Help with removing Griots Engine Gloss Spray please

O

Onehole

New member
The first time I used Griots Engine Gloss Spray, the results were outstanding...see pic.



However for each concours event I wash the engine down with a citrus degreaser (P21S Total Auto Wash). This would partially strip the spray. I would then have to respray with the Griots Engine Gloss Spray.



After about 8 cycles of the above, I have a real mess :( Most of the area sprayed is far too glossey and there are runs and patchy areas.



Therefore I am wanting to strip away 100% of the Griots product and start again with a product that will not build up and can be easily removed.



I have tried to remove the coating with various degreaser, with limited success. I have tried WD40 as well, and this worked OK. A rep at Griots suggested using Petrol if the WD40 does not do the trick.



Therefore I have 2 questions.



1. What do folks recommend to strip away the Griots Engine Gloss Spray?

2. What alternate engine coating product do people recommend?



Thanks in advance
 

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There has been threads that discussed engine detailing. Obviously, since you do concours events detailing is not a problem for you. I'm just posting have you tried Simple Green, either full strength or diluted?
 
Hi JB,



Sorry to hear about your situation. I have a can of the Griots Engine Gloss which I've thankfully never used! I was worried about the exact affects you've stated and decided to try the product on my wifes Honda to determine how it holds up, haven't done that yet either. At least now I know.



As far as removing the product I would try calling Griots back and push them for a better answer, I'm sure someone there has had to remove it in the past. Hopefully others on this site can chime in with sucessful results.



As far as another engine coating I'm only aware of Meguiars Engine Kote and have heard it washes off after a couple of cleanings, this might work out for you.



Personally I use Meguiars Final Detail QD on most of the engine bay surfaces. It provides a clean, slick and natural looking finish on rubber, plastic, metal and painted surfaces. It also makes cleaning easier once it's been used a few times. I use it the same way I use it on the paint/exterior surfaces spray, wipe and remove. BTW if you do try this you won't need to apply anything else to the rubber, it softens rubber perfectly.:)



I use Pigspit on black plastics and metal fittings in areas of the engine which regularly see the elements. It blackens and cleans the plastic and shines metal to the correct finish, give it a try you won't be dissapointed.



If there are any shows coming up I would be glad to let you see and try either product to determine if you like them, let me know.
 
Pecs_McCoy said:
There has been threads that discussed engine detailing. Obviously, since you do concours events detailing is not a problem for you. I'm just posting have you tried Simple Green, either full strength or diluted?
Click to expand...



Haven't tried Simple Green...I'll give it a try. I have tried 2 other degreasers with bad results, so I don't hold up much hope.
 
MBZ 500E said:
Hi JB,



As far as removing the product I would try calling Griots back and push them for a better answer, I'm sure someone there has had to remove it in the past. ....
Click to expand...



Actually spoken to them 3 times:



1. Use their engine cleaner (didn't work)

2. Use Paint Prep (dumb answer)

3. Use WD40.....worked a bit



Just worried about hitting all the plastic pieces with petrol?
 
I had the same problem, but the stuff also yellowed the white lettering on the hoses and started cracking. I used toluene ( I use it as an octane booster) to get it off, any paint store has it. In reality its a lacquer, like hair-spray(the griots stuff that is)
 
Hey JB... sounds like youve got a real mess! I also opted not to use the Griots Engine Gloss. I agree that the product is more like a lacquer, and degreasers will not work. I have another suggestion if the WD40 dsnt work out for you.



Now dont cringe, but you might need to "take-it-up-a-notch" - try using brake cleaner solvent (Brakleen?) . I recently restored an old Supra that had tons of dealer applied undercoating inside the engine bay. The Brake Cleaner worked like a charm, and with minimal effort. Of course you will want to mask off the outter paint finish with plastic so theres no chance of harming it. Try it in a small inconspicuous spot first to play it safe too.



You can see pix of my engine bay resto if you follow the link for the 1985 Supra in my sig below.



Good luck!
 
Thanks to everyone for their replies.



I wrote to Griots and its looks like they have come through. They are sending me some produst (for free) to remove the spray. I will post back after I have used it.



Fingers crossed this time!
 
Have my fingers crossed for you too. Nice to see Griots is making a better effort this time.



So have you decided on what you will use after the Griots is gone?
 
pcar996TT said:
In reality its a lacquer, like hair-spray(the griots stuff that is)
Click to expand...



Please, nobody shoot me for this :bow , hair spray is water soluble since it rinses easily from hair, sooooo... (I can't believe I'm actually thinking this) would it be so far fetched to use a shiny hair spray (pump not aerosol) on the engine? Photographers use it on food and other items to make them shiny for advertising photos.



OK OK, please, the shouting is deafining!
 
MBZ 500E said:
Have my fingers crossed for you too. Nice to see Griots is making a better effort this time.



So have you decided on what you will use after the Griots is gone?
Click to expand...



Yes...got an apology and free product from Griots...can't asked for more than that.



No haven't worked out what to use instead.



At the Porsche Concours most folks use nothing.....the judges are just looking for dirt and/or grease. But for me, I want to make it look good as well. Any suggestions?
 
I got my Supra when I was a teenager (17 yrs ago), and I thought it looked cool when I sprayed the engine bay with WD40 back then. Knowledge comes with age I suppose. Nowadays, I simply apply rubber dressing with a synthetic sponge, then thoroughly wipe excess with a rag. Provides a nice bright, low luster gloss to the plastics and rubber parts, without being messy. I believe that will help you compete in concours events.
 

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