Cleaning and Detailing Engine

[kwgardner]

I would like to know what is the best and safest way to clean my engine. I have heard that products that contain silicone can be bad on the wires. If anyone knows what does the best job cleaning, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

[gbackus]

Try APC to clean and Hyper Dressing to dress it.

[Buellwinkle]

The way I clean my engines is to bring the car to the local coin op car wash and use their wand set to engine cleaner and have at it, then rinse with their ionized rinse water setting. Costs me $2, they recycle the water by law and they deal with the caustic chemicals and grease runoff (doesn't stain my drive, neighbors don't hate me for killing their dog). Then when I get home, the engine is dry and I spritz Meg's Hyperdressing, works great, ready for a used car lot.

[toyotacamry99]

hey guys how do you know what to wet and NOT wet when your cleaning the engine, im so afraid of cleaning the engine. im scared when i wet it, it wont start anymore.

this is the only thing i dont detail in my car now, cause i have that fear of it not starting and i get something wet and its gonna cost alot of $$$.

im sure some of you know what i mean.

i have like sand in the bottom of my engine. i hate it i just want to flush it with water but im scared.

[Chris Nemlich]

I've been dealing with the same problem. I, too, am scared to touch my engine. After doing lots of reading I believe it may be fine as long as you cover distributors, the alternator, and any electrical connections with aluminum foil. Then just use a rather light spray on the engine. I was planning on spraying everything with APC (not sure what dilution yet) followed by dressing using Hyper Dressing. I plan to try this soon so I'll let you know how it goes. Everyone claims engine detailing is so easy that I want to try it for myself!

[rusty bumper]

Be sure to check all of your spark plug wire connections........Especially around the distributor & coil areas.

[Drapu]

Guys, help me here ... APC means "All purpose cleaner"? Are both M-products, available for private persons (i.e. not garages)?

Regards,
D.

[gb387]

Originally posted by Drapu
Guys, help me here ... APC means "All purpose cleaner"? Are both M-products, available for private persons (i.e. not garages)?

Regards,
D.

Here is the description... it is in the Detailer Line and can be ordered from meguiars 800 #


All Purpose Cleaner

Meguiar's All Purpose Cleaner is ideal for reconditioning all 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.

D10101 ..........1 gal. (3726 ml) (Concentrate ) $14.99


Here is a photo from Mike Phillips gallery:

[Drapu]

Txs! Viewed your gallery. You wrote:

1. Wipe down with Orange Blast
2. Spray the engine with CD-2 Engine Detailer

Would you prefer that to APC and Hyper Dressing?

Regards,
D.

[Ranger72]

Here is what I use/ do for my engine details: First, I use plastic shopping bags to cover anything not wanted to be wet (I.E. alternator, distributor, coilpack, aftermarket intake filters, som cars have deep spark plug exposes holes, etc etc etc, ) I also sometimes zipt tie the bag if I feel the need. Some guys you aluminimum foil, but that conducts electricty and is not a good idea around the alternator! Then I spray everthing with 4:1-6:1 Super degreaser and scrub with small bristel brushes, large detailing scrub bruses, and rags. I then I rinse with either very light mist (low preasure) or "guzzle" the hose on everhting. Then I dry everything fairly quickly with an old towel and then spray with #40, let sit for 20 minutes and wipe down.

[Drapu]

... what's #40?

Regards,
D.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Drapu
... what's #40?

Regards,
D.

#40 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner