Engine Bay Cleaning and Detailing Tips Needed

[mammoth200]

So under my bonnet is rather grubby. The car has spent a little too much time in London smog (previous owner), plus it doesn't look like anyone has ever done a good detail in the engine bay.

 

I want to change that, as I love my Z and I want it to look tidy

 

My car cleaning kit currently consists of:

Karcher Snow Foam (poor)

Buckets

Sponges

Wheel Brush

Microfibre cloths

Chamois

Squeegie

Autoglym polish

Zymol Wheel coat

 

I know anyone who appreciates detailing will probably wince at that pitiful list, but it was enough for my old Civic. I do know that it won't cut it for the Z.

 

I've got a Karcher K2 (need to get one of those foam lances mentioned in the other detailing thread, bought a Karcher own brand one which is phenomenally useless) but would really appreciate any cleaning tips, and recommended products to use to get it shining under the bonnet. I suppose more than anything, I'm after a damn good cleaner to remove a few years worth of dirt and grime, that and I've never had the confidence to go to town on the engine with a pressure washer, it makes me slightly nervous..

[Stutopia]

I'd leave the pressure washer in it's holster if you're not confident about sealing off the bits that won't play with water. The major ingredient in cleaning the engine bay is free, which is good, because you need ****loads of it - elbow grease. Also get yourself a huge bag of cheap as chips microfibres, some gloves, a good degreaser, a small brush, possibly a toothbrush too, at least one bucket and some warm soapy water. If you really want to go at it, carb cleaner shifts almost anything but use sparingly and I would rinse and wipe the area after you've used it.

 

You may wish to go for a short drive first and get some warmth into the filth and soften it, but you obviously don't want a HOT engine. Personally I'd then start with warm soapy water on microfibre towels to shift the loose debris. A small hand held water spray might be useful for rinsing, but you don't want to be slopping water around, just ring the microfibre out before each pass, rinse it off, repeat ad nauseum.

 

Once you've shifted the big stuff, I'd go after the grime with dregreaser and more microfibres and the brush on the really stubborn bits.

 

Then, if there's anything left and you're not knackered, break out the carb cleaner and yet more microfibres and perhaps even smaller things like cotton buds to really go at the nooks and crannies.

 

Once you're happy, look at some plastic protectors to seal the trim - if you do it right once, you should only ever need to keep wiping it as part of the normal wash.

 

Brush - http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/valet-pro-inch-round-wheel-brush/prod_973.html

 

Microfibres - http://www.costco.co.uk/view/p/kirkland-signature-ultra-plush-microfibre-towels-36-pack-713160

 

Carb Cleaner - http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2141725.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xcarb+cleaner.TRS0&_nkw=carb+cleaner&_sacat=0

 

Degreaser (I've not used this (I have a load of AG degreaser I'm running down) but I have yet to use a poor BH product, I'll be buying this next) - http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/exterior-degreasers/bilt-hamber-surfex-hd-various-size-/prod_1169.html

[mammoth200]

Much appreciated, some great info! I've thankfully got a can of carb cleaner, so that's one thing at least, I'll have to stock up on other bits.

[Stutopia]

No probs. None of this is expensive and you will always be able to reuse it in future - except the microfibres, which will effectively be disposable for this job.

 

Some of the very experienced detailing members will be along shortly with more/better info.

 

http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/86213-engine-bay-detailing-advice-please/

[mammoth200]

No probs. None of this is expensive and you will always be able to reuse it in future - except the microfibres, which will effectively be disposable for this job.

 

Some of the very experienced detailing members will be along shortly with more/better info.

 

http://www.350z-uk.c...-advice-please/

 

Not sure why I didn't find that thread when I searched , but I'm tempted to get the carb cleaner out almost straight away and give it a go, some bloody good results on there!