Expert Advice Needed

[Big P]

OK guys here`s the deal. I`ve been lurking around here for a while & I decided to finally post because I need some advice. I have a 2002 Tahoe Z71 & while I was getting the oil changed today, I asked about cleaning the engine. He said they do not recommend anything more than a wipe down with a damp(water) cloth. He specifically said not to us any degreasers or tire shine products. My engine is dusty & I would like to clean it up a bit. Can anyone recommend a safe solution to clean the manifod cover etc. or should I just stick to a moist towel? Thanks in advance.


P.S. You may find me here more than the other forums. I did some small jobs about 10 years ago & I could possibly have the opportunity of "retraining" with an established detailer, who I would in turn pay "per piece" for every detail that I bring in. You are all very knowledgeable & helpful & I look foreward to talking about the business as well as the techincal aspects of detailing. Thanks again.

[Woob]

Welcome! I would suggest just using an easy wipedown if it is just dusty. Washing your engine involves covering certain parts and it can be dangerous. Stay on DC and enjoy

[stainbuster]

Big P,

This is one of my client`s 02 Tahoe Z-71 engine. The engine had never been cleaned since new. The truck`s got about 40k miles on it.

Yes water was involved, as well as Simple Green, WD-40 (to spray on the electrical connections to repel water), couple of brushes, water-based dressing, and lots of elbow grease.

Check it out:

[stainbuster]

One more before:

[stainbuster]

After:

[stainbuster]

One more

[Ringo]

He may want you to stay away from tire shine products because some of them contain chemicals that will attract even more dust in the long run. many of the products look great when they`re first applied but if they arean`t properly maintained...they will look terible over time.

[darkcrow]

most water based dressings are fine for engine detailing, stay away from solvent base-icky mess after - as far as cleaning.. why not use a watered down degreaser?? thats all i have ever used and never had a problem, mind you the engines i detail are much more than just dusty

[Big P]

Thanks for the replies guys. I`ll let you know how it turns out.

[Big P]

Forgot to say, Stainbuster, that is a very nice job on that Z71, if I can get mine to look half as good, I`ll be happy.

[stainbuster]

Thanks Big P,

Ringo, good point about solvents being dust magnets.