So I detailed our other car's engine bay, 2001 Chevy Cavalier, the other day. Turned out great! I covered the alternator and distributor cap before degreasing and hosing down. However, the Pat's engine bay has a lot more plastic covered parts. I can't even see the alternator or distributor from above, although I haven't look that closely yet. Is it necessary to cover anything or has Jeep done a good job covering the "sensitive" parts with the plastic coverings to protect them when hosing down?


Here's a pic of the before and after detailing job on the Cavalier... :)


BAD! :(

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu338/drummereefvideos/2001%20Cavalier/pics006.jpg


GOOD! :)

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu338/drummereefvideos/2001%20Cavalier/pics004.jpg

Nice job! I always try to keep my engine bay clean too. Makes it easier to work on, you get less dirty and it's easier to find leaks and such.

Most all of your engine bay parts will be very resistant to water. You'd be surprised how wet everything under the hood gets when driving in a storm.

Personally, I don't cover anything when washing, though I do use my air compressor or leaf blower to get any standing water out of any electrical components immediately after rinsing off.

Most all of your engine bay parts will be very resistant to water. You'd be surprised how wet everything under the hood gets when driving in a storm.

Personally, I don't cover anything when washing, though I do use my air compressor or leaf blower to get any standing water out of any electrical components immediately after rinsing off.


I do agree most "modern" vehicles are sealed rather well from weather but as you can see in the pics above the alternator and distributor cap on the Cavalier is completely exposed. Most sensors and electronics are sealed to be weather tight but most people recommend covering any exposed electronics just as a precaution. That's what I'm worried about with the Patriot. I'm wondering where the alternator and distributor are in relation to the engine and plastic covers?

What kind of degreaser did you use? I want to do this to my 91 Jeep Cher...

Thanks,

Richard

What kind of degreaser did you use? I want to do this to my 91 Jeep Cher...

Thanks,

Richard


I used Gunk Orange Engine Shine and Purple Power Degreasers. I used both products (separately) because it was so bad. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly, the Gunk is especially flammable. A good rinse is all it needs.


http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu338/drummereefvideos/2001%20Cavalier/pics003.jpg

Here is a nice touch for the engine bay. I plan to get a set for my Patriot. I already have these on some of my other cars:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Compass-Patriot-Engine-Shock-Tower-Covers-07-08-09_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhas hZitem48369605ddQQitemZ310153446877QQptZMotorsQ5fC arQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Take a look at this. I have kept my engine pretty clean, even in those slushy winters:

DIY Engine Compartment Sealing (http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7228)


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Here is a nice touch for the engine bay. I plan to get a set for my Patriot. I already have these on some of my other cars:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Compass-Patriot-Engine-Shock-Tower-Covers-07-08-09_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhas hZitem48369605ddQQitemZ310153446877QQptZMotorsQ5fC arQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Those look pretty cool. I might have to pick some of those up for my Pat too.

Take a look at this. I have kept my engine pretty clean, even in those slushy winters:

DIY Engine Compartment Sealing (http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7228)


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Thanks for the tip Homac. Do you ever wash out your engine bay? Do you cover anything before you spray it down?