Author's Note: I performed this job on my 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC 5.0 HO. Care should be taken to prevent water saturation of electronic parts, such as sensors, alternator, and distributor cap. Although these parts are designed to function under humid conditions and when slightly wet, they may fail is immersed in water. I recommend covering these electronic parts with plastic baggies or aluminum foil to prevent saturating them. I also recommend covering the front fenders, front header panel and bumper, and windshield with plastic covering, such as painter's cheese-cloth to prevent damaging paint. By following these directions, I do not guarantee your paint finish will be damage free, nor do I guarantee electronic parts will not fail.

Also, be environmentally friendly and be aware of where your "dirty water" will be draining.

I DO NOT recommend the method if you have show-detailed your engine compartment. My car is used as almost-daily transportation, but I still want it looking good under the hood!





Through normal usage, and engine compartment can become quite dirty and grimy if it is not periodically cleaned. There are a multitude of cleaners on the market available to tackle the job, but some will damage painted finishes and aluminum finishes. Here is a method of under hood care that works for me with no ill-side effects (so far).

If your engine is extremely greasy and grimy, begin by warming the engine up to normal operating temperature, then shut if off. When the engine is running, the cooling fan and alternator fan may spray you with cleaner and water. For the REAL greasy and grimy parts, follow the directions on any engine degreaser you choose to use. Many other auto detailers recommend Simple Green, Formula 409, Fantastic, and many other household cleaners. I also like Castrol Purple Degreaser, but if left full strength, this product will remove paint! So be careful with the heavy cleaner you choose to use, and follow the directions. Different size brushes should be used to scrub tough grime off surfaces. Follow your cleaning and scrubbing with a stream of water from the garden hose to rinse everything off. Start your engine and let everything dry off. If your engine is not very greasy, proceed to the next step.

On a hot/warm engine (turned off), spray the entire engine compartment down with Windex. Close the hood and wait 3-5 minutes.

Lift the hood and mist the entire engine compartment with water. Then spray the entire area with Armor All. Close the hood and wait 3-5 minutes.

Lift the hood and repeat the Windex, water, and Armor All application just like you did before. BUT after you apply the 2nd application of Armor All, close the hood and wash and detail the exterior of your car (or just walk away for 2-3 hours).

When you return, open the hood and wipe down any excess Armor All. Start the engine and let it dry off completely.

The results speak for themselves!