Best engine cleaners & degreasers according to redditors

So lets talk seafoam

Composition
> - 40-60% Pale Oil
> - 25-35% Naphtha
> - 10-20% IPA

Oil/Engine cleaning: Do not bother if you use a quality oil it already contains plenty of detergents/cleaning additives.

Gas Tank: Dont Bother as there are better additives out there containing PEA(poly ether amine) which has been proven to clean deposits. This will not be an instant thing but something that needs to be ran for a little while to get it to clean. You can read a Q&A from Gummout here

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/gumout-q-a-april-2015/


Top End Cleaner: Now this is probably the most popular use for seafoam but I still would not use it. Mopar makes one that is fantastic http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Chrysler-Accessories-4318001AD-Combustion/dp/B00BV4D97K I would use that anyday over Seafoam.


In closing Seafoam is popular on the web and in stores hense its widespread use but its a very mediocre product.

PHOTOS

Knocked out a quick detail under the hood of my 2000 MK4 GTI VR6.
Rinsed it down with water.
Used air compressor to dry it off
Sprayed Griots Garage Engine Cleaner and agitated dirt with a brush
Hosed it down again
Dried with air compressor
Applied 303 on a microfiber and toweled everything down.

Pretty painless project, you just need to be careful applying the 303 because it streaks fairly easy if you use too much. Took me about an hour start to finish.

Thank you! I followed this guide as closely as possible: https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/50352-how-detail-your-engine-like-professional.html

Basically first used saran wrap around and electrical, lightly hosed off everything, sprayed with cleaner (i used Gunk Foamy Engine degreaser which was 5 bucks at auto zone), let sit for 10-15 minutes, used brush to scrub everything, sprayed off again with water, let it dry, then sprayed with Gunk Engine Shine

I dunno. Maybe engine cleaner will work. It’s a long shot, though.

If this or this won't take it off, it's not coming off without just waiting for it to wear off.

This stuff absolutely works wonderful. Of course it comes in smaller containers and you do need a smaller one with the spray nozzle on it but you’re going to really like this stuff.

S100 12005L Total Cycle Cleaner Bottle - 1.32 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WK4EC8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_PR4WCbMTZSCQW

1. Buy an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. I bought the one from amazon with the highest ratio of (capicity in liters) / (price in dollars). Paid ~ USD 40. EXAMPLE
   
   
2. Put unscrewed razor parts into basket. Schpritzz liberally with a half dozen squeezes of citrus oil cleaner/degreaser EXAMPLE
   
   
3. Cover by 1 inch with the hottest water the tap will provide
   
   
4. Add one dollopy squeeze of Joy dishwashing liquid
   
   
5. Run ultrasonic cleaner for about six minutes (360 seconds)
   
   
6. Rinse razor in lots of cold water. Rinse ultrasonic cleaner in lots of cold water.
   
   
7. Victory! Enjoy the results.

Foaming carbon cleaner, https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Chrysler-Accessories-4318001AD-Combustion/dp/B00BV4D97K

Better than seafoam, doesn't require full disassembly.

1.) Go to Autozone, grab some commercial degreaser like this. Simple green makes a degreaser that's also eco-friendly as well, but it takes a little more work. Also find a place to rent a pressure washer.

2.) Gut the kitchen area. Move all existing equipment either outside or to another area of the kitchen.

3.) Spray walls and floors....liberally.

4.) Drink half of 12 pack, or wait 30 minutes.

5.) Don a face shield and face mask. Turn hood vents on. Scrub the shit out of said walls and floors.

6.) Finish 12 pack.

7.) Again, suit up with face shield and face mask. Pressure wash the entire area. Bonus points if you manage to get it hooked up to the hotwater outlet next to the dishpit.

8.) Squeegee everything to the drains.

9.) Spray again.

10.) Squeegee everything to the drains.

11.) ???

12.) Profit.

All From Amazon Singapore:

Bearing Oil

https://www.amazon.com/YoYoFactory-Performance-Oil-Long-Spin/dp/B005NIXUO2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537459368&sr=8-1&keywords=yoyo+lube

Jizer alternative:

https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-EB1CA-Original-Engine-Degreaser/dp/B0057HXI6Y/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537459694&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=gunk+engine+degreaser&psc=1

Alcohol:


https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Isopropyl-Alcohol-Electronics/dp/B0047YB3OW/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1537459778&sr=1-5&keywords=isopropyl+alcohol

Rocket Air Blower


https://www.amazon.com/Giottos-AA1900-Rocket-Blaster-Large/dp/B00017LSPI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1537459982&sr=1-3&keywords=rocket+air+blaster

OR these but they can spray out some propellant so I prefer the cheaper Rocket Blaster:


https://www.amazon.com/Dust-Off-Falcon-Professional-Electronics-Compressed/dp/B009XCK6PK/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1537460068&sr=1-6&keywords=compressed+air+duster

Personally, given the cost of R188 bearings and the huge choice which will let you taylor your spinner to your taste I would consider one of these! (Not from Amazon Singapore but the God of bearings!)

http://www.fzessentials.com/store/p161/608_To_R188_Bearing_Adapter_Upgrade_Kit__.html

Hope this helps,

Idle.

Do not go to a dealer for detailing work, ever. Dealer detailing departments are some of the worst things out there. I'm speaking both as someone who has 2 friends working at a BMW dealer, and someone who had a Ford dealer's detailing dept put scratches in the rear bumper of a brand new 2016 Mustang GT that won't come out.

I like using this stuff, you're going to need a few stiff bristle brushes as well

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https://www.amazon.com/Sonax-543200-755-Engine-Cold-Cleaner/dp/B00OA1QJZU

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if you need to go hard core

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https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-FEB1-Foamy-Engine-Cleaner/dp/B000ABGA6W/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_263_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V91WZBBEDC95KC20P14J

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join up on /r/autodetailing as well

This stuff? https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Foam-SS14-Cleaner-Lube/dp/B003L7T57S

How did you use it?

I'm not sure what S.I.D.I means, it was this stuff

If you mean direct injection, ya it was a traverse. I saw how filthy it was when I pulled the intake to do plugs at 150k and the miss was still there. I ran 2 bottles of seafoam through it and pulled the plenum again and it hadn't made a dent. That stuff got it first time.

I died when you asked if you should call them. Then I died again imagining you really did. I would love to hear that conversation.

Foamy to degrease
https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-FEB1-Foamy-Engine-Cleaner/dp/B000ABGA6W/

Shine to finish
https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-CEB1-Ounce-Automotive-Accessories/dp/B0002KL6JM/

When I said lemon oil what I really meant was citrus. Derp. So yeah, really anything, but this is available for a pretty good price on Amazon.

I'd say baby oil is a no-go, based on the chemical composition. The reason why citrus cleaners work well is because they have the ability to remove corrosive materials from the bearing while being non-toxic and smelling like heaven :)

Not a mechanic, but have you thought about possibly trying a GDI and turbo cleaner?


CRC 05319 GDI IVD Intake Valve & Turbo Cleaner 11 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PHNQKR2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WK111K/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527315213&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=s100+engine+brightener

I’ve used that with great success

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05319-Intake-Valve-Cleaner/dp/B00PHNQKR2/ref=asc_df_B00PHNQKR2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312168100217&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7383792485142420091&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032190&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-716705970672&psc=1

It's dangerous to go alone, take this.

Citrol not petrol i hope you dont normally make assumptions like that ughh. https://www.amazon.com/Schaeffer-Manufacturing-Cleaner-Industrial-Degreaser-x/dp/B00JF2LLHA

You're a tad over which fine. Looks clean too, you're set.

Your engine bay is dirty. Not gooda for the engine to handle its heat. Also not good for the seals and rubber tubing. Disconnect the battery and go at it with this:

https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-FEB1-Foamy-Engine-Cleaner/dp/B000ABGA6W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538632190&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=engine+bay+cleaner

A messy bay can eventually warp the hood from the heat. And damage the engine.

Thank you! I am planning to get a degreaser and clean it. I hope this works Gunk 6868 5L Ultra Engine Degreaser https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006HFM8MA

Try some Blue Shower electronics cleaner by Tech Spray. It worked really well for me on some labels. It's plastic and electronics safe. I think they changed formula recently but it is still my go to cleaner after isopropyl alcohol.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005T7YBGS/

https://www.techspray.com/p-17-g3-blue-shower-maintenance-cleaner.aspx

I know this smell. I went through the same thing when i brought my 2017 Mazda 3 home. I opened the hood and check everything.

I can see liquid in the small gaps around the air filter cover. I used cotton swabs to soak up the liquid and check to see what it is.. The dealer used those "engine cleaner" cans under the hood.

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I guess is they tried to make it look new for cars that have been sitting for a while.

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https://www.amazon.com/Gunk-FEB1-Foamy-Engine-Cleaner/dp/B000ABGA6W

I've used this on before with good results

I'm looking to keep it!

It's more in the interest of looking after it

From what ifs found out so far, I'm thinking microfibres cloths and this:

Auto Glym Engine & Machine Cleaner, 1 Litre https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001AZE5WS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_oNRszbMSN5PXV

This stuff works really good too.