Under my car hood, is it bad if its realy dirty inside?

Question

Under my Escort ZX2, its really dirty with dirt everywhere. Is this bad? There also seems to be quite a bit battery corrosion... If this is bad, how do I clean both the dirt and the battery corrosion? If there is battery corrosion do I need another battery even if I'm not having problems? Thanks

I do get regular maintenance, if anything more than regular in some cases. My air filter is FILTHY. Should I clean my K&N (worth keeping and spending money on cleaner?) or just get a regular air filter? I drive a Ford Escort ZX2 (2 door escort)

I heard Coke will work for corrosion, lol, will this be ok? Whether Coke or baking soda do I just poor it all over?

Answer 1

the battery corrosion can be cleaned off using vinegar and baking soda. Dust under the hood is not necessarily a problem, but you should DEFINITELY check the condition of your air filter and replace it if it is severely soiled, otherwise your mass air flow sensor is eventually not going to read correctly and you may develop drivability issues.

Answer 2

Look in the yellow pages for 'steam cleaning', and have them clean everything under the hood.(keeps the engine running cooler). Then take the battery cables off, mix some baking soda with water and pour it on the battery terminals and cable ends and flush that off with water. When everything is clean and dry, spray some 3 in 1 oil onto the terminals and ends and reconnect them...you'll be fine !! Also, go to an auto parts store and get a couple of felt battery rings and put them on the terminals before you put the cables on. They help prohibit corrosion...

Answer 3

Hi.Go to auto parts store and tell them your concern about your engine compartment being dirty.They have a wide range of products available to help you. If want to clean your battery baking soda works good , just sprinkle on , let sit for a while [ 10 minutes or longer ] and hose off with water.I clean my motor with Gunk Engine Cleaner and it works well. Good Luck. K&N filters are very good but a little pricey.

Answer 4

The dirt under the hood isn't a bad thing in itself, however, it might mean that you haven't maintained the engine properly. Which is a bad thing. Make sure that you check and change all your engine and transmition fluids regulary to keep your car running. Also, make sure your air filter is cleaned (if K&N) or replaced (if paper), otherwise you will either sufficate your engine--resulting in poor HP, MPG, sputtering/running problems) or you might even cause some serious damage to the motor.