Has any one ever cleaned there engine compartment and everything in there with something? Maybe silicone spray, or some foam, when I see other used cars for sale at dealers lots, the engine bay is all slick and shiny.
I think the engine compartments on dealers lots are steam cleaned. I don't think that is recommended for Ferraris though because of the chance of getting moisture in the distributors, coils, connections etc. I've heard many have used WD40 safely, as a cleaner on Ferrari engine compartments, just stay away from the electronics.
There is a cleaner detailer that is available, I guess it cleans a little and then leaves like a tire shine sort of look.
I use Autoglym Engine & Machine Cleaner, spray on and hose off (low pressure) then use their Vinyl & Rubber Care on all the black stuff. http://www.autoglym.com/ Image Unavailable, Please Login
Believe it or not, I have been useing PLEDGE yes you read it right. Pledge furniture polish on all the black plastic and metal under the deck lid and it works great. Spray it on and leave it for 5 minutes and then rub it off. You can also use it on vinyl dashes on your other cars but NEVER on leather.http://detailingdepot.com/productsearch.php
I keep reading this, but don't have the guts to try it. Another favorite is using Peanut Butter on exterior black trim, to remove the white cakey coloring that is leftover from careless waxing. Jif, Skippy, it makes no difference.
I tried Pledge on the black trim panels in the 360 engine bay last year and was not happy with the results. It looked great when first applied, but after the first rain it became streaky, requiring a lot of elbow grease to remove the streaks. I know that others have claimed great success, but it did not work for me. Lou
LOLOLOL!! How about Brylcreem!!!! Or Vitalis LOL!! Just do not use Mennens after shave, its too thin and it runs!!
http://autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/80226-engine-cleaning-detailing.html Heres a pretty good write up.
I have had great luck with Rocky Road ice cream. Just wipe it on an lick it off ! LOFLMAO !!!! Regards, Stew
That is not a problem unique to Pledge, any of the vinyl or rubber treatments will do that after a rain or car wash on the interior pieces in the engine compartment. Seen it. Pledge is a great product though, and was popular with the motorcycle crowd 20 years ago, before "car specific" detailer sprays came out. (it was even used sucessfully on the paint too). Now folks would use something like Griot's Garage Speed Shine in it's place.
I have. I usually use Simple Green as a mild degreaser, spaying around the engine compartment then power washing the entire compartment, followed up by drying with rags, a fan, and Armor all on plastic components. Now for the down side. You need to both cover with plastic/cellophane anything that shouldn't get water (ie: air intake, electronics). You should also avoid spraying these areas...period. There is also a chance that you could blow off an electrical connector with the power washer so be very careful and actually plan out where you are going to spray BEFORE even turning the washer on (only use the low pressure nozzle). The tendency is for guys to just go in there guns blazing and spray everything and anything (bad choice). You should use SHORT, patterned bursts as opposed to long sweeping sprays to wash the engine compartment. Check the engine compartment for any wires that could have been knocked loose. I would also make sure the engine compartment is thoroughly dry before starting up the engine as this could create a short.
Degreasers and pressure washers anywhere around the cam drive system/tensioner bearings is a bad idea.
I put some spray on tire dressing and it works great, stayed away from the sensitive stuff, I was just looking to make everything look black again. It was armor all extreme tire shine, not a foam.........very controlled tip, I use that stuff for everything black on the exterior so I figured.......why not!
Simple Green will etch aluminum if left on too long. It really should be used in diluted form. http://consumer.simplegreen.com/cons_faqs.php Aluminum - Is it safe to use Simple Green on aluminum? Simple Green products have been successfully and safely used on aircraft, automotive, industrial and consumer aluminum items for over 20 years. However, caution and common sense must be used: Aluminum is a soft metal that easily corrodes with unprotected exposure to water. The aqueous-base and alkalinity of Simple Green or Crystal Simple Green can accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, contact times of All-Purpose Simple Green and Crystal Simple Green with unprotected or unpainted aluminum surfaces should be kept as brief as the job will allow - never for more than 10 minutes. Large cleaning jobs should be conducted in smaller-area stages to achieve lower contact time. Rinsing after cleaning should always be extremely thorough - paying special attention to flush out cracks and crevices to remove all Simple Green/Crystal Simple Green residues. Unfinished, uncoated or unpainted aluminum cleaned with Simple Green products should receive some sort of protectant after cleaning to prevent oxidation.
Got to agree with Pledge. However Mr Sheen original is better I used this on many a motorbike when I was in the Motorbike industry until I change careers last year. Also Motul Shine&Go is also very good but a bit more expensive than Mr Sheen or just go and buy some Zymol mega buck.
First and formost...listen to rifledriver about degreasers and other caustic stuff around cam belts and such. But if used as a mild degreaser simple green does work well....but keep things under control and dilute the solution a bit. I have started using wd-40...I buy it by the gallon and where I can - I spray it, but in delicate spots I use a soaked rag....it does take some time and patience but the results are quite good. ALWAYS BE MINDFUL of electronic connections, and of course as previously mentioned...the cam belts. Use ONLY what is needed to get the job done, not the harshest most disolving chemical you can get your hands on. If it takes some time and gentle (...and I mean GENTLE) scrubbing ....so be it. Every time you clean an engine bay you are destroying the finish slightly. It might seem fine the first few times but eventually things will degrade and show wear and tear. Remember....your skin can heal...but painted or plated surfaces cannot.
You are correct. And you have to be careful where you spray it. I should have clarified. My block (BMW M3) is cast iron. My head Aluminum and yes mild oxidation can occur, but if you wipe down with a good silicon spray that should take care of oxidation. Many degreasers and other sprays used for cars can be caustic in one way or the for different components so always use your do diligence and read instructions prior to use.
