New to engine detailing

Markymapo1

Markymapo1

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So I assume (with this mess) I clean the surface of engine compartment and inside of hood with some APC diluted appropriately followed by some 303 Protectant. I have only tackled the outside of cars ( coming up on one year anniversary on taking Mike’s class in Medford) so this engine cleaning has me a bit perplexed ( too many crazy electronics to mess up)
(it’s my 2016 M4)
 
The electronics on newer cars like yours are sealed so you really don’t have to worry about get them wet with water or cleaner. The only precaution I take for an engine detail is to cover the alternator. Go ahead and give the engine a spray down with the hose. Then spray it with your favorite APC, agitate the surfaces with a detailing brush, hose off the cleaner and then dry it with a Sidekick or towels. 303 is a good dressing.
 
I used to be able to get Amazing Roll Off at a boat supply store. I used it on wheel wells but never bought it again.
 
I covered up alternator and sensitive electronic parts using aluminum foil (I problably over did it), sprayed cleaned with Sonax Engine Cleaner, hosed it down, blow dry then dressed it up with Motor kote.

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The alternator pulley has a over running clutch with bearings in it. The grease seal on those aren't very good. You can easily wash the grease out. Then a few weeks done the road it goes out on you. It happened to me . It was only a few months later that I found out it was my fault.
 
Coleroad said:
The alternator pulley has a over running clutch with bearings in it. The grease seal on those aren't very good. You can easily wash the grease out. Then a few weeks done the road it goes out on you. It happened to me . It was only a few months later that I found out it was my fault.
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Things like that are the reason I don’t go messing around spraying water & degreaser on anyones engine...

Similar to cleaning door jambs to perfection, so good that you clean the grease off the hinges, but at least it won’t cause the doors to fall off. Lol.
 
I don’t do engines when I detail for pay. Too much opportunity for the client to turn around and blame me for some kind of problem they have later on.
 
Bill D said:
I don’t do engines when I detail for pay. Too much opportunity for the client to turn around and blame me for some kind of problem they have later on.
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I heard a story where some noob youngster ruined a Cadillac by powerwashing the Northstar engine.
 
Did the detailer have to pay anything later on?
 
I bet he won’t be doing any more engines any more
 
Eldorado2k said:
Things like that are the reason I don’t go messing around spraying water & degreaser on anyones engine...

Similar to cleaning door jambs to perfection, so good that you clean the grease off the hinges, but at least it won’t cause the doors to fall off. Lol.
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I have to agree 100% with you... spraying an engine down with a hose makes me cringe. You are just asking for it.
My moto is: if I can't reach/clean it off gently with a microfiber, a brush and a little APC then it stays dirty.
 
I use a variety of wheel woolies, Swiffer dusters, and even a ruler or yard stick wrapped in a MF to get at tight areas in the engine compartment. Sure, it’s time consuming, but it’s a lot safer that spraying it down with a hose.
 
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