Engine bay detailing

jasst

jasst

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2,316
Want to do a bit of a clean up in the engine bay, any recommendations for products/ techniques
 
Grantoonriusmo

Grantoonriusmo

Member
Messages
129
Start with cleaning the underside of the bonnet, as you don't want dirt and water to drop down onto the engine bay, after you've cleaned it.

Spray down the underside of the bonnet with water via a hose or pressure washer. spray engine degreaser or all purpose cleaner diluted 4:1. I swear by Bilt Hamber Surfex HD.

Use the different size brushes/mitts solely for the wheels and not bodywork to agitate the **** off. Then hose down, and wipe with a microfibre cloth. If you have a leaf blower, use it to disperse the water for speed.

I personally don't spray the heat shield material on the underside of the bonnet. I just clean by spraying Surfex HD onto it and a damp microfiber cloth to avoid breaking the material up.

I then repeat the same method on the engine bay. However, I do not hose directly on the engine with a hose or pressure washer. It will be fine if you do, but I personally don't want to risk it, as the GT does not have a plastic cover like most newer cars. Instead I just use a spray bottle to get water and all purpose cleaner/engine bay degreaser onto the engine, agitate with brushes and wipe the dirty off with a microfibre.

If you want to be extra careful cut bits off a plastic bag to wrap and tape the electrical connectors to protect water ingress. You can also cover the alternator as well.

After the everything is wiped down and dried, I use Gyeon Tyre Shine on the plastics etc.

Shouldn't take more than 45min to do a decent job.

PS, the before photo was the way the previous owner left it. I wouldn't be so disgusting to leave the engine bay looking like that
 

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conaero

conaero

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34,631
WD40 to finish on the plastics and engine is better than any silicone based stuff that attracts the dust.

I start by using TFR and let it soak.

Then a brush to agitate

Then a jet wash on its lowest/mid setting to rinse and be very careful around the crinkle cam covers you will blow it off...oh, err missues
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,156
conaero said:
WD40 to finish on the plastics and engine is better than any silicone based stuff that attracts the dust.

I start by using TFR and let it soak.

Then a brush to agitate

Then a jet wash on its lowest/mid setting to rinse and be very careful around the crinkle cam covers you will blow it off...oh, err missues
Click to expand...

Would have never thought of using WD40 Matt. I use the the tyre dressing stuff. It looks good but can attract the dust. I take it WD works in the black plastic in the body work as well ?
 
mjheathcote

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
Messages
9,038
I haven't needed to clean the engine bay in the Maser, however I have a few times on the BMW.
Bilt Hamber surfex HD to clean and then Carpro Perl to finish on the plastics works well.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,631
Andyk said:
Would have never thought of using WD40 Matt. I use the the tyre dressing stuff. It looks good but can attract the dust. I take it WD works in the black plastic in the body work as well ?
Click to expand...
Sure does, try it. We use the 5L one that is in a pump bottle an no propellant.
 
Alan Surrey

Alan Surrey

Member
Messages
998
On mine, I used the Autoglym plastics cleaner product (a competitor of Back to Black.) Worked nicely.
Has anyone used an airline to blow the road dirt off the engine itself?
 
DLax69

DLax69

Member
Messages
4,295
Alan Surrey said:
On mine, I used the Autoglym plastics cleaner product (a competitor of Back to Black.) Worked nicely.
Has anyone used an airline to blow the road dirt off the engine itself?
Click to expand...
Not dirt, per se...but leaf detritus, etc, from the cowling...and even a leaf blower (as mentioned above)
 
Sam McGoo

Sam McGoo

Member
Messages
1,772
Andyk said:
Before Matt mentioned WD40 I ordered this stuff. We see how we get on with it.

www.halfords.com

Meguiars Ultimate Black 355ml | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Meguiars Ultimate Black 355ml offers superior UV protection & shine at Halfords UK
www.halfords.com www.halfords.com
Click to expand...
Thats what I've been using for a few years now, no complaints.
Screenshot_20230302_080152_Gallery.jpg

The best (longest lasting) thing I ever used was one of the G-tecnique sealants, C4 I think it was. Very good.
 
Bebs

Bebs

Member
Messages
3,359
Just received a btl of the Gyeon Tyre Shine to try.
Do you guys actually remove the plastic cover panels when you do an engine clean up? Not had mine off before.
 
Sam McGoo

Sam McGoo

Member
Messages
1,772
Bebs said:
Just received a btl of the Gyeon Tyre Shine to try.
Do you guys actually remove the plastic cover panels when you do an engine clean up? Not had mine off before.
Click to expand...

I do. I try and time it for whenever my covers are off for service / maintenance. It's amazing how much **** gets trapped under them.
Definitely worth taking off for a clean if you never have.

If just the plastics, then in situe is fine.
 
Bebs

Bebs

Member
Messages
3,359
Sam McGoo said:
I do. I try and time it for whenever my covers are off for service / maintenance. It's amazing how much **** gets trapped under them.
Definitely worth taking off for a clean if you never have.

If just the plastics, then in situe is fine.
Click to expand...
Thanks Sam. Will give it a go this spring.
 
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