Engine Bay - Quick Clean

Post by **PSL184** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:23 pm

I want to tidy up my engine bay and I know the proper way is to pull the engine and repaint, but, I want to do a quick tidy up for now until I get round to doing the complete respray. What is the best way to approach this and what products to use. I've got mainly oil, water and general dirt stains all over the inner wings and bulkhead etc but no major rot to worry about...???

Post by **dougieboard** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:36 pm

Dilute traffic film remover is great for underbonnet cleaning - good for loosening oil and grease - but make sure it is dilute as in neat form it can mark the paint. You apply it, leave it for a few minutes and rinse it off afterwards. I use a watering can for rinsing though as a hose or pressure washer soaks all the engine electrics. I bag them up in carrier bags...

I put a sheet under the car which I roll up and throw away afterwards. Personally, I prefer it to things like Gunk because it leaves less residue behind. Glove up too, as it is pretty fierce stuff.

cheers

Post by **PSL184** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:40 pm

Thanks Nigel - but, what is traffic film remover? Are there any trade names to look out for. I've used gunk on mechanical parts but thought it might be too harsh for paintwork...

Post by **dougieboard** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:48 pm

You can get it from Machine Mart for just over a fiver, and that is ready diluted.

I buy concentrate and mix it a ratio of about 15:1.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/range ... onsumables

There are loads of eBay shops selling it, but I use the Machine Mart stuff

cheers

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:18 pm

Hi PSL184, might be worth checking out the engine bay section of the Detailing World forum (yes I am very sad and have no life):

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/f ... y.php?f=86

wibble

Post by **PSL184** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:29 pm

Thanks both

Post by **ASL642** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:26 pm

I found the best product was an oven spray de-greaser from and welknown supermarket - doesn't affect the paint and you can slowly work round the engine bay whilst another sprayed area is "sinking in".

Post by **mrbenn** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:01 pm

If I may piggy back on this slightly, do people coat the engine bay with anything to keep it looking good afterwards?

Post by **COMMERCIALMAN** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:32 pm

I have used gunk on the engine block with no problem and a mild degeasant on the engine bay. I prefer to use a manual sprayer filled with water like you would use for plants. If you have time its much easier to remove the bumper and front panel to gain access to all the hard to reach areas its also easier to paint the engine block . A coat of polish on the engine bay will protect it.
Regards
Jason

Post by **PSL184** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:10 pm

Cheers Lou and Jason - I think I'll be busy this weekend but promise not to get too obsessive about it ;-)

Post by **COMMERCIALMAN** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:48 am

I did and my car was off the road for 4 months! Should be back on the road this week. Pics to follow.

Post by **ASL642** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:46 pm

4months to clean the engine bay

Post by **RogerRust** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 5:56 pm

regaliaqueen wrote:4months to clean the engine bay

That sounds about right to me I started my clean up in December!!!<br>

<br>

Post by **ASL642** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 6:09 pm

Sorry, I thought we were talking about a "quick clean"

Post by **COMMERCIALMAN** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:32 pm

regaliaqueen wrote:4months to clean the engine bay

That was taking everything off cleaning and then polishing. My other half is glad to have the kitchen back

Post by **RogerRust** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:48 pm

Ahhh. someone else who uses the cooker and dishwasher for preparing his car!!!!

Post by **Kevin** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:20 am

RogerRust wrote:Ahhh. someone else who uses the cooker and dishwasher for preparing his car!!!!

And your other half approved of this

Post by **tortron** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:42 am

Brake cleaner is great for removing oil (been using it to locate leaks) it dissolved any residue without water

I also have a sureshot (a paint sprayer sized refillable pressure vessel) great for spraying bulk degreaser anywhere and everywhere

Post by **d_harris** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 12:25 pm

wouldn't recommend brake cleaner, its also superb at removing paintwork! I know from bitter experience

Post by **tortron** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 12:29 pm

thats true

doubt theres been any paint on my engine for a few years