Engine Detailing Advice - Suggestions please

[puma1824]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to detail this engine bay? Are the metal parts too far gone or is there anything I can do to clean up? See pics below.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

 

[hilld]

Those look pretty corroded/oxidized. You could try a good aluminum cleaner and a stiff brush, but I think the amount of time spent cleaning this one up might not be cost effective, since the customer might not be willing to spend that much (assuming this is a paying job). If this a labor of love job that is a different story.

The best method (not really a detail job) would be to remove all the corroded pieces and have them media blasted and repainted. The valve cover will need silver and black paint, the other stuff just silver or clear.

 

[puma1824]

Those look pretty corroded/oxidized. You could try a good aluminum cleaner and a stiff brush, but I think the amount of time spent cleaning this one up might not be cost effective, since the customer might not be willing to spend that much (assuming this is a paying job). If this a labor of love job that is a different story.

The best method (not really a detail job) would be to remove all the corroded pieces and have them media blasted and repainted. The valve cover will need silver and black paint, the other stuff just silver or clear.

This would be for myself. I was planning on having the valve cover gasket and intake plenum blasted and re-powerdercoated. So I assume there's nothing I can do other than media blast the other stuff as you had mentioned.

 

[hilld]

I am not saying that there is nothing you can do. How about squirt the whole engine bay with some good APC, scrub the hell out of it and pressure wash it to reveal what you have to work with. Make sure you cover the electronics such as ECM, distributor, coil, and any other sensitive items so you don't end up with more moisture damage. Once you get all the crud off, you can then get a better idea of what you are working with. You can't detail away the rust, other than clean and repaint such as the hood latch and other metal bits and pieces.

A good VRT/trim protectant or equivalent will make the rubber and plastic pieces look nice again, but since you are going to take the engine partially apart, I would skip that step until you get it all back together.

Happy scrubbing.

 

[brondondolon]

I removed some oxidation this weekend on aluminum. It was a flat piece and took some effort. That being said it can be done with some wenols but i dont think the effort is worth the outcome on this since there are tiny spaces and contours in tight areas.

 

[Paul A.]

I'm with hilld on this. For me, i would have to clean the crap out of everything in there and then evaluate what i'm left with. Mask up and protect your electricals and go to town. My opinion holds that whatever can be improved with a good wash and maybe scrub leaves only the things you then know need something further. I also agree with hilld that some of those areas will need some "enhancement" or downright replacement. At least from the photos but you'll see the real deal.

Good luck and that BMW looks deserving of some good "love labor". :dblthumb2:

 

[swanicyouth]

That's what I would call "patina" - I wouldn't be painting /blasting parts on that engine. Degrease everything w/ P21S TAW & some nylon brushes. Fix what appears to be a leaking valve cover. Degrease any sludge on/around the block with Brake Kleen.

If you pull some parts & renew the finish it will look odd compared to the rest of the engine. Some of the originality will be lost.


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[ZiggyPopp]

Could not agree with swanicyouth more. I am sure you will find that if you clean it up real good and coat rubber and plastic with something like chemical guys silk shine dressing or black on black, you will be very happy with the outcome. View attachment 31410View attachment 31411

 

[allenk4]

Clean as suggested above and then Sonus Motor Kote is a minor miracle