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Engine compartment cleaning/rust prevention

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Sportsdoc

Jedi Trainee
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I'm in the process of rebuilding my front suspension along with steering, carbs, etc. I have no plans to pull the engine. My question is what is the best way to clean the engine compartment and wheel wells and is there any sealant or product to retard rust? I'm sure that pulling everything and prepping and painting is best but I can't/won't do that.
Thanks.

Richard
66 Sprite restoration in progress
 
In the past I've used Simple Green and a pressure washer or hose to clean.

As for retarding rust. I would sand, prime and use a good body color automotive paint.
 
I second on Simple Green. I tried to avoid pressure washing out of fear of electrical stuff, but my basic cleaning project turned into a full disassembly of everything from the firewall forward. I probably would have pressure washed had I known I would undertake a disassembly. I did pressure wash everything underside.
 
Are you pulling the fenders? The real rust & debris traps are in the blind doglegs between the inner and outer fender, which needs to be cleaned out (and maybe repainted). It also gives you better access to the suspension and engine bay, and ensures that you don't damage the fender edges as you are rebuilding the suspension. But of course, once you start taking things apart. See the bottom half of page 1 in the following link, for my recent experience with same.

https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/299147/page/0/fpart/1
 
Donn, Simple Green is a water-based de-greaser. Very effective at cutting oily grime (watch breathing the fumes too much though /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/pukeface.gif - I know!!) /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
Yes, it's the wonder cleaner. From cleaning carpets to getting oil off driveways. And everything in between.
 
I like Simple Green too but with the really nasty stuff on my car the Greased Lightning (purple bottle) is the bomb!
 
Straight simple green or the purple stuff will stain paint becareful where you use it! It is great stuff for cleaning
 
You people must have a different "simple green" than I can buy around here. Simple Green simply doesn't clean much of anything for me.
Super Clean, now there is something that works!
 
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