First Time Engine Detailing
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Thread: First Time Engine Detailing

  1. #1
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    Default First Time Engine Detailing

    Well,

    I have insured with Peter Best on Limited mileage and he wants photo's...... Having never cared much about any car I have owned until now I have never cleaned an engine bay. I have read the sticky at the top, but just want a bit of reassurance of what if anything I need to cover before I start. I have bought the spray cleaner which says just spray on and wash off but wanted to get a bit of advice before I take the plunge over the weekend.

    I am sure the engine will be fine as is but quite looking forward to having a go as long as I don't kill it in the process.

  2. #2
    Administrator Tim's Avatar
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    Don't spray shite on it and wash off. Treat it like an old person who has soiled themselves. Good soft cloth bath.

    Only joking, just be careful. I never use water in the bay.
    Tim Hayton

    Some men see things as they are and say why - I dream things that never were and say why not.

  3. #3
    no. 172 ZT SE Monogram
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    A local hand car wash does engine bay steam cleaning for a tenner, so I was going to opt for that, although I too am a little worried incase something goes amiss afterwards.
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    Ex-Admin, RIP Herman's Avatar
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    Just a reminder of the wealth of info in the Index-section

    https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc26...gine-detailing

    Courtesy of Mr. Essling
    Fear keeps you alive. Fearless gets you killed

    Herman

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    The 1st Amtrak MG ;) Stu C's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 2V8s View Post
    A local hand car wash does engine bay steam cleaning for a tenner, so I was going to opt for that, although I too am a little worried incase something goes amiss afterwards.
    Wouldn't risk it with petrols, and most modern diesels. Old school derv's yeah no problem, did our Maestro diesel after spilt oil everywhere after a service, d'oh! Jet washed it all out and it came up spanking! Used to do the 600 too as all the ecu gubbins was inside the cabin

    http://www.autoglym.com/enGB/product...6VQ=FG&Range=1

    Some of this ^ should do the trick, but instead of washing off with hose use like Tim said, damp cloth with plenty of water in a bucket etc.. to rinse the cloth clean
    Last edited by Stu C; 25-08-2011 at 07:16 PM.
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  6. #6
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    For all your plastic / rubber on the engine use this with a small detail brush.

    It knocks spots off all the expensive stuff..


    http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...5651&langId=-1
    Dave

    No 88 - gone but never forgotten.....

  7. #7
    Registered User Coasting's Avatar
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    Ive used the autogym stuff and it is no miricle worker but helps dissolve grease.

    If I was you I would do a bit at a time and do it slowly and carefully without too much water.

  8. #8
    no. 172 ZT SE Monogram
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    yes I use the Autoglym engine / machine cleaner and degreaser, its good. I used it on my Mustang's engine etc, then power hosed off and it came up really well. Will also use it on my R200 that currently has engine removed and front end completely striped.

    Ill be honest, Im not patient enough do use a cloth as I want a thorough job in all the hard to reach places. So I think I might risk the steam clean but I'll have a read of the link Herman posted up
    MG ZT 260 SE Monogram, Olive black 2004 (LPG)
    Ford Mustang 289ci V8 (4.7) Convertible 1967, Silver
    Chevy Corvette convertible 350ci V8 (5.7), 1974, Metallic Blue
    Pontiac Firebird 403ci V8 (6.6), 1977, red
    Rover 214 Si 16v 1994 M White/grey (1600 k series)
    Rover 220 Turbo Coupe FDH 1995
    Rover Mini Cooper 1997 P
    Volvo 960 24v 2.9 estate 1991 J (in family from new)
    VW Polo 1.4SE auto 2005 (in family from new)
    Jaguar Mk 2 resto project
    Mercedes GLB 200d (lease)

  9. #9
    Registered User ianq's Avatar
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    WD40....try it...amazing as a cleaner but use it sparingly and not on a hot engine. Otherwise elbow grease and patience and auto glym. MGZTV8 Agreed Valuation Insurance June 2011 004.jpg
    ZTV8 gone...Lotus gone....RV8 now lives happily in garage with Matra Bagheera and Aston Martin DB7

  10. #10
    Registered User pessling's Avatar
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    get a pump up garden sprayers, they have enough pressure to get most stuff off, plus brush the cleaner into the bad areas spray off with engine running, aviod spraying the belt as you will get a face full. and all good a clean and the heat dries it, apply silicon spray or engine dressing to the plastic and good as new.
    Peter Essling


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