Deep cleaning a silver plastic intake manifold

R

readthebook

New member
Joined
May 19, 2018
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
I’m wondering what product would be best to get an intake manifold in a 2004 VW R32 looking its best. The manifold is a composite material and I guess is painted silver, or perhaps it’s just that color composite.

The car is 17 years old and I’m not sure if anything under the hood has ever really been cleaned. Simple green didn’t do a lot for me.

Car is actually in the shop right now having timing chains done but will have it back soon so I can post photos of what I’m actually looking to clean. For now here’s some photos I found of what the intake manifold looks like:

View attachment 74485View attachment 74486
 
What have you tried so far?

If it were me I would keep it simple Simon. Start by washing with a good soap and brush. See what you get.

If that' not clean enough then escalate the cleaning power with an APC or degreaser. If you're concerned, test product to the back area that is not as visible.

Worst case scenario - re-paint with a quality high heat paint or shop for a replacement on eBay or Amazon.


:)
 
Mike Phillips said:
What have you tried so far?

If it were me I would keep it simple Simon. Start by washing with a good soap and brush. See what you get.

If that' not clean enough then escalate the cleaning power with an APC or degreaser. If you're concerned, test product to the back area that is not as visible.

Worst case scenario - re-paint with a quality high heat paint or shop for a replacement on eBay or Amazon.


:)
Click to expand...

I gave it a scrub with simple green but it didn’t help a ton.
 
If it's really oily, seems like the best thing to get oil off is another petrochemical. Maybe some kerosene, or WD-40? Or have you tried any plastic cleaner, or plastic polish?
 
My guess is that after the cleaning that you have already performed anything left is staining that you won't be able to remove. You can try rubbing problem areas with a rag & solvent such as mineral spirits but it probably won't do anything significant.

I'd say your choices are to leave it as is or paint it as Mike suggested.
 
If you have the money to spare get it sand blasted back then a re paint
freshen the engine bay and make that 3.2 L sing
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top