Engine cleaning, recommendations please

[Superali]

Hi people,

I don’t think it’s a bad habit but I love keeping everything I have spotlessly clean.

I get a bit jealous when I see fellow Griffith owners with immaculate engine bays after recent strip and rebuild work and lots of TLC. The sight of a sparkling engine bay makes me weak in the knees and I just have to make mine bling.

Although I am not an engineer who can start stripping engine parts to bring them back to their former glory, I do have plenty of elbow grease. And with the car in the garage for the winter (Glasgow frost and ice is very unforgiving) I have plenty of time and cotton buds.

Can anybody please recommend engine component cleaning products which will be safe to use on my preserp early 1994 Griffith 500? are there any areas i should leave greasy and avoid?

There is a local valet centre that can steam clean the engine. Does anybody have experience of this? Is it safe? Does it come recommended?

Thanks for any help of views you can provide

[Johno]

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

Edited by Johno on Thursday 11th December 15:14

[Pasco]

Johno said:

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

Edited by Johno on Thursday 11th December 15:14

I can not believe i have never spotted that Forum

Cheers Johno and glad your on the mend mate

[robbri]

Lots of info here www.detailingworld.co.uk

[Del 203]

Pasco said:

Johno said:

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

I can not believe i have never spotted that Forum

Dont polish it to hard pieboy

Pasco said:

Cheers Johno and glad your on the mend mate

[Ballistic Banana]

Pasco said:

Johno said:

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

Edited by Johno on Thursday 11th December 15:14

I can not believe i have never spotted that Forum

Heres another that might be of interest to you Piesco, Although I guess you probably new it was there but just in case you didnt, FAST LINK HERE

BB

[Del 203]

Ballistic Banana said:

Pasco said:

Johno said:

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

Edited by Johno on Thursday 11th December 15:14

I can not believe i have never spotted that Forum

Heres another that might be of interest to you Piesco, Although I guess you probably new it was there but just in case you didnt, FAST LINK HERE

BB

[Superali]

Hehehe

Thanks very much guys. I have had a look at some of the detailing sites and the finished look on all of the cars is breath taking. Especially ones with a mirror finish. Unbelievable.

Though when looking at demos on engine detailing, the use a pressure washer directly at the engine after applying degreaser and some polly bags over electrical equipment and sensors. scary stuff to do to a Griff if you ask me.

As you said Quinny, i want to keep water and fluids away from vulnerable parts.

Do you think it would be a good idea to 1,clean the engine with a damp cloth rather than pressure wash it, 2,apply degreaser with a cloth to the dirty bits rather than spray it all over the engine, 3, rinse cleaned parts with a fresh damp cloth, 4, dry engine with a chimmy, 5, apply protective coating on a cloth rather than spraying on, 6, buff and remove excess. 7, stand back and admire!

seems like a long winded and laborious method, but safe.

[Superali]

Jeez 'oh

Thats just amazing looking! I dont think I'll ever get my engine looking as good as that Quinny, but I'll give it my best shot. I'm going to Halfrauds today to pick up some cleaning products and I'll let you guys know how I get on

[spend]

I find a small steam cleaner (with a hose & nozzle - not so small - but not BIG) handy. Its good at breaking down clagged on stuff and rinsing off degreaser - dries pretty quick.

[Pasco]

Del 203 said:

Ballistic Banana said:

Pasco said:

Johno said:

I'd post in here after a search . . . Plenty of experts . .

Bodywork and detailing forum

Edited by Johno on Thursday 11th December 15:14

I can not believe i have never spotted that Forum

Heres another that might be of interest to you Piesco, Although I guess you probably new it was there but just in case you didnt, FAST LINK HERE

BB

Baldy and Dwarf from the city

What a Double Act you both make