you, maybe not.

**Plife** · 01-04-2009,06:00 PM

Not noticed it....yes I will be checking when I get home!!

Sounds like spraying some APC (all purpose cleaner) and giving the engine bay a good clean!

**Bristle Hound** · 01-04-2009,06:20 PM

Originally Posted by BigCol

Of course it matters.

A clean engine bay is very important if you fettle your own car. If you take somewhere to get a 'man' to fettle it for you, maybe not.

Now that did make me laugh!

**ScottyUK** · 01-04-2009,06:39 PM

The reason I like a reasonably clean engine bay (i.e. not detailed!!) is in case anything leaks, splits etc as then you can spot it.

**Col** · 01-04-2009,06:44 PM

Originally Posted by ScottyUK

The reason I like a reasonably clean engine bay (i.e. not detailed!!) is in case anything leaks, splits etc as then you can spot it.

Too right, totally agree.

If you love your car, you keep it clean.

**mkc** · 01-04-2009,11:15 PM

the engine bay does get dirty despite it being sealed from below, but I guess it must collect stuff through the grill.

Every time i wash my car the entire engine and bottom of the bonnet gets a once over with my beloved baby wipes. Followed by a micro fibre cloth to pick up any smears. Does it matter, probably not but I like dealing with things that I know are clean under the bonnet!!

**zollaf** · 01-04-2009,11:27 PM

if you work on cars for a living, then you really appreciate those customers that have nice clean engine bays, as you dont get covered in grime just looking at it. there is not a lot worse than popping a bonnet to do a cambelt change or service, and finding it filthy. it takes longer to do the job so can end up costing more. a nice spanking engine bay on the other hand is a pleasure to work in, the job will get done quicker so you save money. also, as rubber hoses degrade when covered in oil, they will last longer if kept clean, so you save again, and the cars easier to sell if it looks well kept. so clean that engine bay, its a win win situation.

**jakerade** · 02-04-2009,08:22 AM

it comes in through the top of the wheel arch liners which are made of some sort of flexible "felt" material.

It's very poorly sealed in my opinion as it sprays it all over the ABS unit etc. On salty roads it can't be a good thing as it will lead to corrosion on some of the engine components.

If you live in a rural location like i do you will obviously notice it more especially on the nearside.