I park the MINI under the Porsche in the garage and constantly look up at the bottom of my TT. Actually, I can honestly say that i see the bottom of my TT more often than the top or inside!!!

I realize that this topic was discussed in the past, but I thought I would bring it up again in case there are any new techniques or products that will ease the detailing endeavor.

I am referring to detailing of the engine. Our member "Oak" has arguably the most beautiful underside I have ever seen on any example of our cars.

Here is a photo of his engine....



In sharp contrast to this is my, and likely 90% of the members here, underside.....



I drive on fair weather days only and I don't subject the car to salt, snow or, rarely, rain. I don't see the need for the added protection of the cosmoline, especially since it is only sprayed on the bottom facing surfaces of the engine for the most part.

That said, I really want to make my engine shine like Oaks. How should I do it? Prodcuts? Techniques?

 

buy a new car and start over LOL

actually get wheel acid, thats what i use and it works great. just spray and let sit for a little then rinse to get that main junk off then get some tools to scrub with and go back to do the touch up work.

 

Ken, whatever you do, make sure you read the label of the product thoroughly. A lot of engine degreasers that claim to do miracle work on dirty engines are actually caustic and harmful to aluminum.

 

I was told to use a product called Oil Flo Safety Solvent/Degreaser

http://www.carcareonline.com/detail....oduct_id=11001



Description:
A neutral pH, water soluble, liquid solvent that is colorless, non-foaming and rinses clean with water leaving no residue. May be diluted with water to the desired strength for a particular job. It removes grease, tar, oils, adhesives, tree sap, rubber marks, exhaust and many other stains that are considered difficult. Do not use on polycarbonate or polystyrene. Oil Flo is the best product, we have found, that will easily remove wheel weight adhesive without harming the wheel finish. It is also great for removing oil stains from concrete floors. Test all solvents prior to use to insure compatibility.

 

Leave it alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Ken

All kidding aside it does look much better cleaned up

Have fun, don't make to much of a mess of your garage

 

Simple Green is nector of the gods.....

 

Detailing Dynamics

 

If some of that stuff is cosmolene, you will never get it off. You might have had a chance when the car was new and the cosmolene was fresh but not after it has baked in. If it is cosmolene.

 

2thfixr,
All of it is cosmolene. I just tried a section about 12" x 6" on the right side of the engine case (where the part number is located) using the Oil Flo pictured above and it came off relatively easily. I simply saturated a rag and rubbed a bit. It took about 20 minutes. Slow work, but all gone.

I will try a spray nozzle for the next section and let it soak and thereby perform as a degreaser. It should make things a bit easier.

I actually remember Oak telling me that you just have to be patient and do a little at a time. I guess it is good therapy!!

Hey, LOVE the screen name Robert!!! 2thfixr is awesome!!

 

ken, the detailing should be done with minimal mileage on the engine. longer you wait the cosmolene will bake into the alloy and set the stain.

Any non toxic grease remover will work with some detailing brass/nylon brushes and some fine dental tools will do. No real short-cut, just saturate, and scrub repeat endlessly!

If you are obssesive and compulsive, all you need to do is start the project and it will take off.

 

Oak,
Is that the product you used?

 

KEN, Something as easy as Simple Green and 0000 Steel wool will bring Cosmolene off easily. Remember 0000 steel wool is very fine. I use it with White toothpaste and it really sparkles. See

 

ken,
No, that doesn't look familiar although it sound like it would be ideal. I forgot exactly which cleaner I used. I think it was some orange based stuff. And I had some old Dupont Prep-Sol I had sitting around for the stubborn areas. The orginal Prep-Sol that I used is no longer made. It was used as a pre-paint for wax and grease removal. I found out they longer made the stuff when I ran out of the stuff on this project. I have not found anything that has worked as efficient as the Prep-Sol to date.

Start farthest away and work back that way you will minimise the mess to youself, lay out some tarp and newspaper and go to town!

Recommend using some long sleeved gloves, googles and mask!

 

OK Ken,
I just ordered some of the Oil Flo, hopefully it will work on the baked on cosmolene. I've tried other solvents/degreasers in the past with little success but every time I'm under the car the look of the engine really bugs me. Yeah...OCD.....Oak I'm so jealous!