First Engine detail

[onnfire]

Well, i want to do my first true engine detail. However, i dont know what products is should use. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, how long does it usually take? How long does an engine detail usually last?

Thats all.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: First Engine detail

How long it lasts depends upon how dirty it is to start with, how 'detailed' you want it to look when you're done and what kind of equipment you have to help you including a pressure washer, brushes of different shapes and styles to help you agitate cleaners and degreasers to help loosen and remove grime, etc.

Some engine compartments are more complicated than others and this makes cleaning the surface of all the different components more difficult because if you can get a brush against it then you have to rely solely on the chemical cleaners to do the emulsifying and loosening of dirt and the power behind the spray of water whether from a pressure washer or a hose with a nozzle on it to further loosen and rinse off the dirty oil and grime.

Do you have a pressure washer?

You'll want to get a degreaser like All Purpose Cleaner or All Purpose Cleaner Plus, Super Degreaser or Safe-D-Greaser, (think it's been discontinued but you still might find it for sale).

All Purpose Cleaner Plus


Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner Plus is a true all surface cleaner ideally suited for today's fast paced, high volume, detail operations where one simple solution is needed for a wide variety of cleaning needs. It provides mixtures for heavy cleaning of engines and tires, fast interior cleaning, as well as a low foam ratio for use in carpet and upholstery extraction machines. Leaves carpet clean, smelling pleasant, and the fibers soft with no sticky residue. Safe for clear plastic, glass and leather.

• Sizes Available
  D10301 All Purpose Cleaner Plus 1-Gallon
  D10305 All Purpose Cleaner Plus 5-Gallon
  D10355 All Purpose Cleaner Plus 55-Gallon

Super Degreaser



Meguiar's Super Degreaser exceeds expectations by quickly breaking down even the toughest grease. Its fast acting, free rinsing formula prevents unsightly white residue stains while its herbal fragrance creates a pleasant work environment.

D-10801 1 gallon
D-10805 5 gallon
D-10855 55 gallon


Dewaxing 20:1
Medium Duty Degreasing 10:1
Heavy Duty Degreasing 4:1


Safe D-Greaser




Today's vehicles utilize a variety of specialized materials, which is why Meguiar's Safe D-Greaser has been specially formulated to reduce the possibility of staining exterior surfaces. Designed to quickly break down grease and grime on engines, tries and fender wells, Safe D-Greaser is ideally suited for today's fast paces, high volume shops.

D-10501 1 gallon
D-10505 5 gallon
D-10555 55 gallon

Dewaxing 20:1
Medium Duty Degreasing 10:1
Heavy Duty Degreasing 4:1

Recommended replacement for regular All Purpose Cleaner and Citri-Gel Multi Cleaner.


All Purpose Cleaner



Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner is ideal for reconditioning interior surfaces. The superior foaming action gently lifts the dirt away while its unique blend of fabric softeners and optical brighteners enhance the look and feel of carpet, upholstery, vinyl and even leather.

D-10101 1 gallon
D-10105 5 gallon
D-10155 55 gallon

Medium Duty Degreasing 10:1
Heavy Duty Degreasing 4:1


Find out where any sensors are located and cover/waterproof these as well as any electronics.

[onnfire]

Re: First Engine detail

What dressing would you recommend? #40 or hyper dressing or endurance or any other one i forgot to mention.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: First Engine detail

Well this can be personal preference and that means trying a few things to find out what you like the best. Our Hyper Dressing is very popular so you could start with forum concensus and try this one first.

We personlly don't do a lot of engine detailing as our focus and background is primarily on paint polishing, that said We've done a few over the years and will be doing all of the engine compartments in our family in the very near future, because there is a lot of dirt and wind in the desert where we live, we don't want anything sticky in the engine compartment, that is whatever dressing is used, it has to dry to the touch and not be a dust magnet or we won't apply anything at all.

That's one consideration, if you don't live in a windy, dusty environment then that might not be a factor to you.

[onnfire]

Re: First Engine detail

What dilution of Hyper dressing is typical for an engine compartment and what are the common options?

[Lucky161]

Re: First Engine detail

I am confused. Is the Safe D Greaser being discontinued or is it the recommended substitute for APC and Citri?

Where I went this morning they didn't carry the Safe D Greaser, but he called the warehouse and said he would have it for me in two days.

[TrufflePig]

Re: First Engine detail

4:1 Hyperdressing dilution works great for me.