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I am breaking my spring detail of my Luthien (2007 Honda S2000) into several phases, all to be accomplished (hopefully) over the course of the next month. Today I tackled phase #1: the engine detail.
I have never detailed an engine, and I confess I was more than a bit nervous. Yes, everyone says it's all very safe, as long as one takes the proper precautions; but what if I get it wrong? Anyway, today I decided to roll the hard six and do it.
Here were my steps:
1) Cover the alternator with a plastic bag and stuff a towel into the air intake.
2) Spray down the front end with water from the hose. I understand this is desirable, just in case some of the degreasing solution should get onto the painted panels.
3) Lightly spray the engine with water.
4) Liberally spray the engine with Megs' APC+ (diluted approximately 8/1). In retrospect I think I might have sprayed a bit more than I did.
5) Brush the areas I could reach. I used two different brushes: a soft tire brush I had picked up from AutoZone and a Swissvax detailing brush. I think I rushed this step. Next time I will slow down and try to do a more thorough job. I was concerned that the APC would dry out before I could get to it.
6) Rinse the engine. I rinsed it fairly thoroughly. All the articles say to avoid the electronics, but heck if I could figure out where the electronics are. This was the nerve-wracking moment. Will the engine start?
7) Remove plastic bag and towel. Start-up the engine and let it run for 5+ minutes. This is supposed to assist the drying. More importantly, I just wanted to know that the engine would run.
8) Dry the areas of the engine I could reach with a towel.
9) Spray the engine liberally with CD2 Engine Detailer. I picked up the CD2 at AutoZone.
10) Per instructions, let the engine sit for 20 minutes with hood up.
11) Per instructions, run the engine for 20 minutes with hood down. This is supposed to help the CD2 to set up and spread properly.
During this time I gave the front end of my car an ONR wash.
12) Open the hood and dry off with a towel any excess liquid.
I then proceeded to finish the washing of the car, with special attention to door and trunk jambs. I later waxed these areas with Cleaner Wax.
Finally I went looking for my camera. I did not take any "before" shots, as my engine looked fairly clean before I began. "Before" shots are so much more compelling and dramatic when the "before" is dirt and neglect disaster. Here are the "afters":
I was pleased with this first attempt. I was especially pleased that my Luthien survived and lives to drive yet another day.
I welcome your suggestions for improvement.
Cheers,
Al
I have never detailed an engine, and I confess I was more than a bit nervous. Yes, everyone says it's all very safe, as long as one takes the proper precautions; but what if I get it wrong? Anyway, today I decided to roll the hard six and do it.
Here were my steps:
1) Cover the alternator with a plastic bag and stuff a towel into the air intake.
2) Spray down the front end with water from the hose. I understand this is desirable, just in case some of the degreasing solution should get onto the painted panels.
3) Lightly spray the engine with water.
4) Liberally spray the engine with Megs' APC+ (diluted approximately 8/1). In retrospect I think I might have sprayed a bit more than I did.
5) Brush the areas I could reach. I used two different brushes: a soft tire brush I had picked up from AutoZone and a Swissvax detailing brush. I think I rushed this step. Next time I will slow down and try to do a more thorough job. I was concerned that the APC would dry out before I could get to it.
6) Rinse the engine. I rinsed it fairly thoroughly. All the articles say to avoid the electronics, but heck if I could figure out where the electronics are. This was the nerve-wracking moment. Will the engine start?
7) Remove plastic bag and towel. Start-up the engine and let it run for 5+ minutes. This is supposed to assist the drying. More importantly, I just wanted to know that the engine would run.
8) Dry the areas of the engine I could reach with a towel.
9) Spray the engine liberally with CD2 Engine Detailer. I picked up the CD2 at AutoZone.
10) Per instructions, let the engine sit for 20 minutes with hood up.
11) Per instructions, run the engine for 20 minutes with hood down. This is supposed to help the CD2 to set up and spread properly.
During this time I gave the front end of my car an ONR wash.
12) Open the hood and dry off with a towel any excess liquid.
I then proceeded to finish the washing of the car, with special attention to door and trunk jambs. I later waxed these areas with Cleaner Wax.
Finally I went looking for my camera. I did not take any "before" shots, as my engine looked fairly clean before I began. "Before" shots are so much more compelling and dramatic when the "before" is dirt and neglect disaster. Here are the "afters":
I was pleased with this first attempt. I was especially pleased that my Luthien survived and lives to drive yet another day.
I welcome your suggestions for improvement.
Cheers,
Al
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