Engine Detail 'How To' Walk Through w/Pics

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

great job and tips of the trade brother.

budinsc

Thanks man glad you liked it

Searching the forum for a good engine detailing thread and found this again...thanks for taking the time to put this together.

Glad it helps...give it a try and if you find time post some pics on here

Awesome write up! I detail the engine on my GT500 for car shows all the time. Can't be afraid to get in there, just be smart about it.

For SURE! Gotta just give it a try, its the only real way to learn. I had a heart stopping experience a few weeks back, detailed this Minicooper...did the engine, went to start it...anddddd NOTHING...after having about 3 heart attacks i told the owner and he said 'Oh its just that darn battery, its gone dead about 3 or 4 times already since we've owned it (it was only an 08')...)

He went and got a free replacement and put it in, it fired right up lol. But wow...that was kinda heart wrenching for a minute there! Turned out nice though

great writeup. i'm sure it took a lot of time. thank you

Yeah they do take time but are kinda fun to do and i KNOW how much a good write up with pictures can help especially when you're first trying it out yourself.

Great write up and pictures. I'm looking forward to Boot Camp next month so I can learn proper technique for engine cleaning. Right now I use APC, brushes and a VX 5000 steamer.

Ah i envy you...i wish i had the VX...finally got myself a high grade extractor for interiors...cost a pretty penny..my little McCullouch is still goin strong though..just doesn't have enough power to reach some spots in the engine, which is when the pressure washer comes in handy

 

[Robert8194]

Thanks man glad you liked it



Glad it helps...give it a try and if you find time post some pics on here




For SURE! Gotta just give it a try, its the only real way to learn. I had a heart stopping experience a few weeks back, detailed this Minicooper...did the engine, went to start it...anddddd NOTHING...after having about 3 heart attacks i told the owner and he said 'Oh its just that darn battery, its gone dead about 3 or 4 times already since we've owned it (it was only an 08')...)

He went and got a free replacement and put it in, it fired right up lol. But wow...that was kinda heart wrenching for a minute there! Turned out nice though



Yeah they do take time but are kinda fun to do and i KNOW how much a good write up with pictures can help especially when you're first trying it out yourself.



Ah i envy you...i wish i had the VX...finally got myself a high grade extractor for interiors...cost a pretty penny..my little McCullouch is still goin strong though..just doesn't have enough power to reach some spots in the engine, which is when the pressure washer comes in handy

The VX is nice and gets the job done. I would really like to have a Dupray but can't justify $2500 for a hobby. What extractor did you get?

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

The VX is nice and gets the job done. I would really like to have a Dupray but can't justify $2500 for a hobby. What extractor did you get?

I got the DM1600. Works good, sucks like crazy...only eh part is it only has a 2 gallon tank, which sounds like a lot but this thing shoots out a LOT of water when you pull the trigger...so the 2 gallons is gone pretty quick...that and it takes quite a while to heat the water. Once its heated its good to go, just gotta make sure you plug it in and allow it to heat up while you do other stuff so that way its ready when you need it.

 

[Robert8194]

I got the DM1600. Works good, sucks like crazy...only eh part is it only has a 2 gallon tank, which sounds like a lot but this thing shoots out a LOT of water when you pull the trigger...so the 2 gallons is gone pretty quick...that and it takes quite a while to heat the water. Once its heated its good to go, just gotta make sure you plug it in and allow it to heat up while you do other stuff so that way its ready when you need it.

That's the one I have and you are right. It does take a long time to heat up, especially if you use cold water. But it does have some serious sucking power. I find that I use my steamer more than I do the extractor but both come in handy.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

That's the one I have and you are right. It does take a long time to heat up, especially if you use cold water. But it does have some serious sucking power. I find that I use my steamer more than I do the extractor but both come in handy.

Yeah im looking into these 5 gallon bucket heaters. Like 30 bucks and gets the water up to 110 or so....make it easy for having some hot water ready to put in the extractor.

I like the steamer but hate going thru 1000 mf's or terry's just for a few seats. I HATE cloth seats...the hot water mixed with a pre spray of APC+ worked well on my first try. Anxious to try a few other bad stains out. But since i got it for 1/2 price used...im not complaining

 

[Robert8194]

Yeah im looking into these 5 gallon bucket heaters. Like 30 bucks and gets the water up to 110 or so....make it easy for having some hot water ready to put in the extractor.

I like the steamer but hate going thru 1000 mf's or terry's just for a few seats. I HATE cloth seats...the hot water mixed with a pre spray of APC+ worked well on my first try. Anxious to try a few other bad stains out. But since i got it for 1/2 price used...im not complaining

I'm not familiar With the bucket heater. I need that. I hate to extract seats because they take so long to dry even with the great vacuum power. I am anxious to try the Black Tornador on cloth seats and carpet.

 

[shoeless89]

Great write-up! Thank you

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

I'm not familiar With the bucket heater. I need that. I hate to extract seats because they take so long to dry even with the great vacuum power. I am anxious to try the Black Tornador on cloth seats and carpet.

This is the bucket heater i was looking at: Amazon.com: Farm Innovators Submergible Bucket Heater with Attached Guard Model W-449, 1,000-Watt: Pet Supplies

I prefer extracting seats..i just try not to get them too wet...i just feel better about realy sucking the dirt out rather than just getting surface stains out...but sometimes steaming is needed for really bad seats. Whats the Blac Tornador suppose to do , i havent really looking into it..too expensive lol

Great write-up! Thank you

Thanks and you're welcome :dblthumb2:

 

[Robert8194]

This is the bucket heater i was looking at: Amazon.com: Farm Innovators Submergible Bucket Heater with Attached Guard Model W-449, 1,000-Watt: Pet Supplies

I prefer extracting seats..i just try not to get them too wet...i just feel better about realy sucking the dirt out rather than just getting surface stains out...but sometimes steaming is needed for really bad seats. Whats the Blac Tornador suppose to do , i havent really looking into it..too expensive lol

The Black Tornador turns the cleaner into a mist and sends It to the surface you are cleaning with high pressure and a "tornadic" action that lifts the dirt out of the fabric. It works great on carpeted floor mats. I haven't tried it on cloth seats yet. Does well on leather and hard surfaces.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

This is the bucket heater i was looking at: Amazon.com: Farm Innovators Submergible Bucket Heater with Attached Guard Model W-449, 1,000-Watt: Pet Supplies

I prefer extracting seats..i just try not to get them too wet...i just feel better about realy sucking the dirt out rather than just getting surface stains out...but sometimes steaming is needed for really bad seats. Whats the Blac Tornador suppose to do , i havent really looking into it..too expensive lol

The Black Tornador turns the cleaner into a mist and sends It to the surface you are cleaning with high pressure and a "tornadic" action that lifts the dirt out of the fabric. It works great on carpeted floor mats. I haven't tried it on cloth seats yet. Does well on leather and hard surfaces.

Id love to hear how it works with cloth. I have a good process to use on leather and haven't run into any problems cleaning it even with bad stains. Cloth is just a PITA with bad stains

 

[Robert8194]

Id love to hear how it works with cloth. I have a good process to use on leather and haven't run into any problems cleaning it even with bad stains. Cloth is just a PITA with bad stains

I will let you know. I can tell you it works great on carpet. I had some bad stains next to the driver footrest and it ate them.

 

[mystic88]

Thanks to u, my should-be-laying-around-do-nothing morning has been pretty 'productive'. It's been a while since I detailed my engine bay, so the dressing has been pretty much gone, plastic stuff looked dull. Stumbled across this thread so rolled up my sleeves, put on my gloves and worked my engine out. FYI, I tried Megs HD, ASD, nothing lasts as long as 303. The 303 gave my under-hood nice and soft gloss finish for months (6 months, to be exact). HD and ASD gave me around 2 months. ASD works perfect for fenderwheel plastics, though...

Wonderful thread, keep on posting the good stuff

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Thanks to u, my should-be-laying-around-do-nothing morning has been pretty 'productive'. It's been a while since I detailed my engine bay, so the dressing has been pretty much gone, plastic stuff looked dull. Stumbled across this thread so rolled up my sleeves, put on my gloves and worked my engine out. FYI, I tried Megs HD, ASD, nothing lasts as long as 303. The 303 gave my under-hood nice and soft gloss finish for months (6 months, to be exact). HD and ASD gave me around 2 months. ASD works perfect for fenderwheel plastics, though...

Wonderful thread, keep on posting the good stuff

Hey man, glad the thread inspired you . Its been a while since anyone has replied to this so you kind of brought it back up from the dead lol.


Ive had good longevity with HD personally. I did mine about 4 months ago and all the plastic is real nice and black still. Im sure things like weather and what shape the plastic was in to begin with plays a large role. To each their own though, if you like 303 then by all means use that bad boy

Get any pics?

 

[mystic88]

Hey man, glad the thread inspired you . Its been a while since anyone has replied to this so you kind of brought it back up from the dead lol.


Ive had good longevity with HD personally. I did mine about 4 months ago and all the plastic is real nice and black still. Im sure things like weather and what shape the plastic was in to begin with plays a large role. To each their own though, if you like 303 then by all means use that bad boy

Get any pics?

Errr.. Not a man actually lol but that's okay

Weather in my country is pretty harsh, I live in the tropics so if it's ain't raining, then hot. Regular temp here is about 85-90, and when it's hot, it can get to 110 respectively. So HD got really bad durability for under the hood. I tried to wipe a thin coat of UTTG on one of the plastic, to see how it hold up. I personally love the UTTG for trims and dashboard (now every plastic in my car covered with it lol) because it gives wonderful finish and non-sticky, also got wonderful durability.

Got a simple shot of the engine

Thanks

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Errr.. Not a man actually lol but that's okay

Weather in my country is pretty harsh, I live in the tropics so if it's ain't raining, then hot. Regular temp here is about 85-90, and when it's hot, it can get to 110 respectively. So HD got really bad durability for under the hood. I tried to wipe a thin coat of UTTG on one of the plastic, to see how it hold up. I personally love the UTTG for trims and dashboard (now every plastic in my car covered with it lol) because it gives wonderful finish and non-sticky, also got wonderful durability.

Got a simple shot of the engine

Thanks

Lol my mistake "Hey man" or "later man!" is just like a habit of mine lol. Forgive me

SO i see your engine is a Honda too just like in the write up! It looks very nice. I HAVE to try UTTG, i haven't used it yet but everyone swears by it.

I live in Arizona so...in the summer we get up to about 115+ and usually have several months above 100, so i know what you mean about the heat. Maybe it is because I try to detail my engine a couple times a year that the HD keeps it looking black and protected. I just know i've had good luck with it.

What country are you from.

I wont call you man this time

 

[mystic88]

Lol my mistake "Hey man" or "later man!" is just like a habit of mine lol. Forgive me

SO i see your engine is a Honda too just like in the write up! It looks very nice. I HAVE to try UTTG, i haven't used it yet but everyone swears by it.

I live in Arizona so...in the summer we get up to about 115+ and usually have several months above 100, so i know what you mean about the heat. Maybe it is because I try to detail my engine a couple times a year that the HD keeps it looking black and protected. I just know i've had good luck with it.

What country are you from.

I wont call you man this time

LOL and yea don't call me kid/tiger/whatever :laughing:

I live in Indonesia. It's humid, got lots of pollutions, streets filled with small motorcycles which harms my paint job more than anything, debris filled with junks are also available here. So if you're looking for some challenge, how to keep your daily car looks like a showroom car everyday, then you're welcome with arms wide open :laughing:

UTTG offers very good protection, just a drop is enough to cover half of my dashboard (I own a GE Fit). And you can't use too much of it or dust will stuck real good (funny thing is, the surface's not sticky at all, just dusty). To reactivate the look, just mist a bit of water/qd, or wipe surface with damp towel after a few weeks of application. You'll be surprised