How many pros here detail engines for clients?

RobertM · 03-05-04, 07:10

I am going to start my mobile business probably this April (May at the latest). A lot of things still need to be done from now and then.

Just wondering how many of you already established detailers do engines along with all your other services. Those of you who do, have you ever had problems with the engines restarting or malfunctioning (electrically)?

I've never had any problems on my own vehicle detailing the engine bays with covering things like the alternator and coil pak with bags. Would it be taking a risk doing engines?

Thanks for any and all input.

Robert.

(I know, the rules say to keep all questions in University until your post count is to a certain level but I rarely ever post because I heavily use the search feature. Plus I think this question pertains to this forum pretty well.)

Mr. Clean 2K · 03-05-04, 07:45

Watch certain throttle bady sensors and intake sensors. Do you plan to pressure wash them or just simple green and scrub?

RobertM · 03-05-04, 07:59

I was thinking just using a degreaser and scrub brush. Then hose down with water and dry with my 6.5 HP shop-vac (blows at 265 mph!). Then top hoses etc. with dressing.

Robert.

Sqard · 03-05-04, 11:33

I used to, but I may decide against it this year. I don't need the extra liability and usually don't make much money from it anyways since I took the time to cover up every little thing.

mirrorfinishman · 03-06-04, 05:14

I do not offer engine detailing due to the potential for causing electrical problems.

Jimmy Buffit · 03-06-04, 05:37

Well, I do it everyday, without problems (so far!)
There is the potential for problems, make no mistake about it.

I find that the newer vehicles are much less likely to be affected by water.

NEVER use a pressure/power washer. simple flow of a garden hose should be enough. A proper degreaser should eliminate the need for scrubbing.

Mist with a water based dressing, close the hood, go on about the rest of the car, check back as you finish the detail and remist as required.

Works for me.

Jim

NozeBleedSpeed · 03-06-04, 07:23

I detail the engine bays for some customers. I always charge additional for it. As stated above, there is definitely potential for causing some damage in many different ways. If you are not very knowledgable about electronic powertrain management, you probably should avoid engine bays. It can be an expensive liability. It only takes a small amount of water in the wrong place to create major symptoms.

The primary concern is electronics. Be certain to cover electronic sensor connections on the MAF, TPS, ACS, ECM, COPs and coil packs. You also should protect the alternator and all breathers. Aluminum foils works well since it can be molded around small devices.

When cleaning, use low water water volume. A pump sprayer with water works well for controlling water volume and directing it where its needed for rinsing. Engine bays have many different materials next to each other in a confined area. Be sure to use a cleaner that wont harm aluminum, poly vinyl, paint, rubber, etc. Citrus is usually a pretty safe cleaner. Clean one section at a time using cleaner and brushes.

Once the bay is cleaned, blow excess water out and remove all protective foil. Start the engine immediately and shut the hood. Let the engine warm up to evaporate water and prevent it from running into electronic connections.

This wont gaurantee that you wont cause a problem when cleaning an engine bay but it will greatly reduce the risks.

Scottwax · 03-06-04, 06:23

I only detail engines for a few of my regulars. New customers? No way. Even though I have never had a problem with an engine after I have washed it, these days you never know when someone will have an engine problem and want you to wash it so they can try and pin the blame on you for the problem.

I suggest they take the car to the dealer for engine cleaning, that way if anything gets wet and ruined, the dealer should have the parts in stock and a mechanic who can replace them.

theveed · 03-06-04, 06:27

Engines are a hell to detail... We do around 5-10 a week, and additional 10-20 engine washes a week... There are a lot of problems involved if you're not familiar with some models.

With my experience, we don't engine wash any euro cars, not even pouring water out of a bottle or something, they always tend to have idling problems afterwards. With newer Japanese engines such as the ones in Civics, Corollas, CRV, RAV, etc etc, they're pretty much safe, you can pressure wash them with no probs as long as you dry things up before starting.

Some Jap cars such as the Maxima/I30 (Cefiro here in Asia) have really sensitive electronics and you'd like to avoid washing those as well.

Diesel cars are easy to clean.

Oh, when it comes to carb... Be very careful around the carb area, one loose hose and you'll spend hours finding where it goes.

NJDetailer · 03-10-04, 08:26

Quote:

Originally posted by mirrorfinishman
I do not offer engine detailing due to the potential for causing electrical problems.

Same here.

360RamGuy01 · 03-10-04, 08:47

I worked as a detailer at A big Ford dealership in high school, in my training they taught us to spray down the entire engine compartment with degreaser and then spray it with the pressusre washer. I'm not saying this is the right way to do it, but we never had any problems on any of the cars after doing this, and it was done to every sold vehicle.

Jngrbrdman · 03-11-04, 06:52

Detailing the engine is not part of my normal services, but it is a service that I offer. I do a lot of cars that people are fixing to sell or cars that are going back on lease returns. Getting the engine into shape is important for the customer because its something that is going to be looked at. Most people don't care about under the hood. If you aren't cleaning the engine like you are putting out a fire then its not hard to detail it safely. I've never had any trouble with them because I'm very careful.

If you avoid detailing engines because of the risk of electrical problems then I would think you would avoid polishing the paint for risk of rotary burn. If you know what you are doing then its safe. I don't detail an engine unless I am asked and then I always look at it first. Most cars that are going to cause you problems by detailing under the hood aren't going to be owned by people who would ask you to do the job. That's just me, anyway. I like doing engines because there is always a very dramatic difference and I like to see differences. I've got a good example of that in my gallery somewhere...