Engine detailer spray comparo: CD-2 vs. GUNK Engine Protector Shine

[tom p.]

There had been some discussion over the past week about CD-2 engine compartment detailer. AFAIK, that company's assets were purchased by Turtle Wax and the products no longer exist. I've got a couple cans of the stuff and use it maybe once or twice during the course of the year. I'm not a huge fan of spraying stuff in the engine compartment and find they products can also attract dirt and dust making a bigger mess. I've used CD-2 for a couple years and find it works well. It leaves a high contrast gloss and dries so it doesn't really attract dust.



This GUNK product is supposed to be an alternative. I bought the can at Advance Auto Parts for $5. I suspect it's widely available.

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Dried overnight. You can't even see the blue tape-off mark any longer!

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It's suggested to apply the GUNK product lightly, but both products go on really wet. I do/did wipe the excess amounts with an MF towel...I always have to do this to absorb and level the CD-2.



Over time I find that the CD-2 product tends to melt and evaporate away with the high heat of the engine compartment. It mostly disappears after a couple months. So, I'll report back as time passes and we'll see how these two products hold up. Right now, I cannot tell the difference between these two sprays. They look virtually identical this morning (last foto).

 

[Accumulator]

I'll be interested to see how they age.

 

[Thomas Dekany]

Great test Tom, the best i have ever used, (I didn't try all of them of course) is the latest version from 3D. You can even use it on the inside, non greasy and very durable.



Keep us posted please.

 

[pwaug]

Great test Tom, the best i have ever used, (I didn't try all of them of course) is the latest version from 3D. You can even use it on the inside, non greasy and very durable.



Keep us posted please.

Thomas--to which 3D dressing are you refering as there are a few???

 

[Thomas Dekany]

Instant Shine

 

[blucpe]

Instant Shine

i've tried cd-2 and did'nt like it at all, i used it for my wheel wells instead. the instant shine i found to be much better, no mess, drys to the touch.

 

[Accumulator]

How do you use these aerosol products under the hood without getting overspray on places where you don't want it?

 

[Thomas Dekany]

same as if you were using a tire shine product. The Instant Shine is dry the moment it lands on a surface.

 

[jmsc]

blucpe:



1. how did you like CD-2 on the wheel wells (look, shine, durability...)



2. did you use IS on the wheel wells?

 

[Accumulator]

same as if you were using a tire shine product..

Heh heh, but I never use those kind of tire shines either! I have enough trouble using aerosol window cleaners without getting them on surfaces other than the glass.

 

[tom p.]

How do you use these aerosol products under the hood without getting overspray on places where you don't want it?

If I do spray underhood, I casually mask off with sheets of newspaper. I'm generally only spraying the engine cover as it is the center piece and is easily snapped in/out.



I think the directions on one of the cans say you can spray it on a towel and then apply...

 

[Dan]

I wonder if this stuff holds up any better than a healthy dose of PERL.

 

[blucpe]

blucpe:



1. how did you like CD-2 on the wheel wells (look, shine, durability...)



2. did you use IS on the wheel wells?

the cd2 was ok, i have a scissor lift in my garage so i would give it a light spritz and use a rag to work it in so it would be dry, so to speak, when i was done so it would'nt attract dirt.



i did'nt use instant shine on the wheel wells.