Cwaterboy1

iTrader: (3)

I have a nasty dirty engine comartment. I bought this car and am looking at cleaning it up. There is dirt, dust, leaves, twigs and oil residue collecting dirt as well all over the place.

My question is what is the best way to tackle this job. I am not sure of spraying water directly into the engine compartment. Engine degreasers, compressed air could be used but it looks like it may need more elbo grease.

How do car detail shops or mechanic shops clean engine compartments?

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (7)

subscribed

87CIZ

iTrader: (8)

i used a pressure washer and simple green to loosen it up. scraped it what didnt break loose then steel wool and more degreaser

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Use a shop vac first. Pick up all the loose stuff. I typically cover the battery, alternator and dist. cover before hosing down. Anyhow, hose it down to remove all the dried on crusted dirt, mud, leaves etc. etc. that the vaccum didn't suck up. After that, try simple green. It'll work wonders. Engine degreaser works even better, but is a LOT more aggressive. Simple Green is my secret weapon.

86NiteRider

iTrader: (10)

When I was in the detail shop business we used any and everything to clean a grimy engine. Some things that worked....

1. Leaf Blower for blowing out loose debris and for drying the engine after washing.

2. Simple Green and or Mean Green - Great for wiping down hoses spark plug wiring and general cleaning

3. Engine Brite - Takes off oil and and any grime in a short amount of time

4. Aluminum foil - We used this to mask areas we wanted to not get wet or painted

5. Black and Silver Spray paint - After masking we would lightly spray discolored areas.

6. Windex - used on chrome pieces to make them shine

7. Armour All (or a like product) - was used to bring entire engine bay to a shine, in particular all rubber hoses.

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (7)

GREAT INFO You say you were a detail person. What do you think of the meguiars nxt generation tech wax 2.0? I got a brand new paint job and want to protect it the best i can. however i cant wax it for like 30 days till the paint is 100% cured.

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

I know this wasn't directed at me, but I'll throw my two cents in. I used to swear by Meguiar's Gold Class. After trying TW2.0, I stood there looking at it thinking it looked better, but then, minutes after a complete waxing and detailing, I ALWAYS think it looks better!!!!!!!!

....later that night, at the club cruise in, at two seperate occasions, two different members just stood there staring at the car. They both asked what I had done different, because the paint looked amazing.

I'm a beleiver, and I've converted a few others along the way. Now as for "protection"? ...I couldn't say. I baby the crap out of it though, so I can't tell you anything about durability etc. etc. ...heck I only wash it once or twice a year, that's how babied it is!!!!!!!

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (7)

Babied will be an understatement for my car lol. i will idle out of my gravel driveway in first gear (probably ride the brakes to go slower lmao) and wont even drive at night to much. Those bugs can hurt paint too! So by protection i meant something better than the bare clearcoat. I've asked multiple people on multiple boards about the tech wax 2.0, and EVERYONE said they love it! I'm sure oriely's carries it?

Abubaca

iTrader: (3)

Irocthe5.7 and I have discussed high end waxes in a good bit of detail, and I can't comment on the quality of some of the high end stuff he swears by.

...that being said, I've tried a LOT of waxes over the years, and they all pretty much worked. Gold class came off so well, and I really like Megs other products, so I pretty much stayed with the gold class. ....but then came TW2.0 ...EASILY the best I've used, AND it comes off easier than gold class.

Better waxes out there? I'm sure, but TW2.0 is a GREAT product, regardless.

toxik IROC

iTrader: (12)

what is tw2.0?

86NiteRider

iTrader: (10)

I swear by all Meguilars products. I have not tried the techwax2.0 yet as I too have a new paint job and in the 30 day wait period too. Then I got to wet sand and buff. That will take me into July before I am trying new waxes. I havea pro product that I use called Black Wax that I love. Of course it is designed for black cars like mine. I will try some tw2.0 and report back my opinion.

Experiment and find what works for you. You can't go wrong with the Meguilars, Mothers or professional products.

89ROC-Z

iTrader: (7)

tech wax 2.0. the full name is nxt generation tech wax 2.0 by meguiars. supposed to be good stuff!

IROCThe5.7L

NXT 2.0 in my opinion is the best over the counter wax/sealant you can buy.

gearhead0384

iTrader: (7)

I have yet to use all of my original NTX so I have not had the opportunity to use NTX 2.0. When I am out I know for a fact that I will be getting NTX 2.0, I have heard nothing but good things