DIY: Best and easiest way to clean your engine | Page 2 | FerrariChat

DIY: Best and easiest way to clean your engine

Discussion in '360/430' started by whatheheck, Apr 29, 2018.

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  1. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #26 whatheheck, Apr 30, 2018
    Sorry, again I'm only sharing information based on my own experience. I don't own the product so no I personally did not test it to all other engines out there.

    Based on my own experience and other engines I used it on in the past I experience zero issues.

    But again, use it at your own risk.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
  2. Skidkid

    Skidkid F1 Veteran
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    #27 Skidkid, Apr 30, 2018
    The answer he gave you is correct (disclaimer is wise). Having said that, ALL engines are designed to withstand water. I don't think there is a single car with a sealed engine bay. Of course, pressure washing has risks on any car and our connectors aren't that good so there is a risk with that.
     
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  3. shad99

    shad99 Formula Junior

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    #28 shad99, Apr 30, 2018
    Really looks great! We're on a well so I'm always super careful and use a hose-end de-ionizer(Water Sticks). It, along with an adjustable garden sprayer reduces the pressure 10- 20 psi and let's you flood the engine very gently with no water spots. Used 409 in the past but sure going to try the S Bubbles. Thanks!
     
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  4. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    #29 Rosso328, Apr 30, 2018
    I’ve been using Griot’s Engine Cleaner and Engine Bay Dressing for years. Spray, let soak, hose off, run engine to dry, spray Engine Dressing. Job done.

    I’ve posted before how as a brand new owner, I would carefully tape plastic garbage bags over my 328 engine to make sure nothing got wet, and then stress out about making sure everything was dry before opening the hatch to minimize drips... yeah, I was pretty obsessive about it because of all the “OMG!! Don’t get it wet!!” stories on here.

    After my first major service, I asked the very well known and respected Ferrari tech who has done multiple vintage restorations how he got the engine bay so clean. He said “Oh, it’s no big deal. Just a good soak with degreaser, let it sit for a while, and hit it with the hose.” I felt pretty stupid for a while, but then I never worried about it again.

    Never tried Scrubbing Bubbles, but I might now.
     
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  5. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #30 whatheheck, Apr 30, 2018
    Thanks everyone for chiming in.

    I read, listen and I learn something every day.
    I share what I learn to make life easier for others. Its no fun learning the hard way.

    As I mentioned, to each his own. Do whatever makes you happy. Its your car.

    If you decide to try this method, kindly share your experience and post photos for sharing.
    Just make sure you follow the instructions.

    Again, if you want to avoid water spots, wipe down the side panels before warming up the car.
    The engine itself, the aluminum, rubber and plastic parts will be just fine and they will be very clean & shine once dry.

    All the best to all of you always.

    Dan
     
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  6. KBR54

    KBR54 Karting
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    #31 KBR54, Apr 30, 2018
    Dan so I can spray the scrubbing bubbles on everything in the engine bay including the side panels ?...just make sure to dry side panels before starting up.
    I am 1/3 through a 2800 mile road trip right now and will be trying this when I get home in 10 days to get all the road grime off. Just ordered the Griots Engine Bay Dressing which should arrive just before I do.
    I will take a before and after pics to post.


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  7. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #32 whatheheck, Apr 30, 2018
    Hi, I've never had any issues on my side panels having water spots but that could be because I apply paint sealant on them on a regular basis.

    If you are concerned about them getting water spots my recommendation is to avoid the side panels and just use scrubbing bubbles on the engine itself.

    Hope that helps.

    Dan

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  8. Raconteur

    Raconteur F1 Rookie
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    #33 Raconteur, Apr 30, 2018
    Dan, I hope Griot gives you free stuff. ;) I just ordered the Engine Bay Dressing today :) I'm looking forward to the scrubbing bubbles and dressing this weekend...car therapy :) I'll post pictures...
     
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  9. Keith360

    Keith360 Formula Junior

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    #34 Keith360, Apr 30, 2018
    Very good suggestion using Scrubbing Bubbles.
     
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  10. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #35 whatheheck, May 1, 2018
    Thanks everyone for sharing your stories.

    Looking forward to seeing before and after photos.

    Just to be clear I have no business affiliation to Griots Garage or SC Johnson. I wished!

    Dan
     
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  11. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #36 whatheheck, May 1, 2018
    Hi Frank,

    Just follow the instructions on the spray can.
    Summary:
    If you want satin shine, after spraying it all over the engine and side panels - immediately wipe everything down with microfiber cloth.
    If your preference is a good shine, just spray and admire.

    Looking forward to seeing photos.

    It may actually be sunny here in Seattle this Saturday and our car show may be a go.
    Its called Exotics at Redmond Town Center.
    https://www.exoticsat.com/

    You should come up and join us one day.

    Dan
     
  12. klointheridge

    klointheridge Karting

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    #37 klointheridge, May 1, 2018
    This is great. I'm going to try this for sure! Thanks as always, Dan! Your posts are always so helpful and a great value to the community.
     
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  13. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #38 whatheheck, May 1, 2018
    Thanks for the appreciation Kevin.

    Kindly post photos for sharing once you're done.

    Dan
     
  14. Jackson1019

    Jackson1019 Rookie

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    #39 Jackson1019, May 3, 2018
    Well I guess I'm going to try this soon haha. Car is going to the detailer next Thursday for paint correction and 3 layers of Ceramic coating. Going to have him coat the side panels in the engine bay also.
     
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  15. LitzDoc

    LitzDoc Rookie

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    #40 LitzDoc, May 3, 2018
    Agreed. I
    The problem is not the volume of water, is about the pounds per square inches of pressure that is exerted on the connections causing water to seep in.

    The same goes for washing the body of a car. Better off using a garden hose. The pressure washers cause sand ,salt and other debris to penetrate into the seams of the body. A garden hose is much less likely to cause this.

    Going to be using scrubbing bubbles on my 911 this weekend.

    Thanks Dan.


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  16. Flea7

    Flea7 Formula 3
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    #41 Flea7, May 3, 2018
    Pressure washing your dirty car is like sand blasting the paint.
     
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  17. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #42 whatheheck, May 4, 2018
    3 layers of ceramic coating will give your car ultimate shine!

    Kindly share photos once its all done.

    Thanks Anthony.

    Dan
     
  18. baguns

    baguns Karting

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    #43 baguns, May 4, 2018
    Can you use the scrubbing bubbles on carbon fiber engine bay?


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  19. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
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    #44 Smiles, May 4, 2018
    Here you go:

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Matt
     
  20. hessank

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    #45 hessank, May 4, 2018
    Thank you so much for sharing Dan.
    I am going to clean my engine soon too.

    I do have one question. Last year when I removed the side panels to change one of the exhaust ECUs and clean the grounds on both sides I found the areas below the panels to be very dirty. Can I clean underneath the panels too? Suggestions from this collective are welcome.
     
  21. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #46 whatheheck, May 4, 2018
    I would avoid the carbon fiber side panels just to be on the safe side.
    I dont think it will hurt it, its just to prevent water spots.

    Dan
     
  22. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #47 whatheheck, May 4, 2018
    I personally never had any problems using scrubbing bubbles on engine and entire engine bay in the 10 years I've used it on all my cars.

    I only avoid the exterior painted side of the car.
    But again, I dont own this product and never tested it on all cars and all engines (I have no reason to) so I dont know about other cars.

    I dont think it will hurt anything.

    Dan
     
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  23. hessank

    hessank Formula 3
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    #48 hessank, May 6, 2018
    Thanks Dan.
    I think I will clean up beneath the panels too.
     
  24. LitzDoc

    LitzDoc Rookie

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    #49 LitzDoc, May 6, 2018
    I used the scrubbing bubbles on my 911 this morning. Worked great. Waiting for engine to cool down after the “drying out drive”. Then I will dress with the Griots’ spray that Dan recommended.
    I will post pics soon.

    Thanks Dan.



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  25. whatheheck

    whatheheck F1 Rookie
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    #50 whatheheck, May 6, 2018
    Sounds good. Kindly share photos once you're done.

    Thanks.

    Dan


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