Detailing the engine...

[Skyhawk]

Alright so i have NEVER detailed the engine on ANY car ive had. Maybe a little cleaning of the plastic peices here and there, but NEVER detailed the painted areas or anything else. So what do i use to clean and protect the engine bay? What do i use to clean the painted peices? I DONT want to use water in my engine bay, so i dont want to have to spray down the engine.



So what can i use for this? It has to be over the counter also. And can i use Zaino on the painted peices?

 

[bsdsys]

What do i use to clean the painted peices?

You can use whatever paint polish/cleaner you want and follow up with a wax or protectant if you like even though I think using an expensive sealant or wax would be kinda a waste of money on the painted surfaces on the engine unless it is a show car. When I buy some clay at the store like Meguiars or something, sometimes they will have a cheap discount on the little kit and it comes with the "Cleaner Wax", I have bought maybe 2 kits, don't buy the kits often because it think it's a waste, I take the cleaner wax and use that for door jams, trunk areas, and under the hood.

I DONT want to use water in my engine bay, so i dont want to have to spray down the engine.

Well, depending on how dirty the engine is and seeing as you haven't posted a picture I really can't say if I would suggest this but "IF" and only if the engine is fairly dirty you could get a BUNCH of rags, spray some diluting simple green

( This is for a pretty clean engine - dilute 15:1 or maybe even 20:1)

on a rag and get to wiping. Just follow up with a rag thats kinda damp with water on it and re-wipe everything down. If your engine is even kinda dirty this method could take a very long time. To dress the vinyl, rubber, and plastics use your favorite dressing that you like, get you a sponge at the store, spray it on the sponge and get to dressing it up. Best I can come up with for a waterless engine detail.

And can i use Zaino on the painted peices?

[/QUOTE]



You can but like I said earlier unless it is a show car, or a garage queen I would stick with something cheaper and just as good for this purpose. I mean if it is your daily driver, you don't want to use a product thats even remotely expensive on the engine compartment to have it look dirty a couple days later depending on your driving conditions of course. Just my 0.02 and others might jump in as well. Take care



Bryan

 

[imported_Dave11]

I DONT want to use water in my engine bay, so i dont want to have to spray down the engine.



So what can i use for this?

Since you've never cleaned your engine compartment in any car you've ever owned, why are you against water......?



It's not rocket science to keep an engine and bay clean......



I use water all the time. In fact, I don't know anyone who doesn't use water.....



Todays automobiles can handle some external water spray for rinse purposes.



Use the search option and read up on some common practice engine compartment upkeep. An APC and a brush with some rags for extra dirty areas followed by a rinse is all you need basically. If you want to shine things up afterwards, there are many products that can be sprayed or applied by hand...It's all up you......Good luck......:xyxthumbs

 

[bsdsys]

I use water all the time. In fact, I don't know anyone who doesn't use water.....

Totally understand where your coming from. I wouldn't think about detailing an engine without water lol... That being said, it might just be he is paranoid and might have been taught "Only let a dealership/professional detail your engine, it is very dangerous"



I would not be scared at all to clean an engine on ANY car for that matter. If your cautious, well, that's good. Things can go wrong but if you take the time and cover things up with some plastic wrap and use rubber bands to hold it in place while you spray it down that is perfectly fine. Exactly what I do to be safe.



Bryan

 

[todd@bsaw]

If you are really concerned about the water, all you have to be concerned about is the air filter/breather and alternater/battery posts. Like the previous posters, I've never been concerned about using water cleaning engines but if you want to be cautious yourself then go ahead and cover up the delicate electronics with plastic and rubber band them.



Another caution, use a NON-silicone based dressing. Most of these are flammable and could cause problems if sprayed in an engine bay.

 

[Skyhawk]

haha alright guys, ill use the water then, its just since ive never done it the thought of spraying water into my engine bay kind of scares me. :scared:



But yeah, suprisingly the engine bay isnt that dirty AT ALL. :nixweiss

 

[Todd@RUPES]

Cover your alternator and electric connections. If its carbuerated, then cover the throats as well. Don't douse the engine in water, wash around the engine with any heavy spray, then rinse the motor off.