Engine clean-up (w/pic)

[PSWired]

Did some underhood tidying up today, including painting the airbox- it had some rust spots.

http://pswired.no-ip.com/95yukon/engine.jpg

Got any ideas for cleaning the alternator and all the accessory metal things like belt tensioner, a/c compressor, etc.? Also, I've heard it's bad to use armor-all on the fan shroud and plastic because it will pick up dirt. Is this true? That plastic needs some help.
-Patrick

[SyckShyt]

Looks good!

[Timberwolve81]

looks really good under there, nice and shiny :cool:

[00Silverado]

looks good, I need to do that to the suburban:D

[Sevenfold]

Originally posted by 00Silverado
looks good, I need to do that to the suburban:D

:LOL: You never will, slacker :read: :D

[00Silverado]

Originally posted by blacksierra


:LOL: You never will, slacker :read: :D

Thats probably true:read:

[Sevenfold]

Originally posted by 00Silverado


Thats probably true:read:

:word: :assclown:

[ridin_on_rails]

My best friend for engine detailing is a can of STP tire cleaner. You know that spray on stuff and just walk away. Just spray it on anything and everything except your paint. I use it on the fenders, accessory brackets, hoses, fan shroud, brake booster, just about everything under the hood. It comes out nice and it actually resist picking up dirty pretty good. I guess cause it's made to make your tires look pretty for a while, eh. Just make sure to wipe off any excess.

[Kyle]

00Silverado if i see the smilie one more damn time, i'm coming to cali to rage on your *** :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:D

You will die alone.

[00Silverado]

Originally posted by KBZ71
00Silverado if i see the smilie one more damn time, i'm coming to cali to rage on your *** :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
:D

You will die alone.

Which one... this one:read: or this one:D ? Oh yeah, bring it:read: :D

[Badassilverado]

Originally posted by 00Silverado


Which one... this one:read: or this one:D ? Oh yeah, bring it:read: :D

Heh :D Nice :read: :D :D :D :D

[00Silverado]

Originally posted by Badassilverado


Heh :D Nice :read: :D :D :D :D

:word:

[Kyle]

:: fly's to cali shoots teenager 00 silverado ::
:: runs away like peewee herman ::

[00Silverado]

Originally posted by KBZ71
:: fly's to cali shoots teenager 00 silverado ::
:: runs away like peewee herman ::

Little late on the reply arent we Brower?:slap:

[FlashJim]

After the initial cleaning of an engine bay (usually 8 hours or so) I use Motul Moto-Wash during subsequent cleanings to freshen it up. It isn't caustic. Trust me, I've ruined a polished aluminum valve cover before using an untested product. Never use Armor All on anything you really like. It's evil stuff. I prefer 303 Protectant.

Motul Moto-Wash can be bought at most any motorcycle shop. It's even paint safe.

303 Protectant can be found at most any marine supply store. I get mine at Bass Pro Shop.

On the painted surfaces, I use the same car wash that I use on the exterior. I have a collection of rags, brushes, and funny shaped foam glass cleaners to get to every part of the engine bay. Details count.

A couple of pics of my SE-R engine bay are here (http://www.jimfancher.com/ser/ser.htm)

[r6z4o6]

:naughty: That looks so incredible!!! 8 hours, WOW you have patience haha! I might be inclined to do that if i didnt have a 1/4 mile of gravel driveway:whyme:

However, i might get that Moto-wash, and just give it a good cleaning evey few months...nothing like your immaculate job, just enough to cut through the layers of dirt i have now.:head:

[FlashJim]

Originally posted by r6z4o6
:naughty: That looks so incredible!!! 8 hours, WOW you have patience haha! I might be inclined to do that if i didnt have a 1/4 mile of gravel driveway:whyme:

The best thing to do is take one section at a time and clean it. It's easy to jump into it and give up half way through. This hobby is suppose to be enjoyable. :D

The SE-R was my daily driver for the past 6 years. I parked it for the last time last Friday. That's when I picked up my truck. The truck's engine bay is a mess. 78K miles and owned by a non-enthusiast. He took care of the overall truck, but didn't touch the engine bay. Both valve covers leak. The powersteering pump leaks. I'm in heaven ... I love a challenge. Speaking of ... is it just me or is the Vortec V8 the ugliest V8 on the planet? I've taken pics of every angle of the engine and I'm still not sure how to make it look good without resorting to just covering it up.

[txoutlaw]

Another thing you might look into for both your engine and your rims is Zoop Seal. Pretty pricey at about $100 for the kit but it does exactly what the name says...places a protective seal over your components that keeps them consistently looking new.

Zoop Seal (http://www.zoopseal.com)

[Elwood]

I mentioned in the thread about waxes, a guy not far from here makes his own products and sells them. All the dealers and detailers in about a 100 mile radius from him uses his products.

He has a product called "Green Stuff". It is similar to the green type cleaning products you see on shelves, but a lot stronger. "Prescription strength" if you will.

At any rate, I just soak the engine bay, let it sit and it loosens up all the dirt and dust and after hosing it down, it shines like new.


Something good for rubber parts under the hood is Wesleys Bleach White. Also, excellent for tires.

For black plastic, I like "Back to Black".

[FlashJim]

Go with something mild if you have polished aluminum. Raw aluminum etches easily. Zoop Seal or clear powdercoat is the only way to go if you like the shiney stuff.