Keeping the engine bay clean on a Civic is a safety factor. The exhaust is hot and when oil builds up on it, there is a chance of fire. Cleaning the engine bay also makes the engine easier to work on. Built-up oil and dirt make bolts more difficult to remove. There is also the possibility of getting dirt and junk into the engine when it is opened up to change a valve cover gasket or timing belt. This article will explain how to clean the engine bay on a Civic.
Cover all electrical connectors with plastic bags. Tie the bags to the connectors with bread ties or string. If water gets into the electrical connections, the car may not start or, if it does, may run rough. Cover the distributor and the coil.
Rinse the engine with water. Spray Gunk on the engine block, exhaust and fender wells. Use a long-handled brush to scrub the engine and fender wells. Let Gunk set for at least 5 to 8 minutes.
Carefully rinse Gunk off. Consider your water pressure. Don't use so much water pressure that the water disturbs the plastic on the electrical connectors, distributor and coil. If the engine hasn't been cleaned in some time, there may be dirt and oil that does not come off. This will be addressed later.
Raise the car and support it on jack stands. Working from the bottom, spray Gunk on the frame, engine mounts and bottom of the engine. Using the long-handled brush, scrub the bottom of the engine and engine bay. Allow Gunk to set for 5 to 8 minutes. Rinse Gunk off, being careful not to get water into any electrical connectors, distributor or coil.
Spray Gunk on any spots that did not come clean with the first treatment. Start on the bottom of the car, so that any Gunk sprayed at the top doesn't drip down onto you. Using steel wool, scrub the stained spots. Rinse well.
