What I do to clean my other cars (pistons that is) is to spray it with Simple Green then wash it off with water and spray Armor All and let it sit.
Will this be good for the RX8 or will it ruin the Wankel?

 

...why would you think this'd be different from any other motor?? the internal workings have little influence on all the appendages of the modern engine bay.

 

Noooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't do it man, for the love of God, don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

 

what does the armor all do for you after you let it sit???

 

I use simple green to keep all the black plastic pieces clean

 

Hey KTM-316
Use a pressure washer to clean. Water only. If you don't have a p.w. go to a self service car wash put the selecter on rinse and hose off use side to side and up and down motions (continuous movment but slow) keeping tip 1ft. away from all parts and you will be fine. No Armor All or Simple Green needed the pressure washer will do the job. I owen a auto detail business for 16 yrs.

 

well I used the Armor All in my other car to make it like shiny, hehehe. Ya, also the simple green to dissolve the grims and stuff.

Ok thanks MeZoomZoom

 

IMO, there's no benefit from washing the engine or engine bay, and a risk of screwing things up with water in the wrong places. This gets even worse if using chemicals.

 

doesn't keeping it clean reassure dirt and dust from getting in unwanted places?

 

The unwanted places I'm thinking about are mostly the insides of electrical connectors or components. These are sealed well enough against dirt and *usually* against water but why push your luck? I have known several people mess things up by washing the engine. High-pressure stream from a hose is not the same as incedental splashing from puddles, and the higher up in the engine bay the more this applies. A little water gets forced past a seal along with some impurities and/or solvent and you can get shorts or set the stage for problems down the road due to corrosion. The later can be even a bigger headache; if you've ever tried to track down an intermittent electrical problem you understand.

I'm sure some of this can be avoided by proper technique; just not worth the risk under normal circumstances, imo. I used to do it on occasion until I realized that I never heard of someone's car dying because the engine got too dusty but I did know folks who had trouble due to engine washing. I've made exception when trying to track down an oil leak, but then only the area in question.

 

Also, be very careful about using Simple Green on aluminum components. It can corrode aluminum. I simply use a damp cloth or Griot's interior cleaner to keep the engine bay dusted. It's not spotless but if you keep up with it cleaning is no big deal.

 

he is right. I am in the show scene and thats what some people do. it works great, plus if you use the spot less no dying! hahaha! Be sure to cover your electrical parts and air filter (if its exposed).

 

If you don't have a hot water pressure wash, wash your engine bay while your engine is warm (not hot).. It will help dry the engine bay faster.

You can get a great pressure washer for relatively cheap nowadays.. about $99-130 for a 1300-1500psi pressure washer, sold at stores like target, walmart, and costco. I have one made by Kaarcher. Best pressure washers in the market, imo. Had one for over a year now, and it's one of the best things I've ever bought.. multipurpose galore.

 

Thanks for everybody's suggestions. Since winter is here, I'll hop on it in late Feb.