Would like some advice on engine detailing

t-topTA

t-topTA

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First would like to thanks the ones who helped with the console stain I posted few days ago , I appreciate it very much. Now moving on to the next project which is the engine bay. It hasn't been detailed since don't know when. my father used it as a daily driver till early 90s,now just weekend driver. Would like some suggestions on what to use and what kind of brushes to use on this engine. I have use degreasers in past but didn't do much. How would you start and finish with this engine. thanks again for the time to read this and help.
posted pics on photobucket.
kandyamtransam's Library | Photobucket
 
Dogfather said:
Thanks for the links. Very good articles. The DP Engine Degreaser looks like a nice product. I'm curious to know what are some other favorite RTU products.
Click to expand...

I have used DP engine cleaners and I like it a lot along with meguiars all purpose cleaner plus
 
I'm getting ready to do an engine detail on my new truck, it's pretty grimy, probably the next weekend or the weekend after.


I'll document it as best as I can.

It has HEI and TBI, other than that it's pretty simple technology. (which I like)


Just finished installing new flange gaskets in the rear axle, time to hit the pool.


:D
 
just got home from work, saw the info. Thanks a lot for the links and advice I hope to get started on it but weather is nice trying to stop the urge to go drive it but its a argument that the keys are in the hand just in the garage looking at what I should be doing. just weather is so nice here today since been cloudy and gloomy past days.
 
Didn't complete my goal I sought after today. I wanted to clean out the engine but she said she wanted to be driven so, went to local car cruise for lil bit and drive around lake and got home and saw black lab and chewed threw the wooden privacy fence.So had to fix that . hope tomorrow be able to complete.
 
I cringe every time I see a pressure washer being used on an engine. I guess there are infinite ways to clean something but its not something I'd recommend.

Just use a good degreaser and work in sections for example divide the engine into quarters and work the four sections one T a time. Go back and touch up the spots that need it. Dry and treat with a water based dressing.

Make sure to tape off the electrical components.

Takes about an hour from start to finish.
 
I am a bit confused about products to use for this.

I have both the APC+ and the Super Degreaser from Meguiar's. Which is best? And at what concentration?

I purchased the super degreaser without really thinking but if you guys use APC+, where would I use the degreaser... I kinda purchased it thinking it would be best for engines heavy grime and gunk.
 
When you detail a engine be sure to apply a coat of spray wax to the fenders and painted surface of your car, scope out and cover all electrical parts ( distributor, alternator, loose wires, ect) with plastic or aluminum foil and if you have a expose air filter cover that too, when it come down to what kind of chemicals you can use a acp, dish soap( if its really oily) or car soap. You can use your wheel brushes to clean the engine or have separate set of brushes for the engine when you spray the engine don't drown it put the nozzle to mist like setting
 
Calendyr said:
I am a bit confused about products to use for this.

I have both the APC+ and the Super Degreaser from Meguiar's. Which is best? And at what concentration?

I purchased the super degreaser without really thinking but if you guys use APC+, where would I use the degreaser... I kinda purchased it thinking it would be best for engines heavy grime and gunk.
Click to expand...

Meg's Super Degreaser try 4:1 dilution. Kind of depends on how dirty the engine is. Heres a link to read about it.

Meguiar’s Super Degreaser Concentrate, 1 Gallon, cleans and degreases the engine compartment of your car. A concentrated car engine cleaner and

APC+ can be used to follow up areas that might need a touch up but are not that greasy. Gegreaser is for the heavier greas in the engine bay but APC+ is good to have as well. Use a variety of general brushes to agitate then rinse after a minute. Pretty simple actually.
 
Don't forget the simple effectiveness of the foaming Gunk or Napa engine degreasers at your local auto parts store. Work well without having to spend a lot of money to test something you may not like or ever use again.
 
got fence finally completed, its a on going battle between me and the dogs for some reason. came on to read what I can do to the engine today, I seen gunk mentioned I plan on using that along with some degreaser, I found a purple bottle called super clean in my garage I guess I bought it month ago from the new nuts and bolts true value up the street. Anyone has tried that on their engines before? and the meguiars degreaser can it be purchased at a local autoparts store? I didn't see any at advance auto parts. maybe try oriellys.
 
Beware the purple stuff! It's strong and will stain or discolor any of the delicate surfaces in there, including some plastics. Gunk is a degreaser and a budget friendly way to get started instead of ordering in the more "specialized" chemicals.
 
I will avoid using the super clean and use the gunk. is the original better than the foaming? last yr I did quick clean with it and thought the foam wasn't as effective? which is pefered ? maybe I didn't let it sit long enough.
 
Super Clean will work, just be mindful around your belts. Dries them out and they will squeel/ make noise. I myself use a pressure washer and have no problems. Just use common sense and don't force water into electrical components. Example: Chev 6.0l knock sensors are under the intake plenum and do not like getting drownded with water.

For the dressing I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. I put in a HVLP air operated paint sprayer with primer tip on it and give a couple of good coatings. This works extremely well to get in all the nooks and crannies that are just a pain and that cannot be reached. If there is time I let it sit overnight and then wipe off the residue in the morning. If you do have a squeeling belt issue give them a good coating of 303 as well and it will take care of it.
 
Today was bout to start doing the engine bay, got gunk degreaser foam and original and got the shine also. It was on sale here at advance auto so decided to try to use this and see what it does. Wanted to ask if power washer be best to use? or use garden hose on shower head to clean off the engine after letting the degreaser soak in? Also anyone can tell me how much difference is the Gel compare to the foam version? Going to run some errands for hr or so and check back. Hope to hear some good reply back soon. thanks for all the advice the past few days. Next be more detailing in the paint area, Its needed badly.
 
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