How To: Detail Your Engine Like a Professional

Amazing writeup! I need to get some of those sprayable trim dressings like DP or Chemical guys back to black
 
inyadreems said:
I do most if not all of the preventive steps in this write up when I detail an engine but I use different products such as APC (switching to OPC) and a different brand dressing.

I also use a power washer hose nozzle that is about 2 feet long to get down into the bay.

My question is it is a good idea to have the engine running when using the hose to rinse? I have noticed that local car washes will pressure wash the engine before going thorugh the tunnel with the engine running.

What I like to do is hose, then start the engine immediately and use a leaf blower to dry while engine is running.
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I personally prefer to do everything while the engine is off, but I have heard of some people doing what you describe.

I'm an advocate of the saying "better safe than sorry." especially when working on something as costly as an engine.
 
Looks very good, but the imagination of me pouring water over the LT1 engine in my 95 corvette gives me the creeps. The d***ed Optispark is too unforgiving when it comes to fluids and water.
Any advice what i could do to clean up this engine? Basically any water rinsing is prohibited, because of the Optispark and it's cost to replace it.
 
Nick@Autogeek said:
I personally prefer to do everything while the engine is off, but I have heard of some people doing what you describe.

I'm an advocate of the saying "better safe than sorry." especially when working on something as costly as an engine.
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Gottchya.

I like to start the engine after hosing and while drying, my reasoning is if if got something vital wet the heat from the engine and combined with the leaf blower will help it dry quicker. Then again running current through an electrical component while wet can fry it.

I might switch to leaving the engine off till done. thanx
 
This is another example of one of the finest How-To threads I've seen. Nick takes you step by step through the process and points out some very important things to do "before" you turn on the hose.

Nick always includes the chemicals and tools he uses, sort of like a list of things to have at your disposal before getting started.

The photos are again superb and some of those areas that tend to get overlooked are pointed out and addressed...

Sticky Worthy!! :props:

Nice work Nick!! :dblthumb2:
 
Great write-up about an area of the car that is often overlooked!
 
Curious what kindof mess this leaves under the car when done?

If someone were to do this on a home driveway, would it leave a greasy mess of gunk that a little rain or hose could not remove. Or is it just a bit of dirt that needs to be hosed away?

I'd like to detail my engine compartment, but not sure where I should attempt it.
 
ShineMyCar said:
Curious what kindof mess this leaves under the car when done?

If someone were to do this on a home driveway, would it leave a greasy mess of gunk that a little rain or hose could not remove. Or is it just a bit of dirt that needs to be hosed away?

I'd like to detail my engine compartment, but not sure where I should attempt it.
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I did this on my concrete driveway and had no trouble with it leaving a mess on the concrete. I used DP Degreaser and I'm sure my concrete was not sealed at all. I believe the grease is dissolved enough and with the water it rinses right off the concrete.
 
I have a blacktop driveway with a slight slope. If the drive is wet prior to the engine cleaning process and the dirt/oil pieces are small (not using a paint scraper to remove), the dirt will rinse away. Engines take me a long time and I always feel I can do better. But, look great after a few hours effort. I have had the auto mechanic comment what a pleasure to work on my vehicles.
 
Nice article Nick,
reading it I have given a try on my car. It's a five year old & I have detailed her engine for first time. Though I was not having access to water hose & air for drying. Results are not amazing but definitely make some difference.
 
bmwgalore said:
Quick question:

What do you do when you have a Heat Shield under the hood? Some shields are made of some sort of dense foam, very rough to touch and it easily absorb oil and gunk over the years... Any tips on cleaning those?
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Armor All Tire Foam isn't something I like to use on tires but it works well on those underhood heat pads. Fairly good cleaning capabilities and it leaves a dark matte finish. If the pad is seriously grungy some degreaser and a brush may be in order and perhaps a light hit with a pressure washer or a steamer. The AATF makes the pad a wipe-off affair for future cleaning.

TL
 
Fantastic write up.

How about a package deal with Degreaser, Trim Detailer, and maybe a brush or towel on the site bundled together as a underhood combo?
 
smack said:
Fantastic write up.

How about a package deal with Degreaser, Trim Detailer, and maybe a brush or towel on the site bundled together as a underhood combo?
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Mike,

I like that idea.

Keep an eye out for it. ;)

Nick
 
Thanks for the write up Nick. I appreciate you emailing the link today. I looked this over really well and it will help alot. Is this engine cleaner the best stuff out there? My chevy dealer told me that they use this stuff called dynamite degreaser and it works really well. Has anyone else heard of this stuff too? If so, how well does it work if you tried it? Any other drying tips if you dont have a blower like what was showed in the pictures?
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to show this. Im about to detail a 85' Corvette with a filthy engine! This will help tremendously! Thanks again

Bill
 
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