Engine cleaned- suggestions for detailer?

[retiredfireman]

OK, cleaned up the engine bay, used Simple Green, mixed about 3:1 (water to cleaner) and now want to put some kind of detailer on it, but don't want to put anything that will attract dust and dirt. Ideas?
thanks.





I like to cover the alternator so it doesn't get too wet.



Done:

 

[mjd91]

303 Aerospace works well.

 

[THETANK]

I would leave it as is at this point. All of the shiny stuff will attract dust unless after applying you wipe the hell out of what you just applied.

 

[Pull Ya]

+1 on the 303. Works and looks really good.
Jay

 

[retiredfireman]

thanks for the info all.

 

[audio1der]

I love 303 for it's UV protection but find it leaves an uneven, spotty finish. I use a mix of water, Back to Black and Armour All for my engine bay and all exterior black trim.
I've been told that No-touch tire foam left to dwell and then hosed off, leaves an incredible finish but haven;t tried that yet.

 

[mjd91]

I love 303 for it's UV protection but find it leaves an uneven, spotty finish. I use a mix of water, Back to Black and Armour All for my engine bay and all exterior black trim.
I've been told that No-touch tire foam left to dwell and then hosed off, leaves an incredible finish but haven;t tried that yet.

Have you gone back and wiped it again with a dry towel to even it out?

I personally haven't experienced the uneven finish but most that have say a final wipe levels it out.

 

[audio1der]

No- thanks. Next time I use it solo I'll try that if necessary.

 

[Eddie30]

303 works good, also black magic makes an interior detailer that works well on the engine, not to shiny and lasts

 

[FlyinHaYn]

I run purple power for cleaning. I think its better than Simple Green and it stays clean longer.. :thumbsup:

 

[Surf City Garage]

Good afternoon!

When I dress my engine, after it's dry, I use a mixture of water and Surf City Garage Professional Tire Dressing and Conditioner mixed at 60/40, respectively. Shaken very well, spray it on to either an applicator and dress the hoses and plastic/rubber pieces, and you can use a tiny foam brush found in the paint dept to get the small spots. You can also spray the heck out of the parts themselves then wipe it all down with a microfiber towel.

From the product page...
Surf City Garage Professional Tire Dressing & Conditioner is a water-based cream that will never sling or leave behind greasy, oily residues which attract additional dirt.

 

[WhiteExpress]

I use my Adam's Super RVT, straight up.
Just apply it to a MF cloth and go over the things I want shiny and new looking.

Stuff is wonderful (I'm sure many other products are too).
Doesn't attract dust/dirt, and when it's dirty next time, a quick low pressure wash knocks it all off. It's good for about 4-5 rinses before it needs re-application.

 

[Surf City Garage]

After it's cleaned and dressed, a good rule of thumb is to take a look under the hood every thousand miles or so, or sooner for people like me, give it a quick hit. Once you have it really clean, it's much easier to keep generally clean.

 

[tommyboi87]

I've always been scared to wash my engine bay. I don't want to mess it up. Do you use some kind of light pressure washer or something? Some people recommend leaving it running while doing it, but I wouldn't want to suck water into my intake..

 

[WhiteExpress]

I always wash a cold engine.

I use Simple Green / Water, spray it one, scrub areas that need it with a brush and wash it off with the hose.

I always wash a cold engine.

I have never once had an issue of water getting somewhere it shouldn't.
I also don't go out of my way to 'soak' anything either.

I always wash a cold engine.

Did I mention, WASH A COLD ENGINE!

 

[tommyboi87]

Got it wash cold don't soak it, wash cold, rinse, and make sure it's cold..

 

[audio1der]

Newer engines are somewhat safer t wash IMO.
Coil packs cover what were once deep spark plug wells which could fill up with water.
Unless you have an exposed air filter element, drying the engine ASAP after washing should keep everything hunky-dory.

Agreed on SCG's post above; once you start keeping an engine bay clean and have dressed the bay repeatedly, it gets easier and easier to KEEP it clean.

 

[Lobster Poutine]

303 or sonus trim and motor kote...

here is the sonus product on my old truck...

before cleaning...



after sonus....