Engine Detailing?!

[Reflector]

Hi.



I would like to know whats the best way to detail engines. I am not looking for the shiney/sticky look. I want the clean brand new engine look if you know what I mean.



What I do is mix some simple green. 10:1 with water then spray it, let it sit for a few minutes then spray it off with water and dry some areas with a towel. its clean, but not all the areas and it kinda leaves some spots on the hoses etc.



I Have never used any other product. I would prefer something from Meguiars since it easier for me to get.

[Robb]

Try APC+ and Engine Kote

[GearHead_1]

Robb,



Can you tell me a little more about Engine Kote? I`ve been thinking about trying it but the description says that it dries hard and I don`t want something that cracks once its dried. Thanks for any comments.

[Robb]

i find that it leaves a very natural engine sheen,IMO it is like a heavy duty dressing for your engine, i have never had it crack and dont believe that would be an issue

[Paul_BB_Guy]

Always remember to cover intakes/electronics with foil or plastic bags taped down with masking tape.



Another warning is that some of the engine degreasers will melt asphalt resulting in damaged driveways... Forwarned is forearmed...

[mrbean]

well , i use P21S total auto wash and a tooth brush and some brushes and it just work out great for me



just make sure u did warm up the enginee (i did like 3-5 mins) , hot enough to touch it with ur hand but won;t burn it





:up

[Reflector]

Originally posted by mrbean

well , i use P21S total auto wash and a tooth brush and some brushes and it just work out great for me



just make sure u did warm up the enginee (i did like 3-5 mins) , hot enough to touch it with ur hand but won;t burn it





:up



This part i dont understand. I read some other posts mentioning you need the engine to be warm, but not why? and it doesnt make sense.



I make sure my engine is cool when I do it. Hot will jus dry it faster :confused:

[AutoNova]

Warming the engine helps to loosen soil and contaminants as well as anything petroleum based that is on the engine. Be careful to cover delicate areas, I recenlty had a gentleman`s starter go out on a mercedes I completed. Nothing I could do, It was underneath the engine.

[chris0626]

Congratulations, Reflector, on deciding to tackle your engine bay. When I finally got motivated to tackle my poor ol` neglected `93 Benz engine, I wrote up the process here: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29237. I did not warm up the engine before hand, because I expected to spend 12 hours or so on it. Also, I did not cover any of the engine components, because I planned to work in very tiny areas with minimal liquids and no water-spray, and I had no adverse effects. I used Orange Blast (available at all WalMarts etc.), with vast quantities of shop towels, brushes, and Q-tips. Then treated the rubber/vinyl after cleaning. All in all, I was quite pleased with the results.



If you tell us what year/make car you`re dealing with, we might be able to give you some more specific tips.

[Mantic6t9]

Ahh the joys of cleaning engine bays. Bloody knuckles, sore neck and back, and the feeling of never being done.

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/10954dsc01274.jpg

http://www.autopia.org/gallery/data/500/10954dsc01663.jpg