Engine bay dressing...

[Tha Professor]

What are the recommended methods and tools for detailing an engine bay? I want to use a product that is good for higher temps and would be healthy to hoses and plastics.

[MrCLRider]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

just do a general search for "engine detail" and you should receive a plethora of information.

[akimel]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

Professor, here on MOL I think that a lot of people use HyperDressing. It's easy to apply, safe (it's water-based), and gives a great shine. Some folks here like to use M40 on the hoses.

I recently used CD-2 in my engine bay, and I liked the results. CD-2 is acrylic-based and is supposed to last several months. We shall see. It was very easy to apply--just a matter of spraying it on everything (though not the belts).

Another product for the engine bay I see mentioned on various forums is 303 Protectant. It can be sprayed on the hoses, plastic, and painted surfaces. It sounds like 303 may actually provide some real protection for the hoses. It is an expensive product, however.

[Marc Hufnagel]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

I like the CD2 but can't find it locally, only place I could source was on a trip to Chicago where I found it at a Murrays auto parts. I then got a 6 can case from the CD2 people direct. This was a couple of years ago, I think I still have 3 cans left, maybe 4. Works nicely, although I found this last application it seems to have not dried completely and has attracted a lot of road dust and grime for some reason.

[akimel]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

CD-2 has recently re-appeared in various AutoZone stores around the country. So far I have not noticed any dust attraction problems. I've been checking under the hood about once a week, just to see how it's holding up. As you know, CD-2 is supposed to not attract dust.

[Alex C.]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

APC, a couple brushes, water, towels and your dressing of choice would cover the necessary supplies. As said, HyperDressing works great.

I've seen most people clean with an APC than rinse with a water hose. I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to hosing down my engine, so i just use a spray bottle with water in it.

[MrCLRider]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

I'm going to have to go look for some of this product...

[Tha Professor]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

The CD-2 is made by Turtle Wax, you would think it would be everywhere.

[Tuck91]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

I like to use M40 to dress my engine.

[xantonin]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

Last time I detailed my engine I spray it with Meguiars Tire Foam.

Looks good and works great. Is it a good idea though? I've not a clue. I heard of a mechanic that did it to his customer's cars before returning them. Hopefully he knew what he was doing for us that blindly follow!

[Murr1525]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

I have seen Hyper Dressing and Gold Class Trim Detailer recomended as the products for under the hood.

The other products (including an aerosol can) I believe could be flammable if applied to a hot engine.

However, I would have to say that if applied to a cool engine, and left to sit a while, then any would be ok.

[Alex C.]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

I'm on board with Murr. The only thing i'd be worried about would be flammability. But, as he said, if allowed to dry first on a cool engine then there shouldn't be any problems. I stick with tried and true products.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

Same here. Flammability is a concern for me also.

[xantonin]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

Are you guys serious?

Flammability is dead last on my list of concerns.

Engines are very well sealed and there's no flames or anything that could trigger something to ignite outside of the spark plugs.

My main concern is hoses cracking or protection.

Now if you have an older car, then I can understand your concern.

(Note the above is my opinion (well maybe factual) and if you still worry about flammability that's perfectly fine for you)

[Murr1525]

Re: Engine bay dressing...

Lets say I don't plan on testing it....

But I have applied All Season Dressing to the plastic parts of several cars with cold engines, and they are still in fine shape. Not sure I plan on sticking my hand in a hot engine anyway....