View Full Version : How to attack this engine detail (pics)
Evenflow
12-21-2006, 03:46 PM
I only do exterior and interior details, never engine detailing really. But I opened my hood today to check my oil dipstick and noticed my engine is pretty scummy looking.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/pmdemas/Engine1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/pmdemas/Engine4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/pmdemas/Engine3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v124/pmdemas/Engine2.jpg
I turned the water off, and put the hose away. Im thinking about sticking with OTC degreasers (Orange Blast, Purple Power).
Would this be a good approach.
Spray down compartment with degreaser
Wipe with Costco MF towel
Wipe down with water
Dress with CD2 Engine Detailer
Would I have to cover anything since I wont be using a steady stream of water?
It doesn`t look THAT bad. You could probably get away without degreaser. I, for one, would want to hose off the engine if I used a degreaser on it. Try a quick detailer on it or maybe some 303. I would just wait until winter is over to do a good job on it though.
imported_themightytimmah
12-21-2006, 04:21 PM
I`ve tried the waterless method, and it never comes out quite right. I`d just coat it down with tire foam (the kind that cleans and shines) and live with it until summer. Once summer comes around, do it the right way with a hose and degreaser.
Accumulator
12-21-2006, 07:34 PM
Doesn`t look like it`ll need a really potent degreaser or an "engine cleaner" to me either.
I`d use some P21s TAW and a collection of brushes and (lots of) swabs. If you have a steamer handy I`d use that too. Then dress with something like the 303. If any specific areas give you trouble you can post back, somebody here has probably dealt with them already.
FWIW the engine compartment of my beater-Blazer was a *LOT* nastier than that and it cleaned up surprisingly well. I bet you can at least make a big improvement on it now and then get by with a second, less intensive job come spring.
Evenflow
12-21-2006, 09:06 PM
Thanks for all the info.
When I use a hose, what should I cover. Battery, alternator, fuse box, and air filter?
cnlcolombian
12-21-2006, 09:31 PM
all electrical/air filters covered with plastic bag and taped or held into fixed place
Nuke33
12-21-2006, 09:37 PM
would meg apc+ work on it??
Evenflow
12-21-2006, 09:49 PM
all electrical/air filters covered with plastic bag and taped or held into fixed place
How should I clean the taped up areas after?
SpoiledMan
12-21-2006, 11:26 PM
You can take a look at my gallery below. Meg`s APC and Hyper Dressing 4:1 was used for this. Spray on slightly warm engine, use assortment of brushes and shower for rinse. Nothing was covered and nothing was damaged.
http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=23216&cat=500&size=big&ppuser=15714
imported_gusbubba
12-21-2006, 11:48 PM
I`ve tried the waterless method, and it never comes out quite right. I`d just coat it down with tire foam (the kind that cleans and shines) and live with it until summer. Once summer comes around, do it the right way with a hose and degreaser.
Yeah , ArmorAll tire foam should easily clean that up for the time being.
Spray it on , wait a few minutes, then wipe it down.
Works surprisingly well.....
Evenflow
12-22-2006, 12:04 AM
hmm so I should be ok not covering anything and doing it?
imported_gusbubba
12-22-2006, 09:35 AM
Yeah , you`ll be ok.
When you take the hose to it in the spring ,though, make sure you cover
the air intake and all electrical components.
On newer car, when I HAVE to do an engine job. I never cover anything. Most all if it is covered anyway and anything that isn`t covered will withstand water. Just remember NEVER use a hard blast of water, only a light spray.
imported_gusbubba
12-22-2006, 12:01 PM
On newer car, when I HAVE to do an engine job. I never cover anything. Most all if it is covered anyway and anything that isn`t covered will withstand water. Just remember NEVER use a hard blast of water, only a light spray.
I was waiting for someone to mention this.
On newer cars it`s just a precaution....consider it more of a neccessity on older vehicles.
HenrikP
12-22-2006, 11:54 PM
just remember the faster you dry her off the less likely the water will seep into anywhere