Used Search but could not find anything... Engine cleaning. Am afraid to turn a hose on the engine. So i use engine cleaner with a spray can/bottle and remove with Windex and water (spray bottles). To reach nooks and crannies i use a barrel cleaner for a 12 guage shotgun which 3-4 feet long and about an inch in diameter. The wool or synthetic fabric has to be washed in hot soapy water to get the dirt out. Anybody have some methods that you would like to recommend? Thanks BTW my 458 Spider engine seems to get dirtier than my old F355 and 360.
I have the same question for my 308. What cleaner is best for raw metal parts in the engine compartment such as valve covers. Blasting the engine with a hose makes me a bit nervous. Any suggestions?
I have a steamer I use. It works great! I also use some All Purpose Cleaner (APC) and some microfiber as well as some small brushes to get into the nooks and crannies that aren't easily accessible. I clean with the APC and brushes, and then hit it with the steamer to remove any residue/additional dirt/etc that needs to be removed. Cleans up great! If a steamer is not an option, then you can use any variety of waterless wash or APC for heavier areas and then 'rinse' with a spray bottle of distilled water so you lessen the chances of leaving water spots. Finish with your choice of dressing/coating/etc and you are finished! Hope this helps you!
Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner stuff. It's a mild soap and lifts dirt out of tight places. Image Unavailable, Please Login
The last time I cleaned my engine, I used Scrubbing Bubbles and it left a white haze film over everything after being rinsed off - just not for me. Next time, I am just going to use "Purple Stuff" degreaser. The Griots engine shine was REALLY good.
This fellow does lots of detailing. Go to the Detail page and then look for "Engine Detail". He does some very nice work. Detailing - Rick's Audi Double DJ
To do it right... use a diluted APC..by hand multiple times..plenty of clean small towels.. and wear rubber gloves to save your hands from drying out.. Then apply preservatives and protectants to rubber , and metal parts http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/detailing-showroom/474701-detailed-engine-f512tr.html
I would stay away from any non automotive use product such as bathroom/household cleaners. These can tend to be very harsh/acidic and can possible do more harm than good. ncjetskier seems to have had such an experience. I would say that the harsh chemicals in this cleaner, while being allowed to dwell, caused the discoloration to your engine bits/pieces. Just my opinion is all...
Dupray is one of the top notch brands. I am using a Mcculloch right now. Amazon or one of the online detailing stores carry them. Looks at some of the reviews and that will help you decide what YOU need for what you will be using it for. You can spend some $$$ on them, that's for sure!
I used engine cleaner the first go around and then Simple Green. I found the Simple Green worked best. I made sure to rinse off the block VERY well with water after using the Simple Green.
I use the water hose and my regular car wash soap, with a pure bristle round paint brush for the small corners. I did this with my 360 and I do the same with my 458 no problem at all those engine are made to be used in the rain too if you use some water to rinse of your car, the water gets on your engine anyway....
I've been very impressed with the Griot's engine cleaner. Seems to remove as much grease/grime as more aggressive products, but it won't harm alloy like some other products. I love Simple Green, but don't use it on the engine as a whole because the detailing gurus warn it can discolor some alloys. The main concern in hosing down an engine is to make certain to cover sensitive areas/components with foil and/or plastic bags, tape, etc. That's kind of a pain to do in a mid-engine car, but still easier for me than scrubbing small areas. Blow drying with a leaf blower helps as well.
Ditto on the simple green. Then the next day after engine is completly dry, I warm the engine and spray Armorol on it, the next day wipe off excess with a cotton cloth. Looks showroom fresh
I'm no expert but I agree with this approach and have had no problems. Is there anything less caustic than good ol' H2O and if car wash soap won't hurt your paint and metal trim, it shouldn't hurt anything under the hood. Add a little brushing with a small soft brush, a terry rag or two and finish with a rinse and leaf blower and viola. No experience with Griot's but FWIW, I'd stay away from anything that says "bathroom" on it.
I use a diluted APC (Grime Reaper) and a spray bottle of deionized water to rinse. I scrub where necessary using a soft detailing tool made for wheels (NO wire or metal). I dry with a microfiber wipe or towel. The most important thing with a mid-engine car -- make sure that you are not wearing any metal on your pants or shirt, or you will end up scratching the exterior finish (even if you lean on a towel).
Ernie, I would be careful with Simple Green. Make sure you use the one specifically for Aluminum, the regular Simple Green is great on Steel (acidic) but not good on Aluminum (need a base).
Hi Felipe I don't think it's a problem hosing down the engine, provided you cover the the fenders, etc to prevent splashing dirt onto the paint and have car running. I have a 458 spider and it is much harder than my 458 coupe since I can't get to the front of the engine of the spider unless you take apart the roof section. However, my spider engine compartments looks brand new after 13k miles. To prevent any dirt , I cover the engine with a towel before I wash the car so a minimal amount of water gets into compartment thru the 2 vents.i then use a air hose to blow out any residual water. Dirt tends to build up in the crevices on the valve covers where water tends to settle. b careful with shotgun cleaner lol
Sorry-- I have a 348, so I can't help specifically. But I try to protect any openings such as air intakes, and even the oil filler cap on some cars (I don't think that's an issue on Ferraris though). Wiring connectors and especially the alternator need to be covered. Better to be safe than to risk damaging an expensive part. BTW, Aerospace 303 protectant is awesome stuff to use on painted and plastic surfaces after the engine is clean and dry. It drys to the touch, so it doesn't attract dust, and it has UV protectants to help keep exposed colors from fading. I recently used some in the cowl area under the wipers on my 348 and it now looks brand new. Great stuff for lots of different uses. Best of luck cleaning your engines. Wish I could be of more help.
