Engine Detailing made simple! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimF · #1 09-14-2002, 02:05 PM

I wouldn't have believed this if I hadn't seen it work myself.

Check it out MENU #21 on my page: http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_S500.html

Any comments? Has everybody done this and I'm just waking up?

suginami · #2 09-14-2002, 03:18 PM

I've used WD 40 and it works just as well.

JimF · #3 09-14-2002, 07:42 PM

WD may go on quicker but it evaporates in a few days and so does the shine. The rubber doesn't shine as it does with this product.

Also it's greasy, attracts and holds dust. This does not!

Supposedly No Touch is the only product that combines a cleaner, a silicone additive and a drying agent all in one formula. So it's not at all like WD40.

dakota · #4 09-14-2002, 09:47 PM

Hi, Jim. Interesting discovery. What are the long term effects that you have seen so far....any yellowing, or build up, etc? I know most of those quick tire dressings turn brown after a few days on tires, but that may be attributed to UV and the tire rubber, not sure.

Doesn't Meguiar's make a special product just for this job? Has anyone used it and how well does it work?

And, Jim....one more question...can I have your engine? :-)

ymsin · #5 09-14-2002, 11:00 PM

I just detailed the engine this morning with CRC. A little spray here and there, with a wipe here and there, and the compartment looks good.

JimF · #6 09-15-2002, 02:19 AM

tire browning is caused by chemicals bleeding through the substrate material of the tire and this occurs mainly in the first 10,000 miles of the tire.

Haven't noticed anything yet on my engine. The plastic parts (air intake tubes) and the rubber parts really shine. Much more than WD40 ever did.

I'm sure that there are a mirad of tire products that will work the same but that's what I had lying around. Be interested in some other products that would do the same.

I would think that any tire product with the 'foam' type spray-on formulation would work just fine. They all contain a "silicone" additive which is the shining agent.

If you want the engine, you must take the car!

What's CRC??

placo1 · #7 09-15-2002, 03:18 AM

Just a thought

I've also used these tire cleaners/detailers on an engine bay in the past but I've heard it's not great to use them.

The reason is that any product with a high silicone content will require that you reapply on a regular basis. If you don't you will find that the silicone draws moisture out of the rubber and plastics and will cause premature cracking. This isn't a major concern because you can always use other types of protectants that don't contain the silicones to bring back any lost moisture.

I've found that the best way to maintain a clean engine is to wipe it down with a rag at least once a week. Be sure to remove any dust and accumulated dirt. I use an old T-Shirt and a spray bottle with water when I clean the engine. My engine does have a small oil trickle so it's imperative to wipe that area before it has a chance to accumulate dirt.

I haven't tried the Meguiars Engine cleaner yet, I'd love to know if others have tried it and what their opinnions are. I wonder if that contains silicones?

ymsin · #8 09-15-2002, 06:33 AM

Its a brand CRC.

I used CRC 5.56 Multi Purpose "Lubricant, Rust Preventive, Water Dispensar, all in one ...

suginami · #9 09-15-2002, 01:25 PM

I purchased the Engine Koat product that we saw at Meguiar's head office during the one day training seminar we went to.

I bought a gallon of it, and it works.

I don't know what's in it, but it is basically white in color.

You just spray on and let dry. The hoses and engine surfaces come clean and leaves a very bright and wet finish. You can also spray it on everything.

bcgreen · #10 09-15-2002, 11:12 PM

JimF:
Just wondering what you use for the interior?
thanks

JimF · #11 09-15-2002, 11:13 PM

the stuff made especially for engine detailing but could not find anything about it on the Meguair's web page, commerical or professional.

Ymsim: CRC sounds like it's their name for WD40?

BC: I use a leather cleaner and a leather conditioner (two separate products) for the everything including the dash. It leaves a great satin sheen on everything. It's made by Blue Magic if I remember correctly.

suginami · #12 09-15-2002, 11:39 PM

Maybe it's a fairly new product.

It is only sold it in large gallon products. It is featured in their literature for commercial users.

I bought it at a paint / detailers supply store.

#13 09-23-2002, 06:56 PM

I've used P21S wheel cleaner under the hood. The intake on my Mustang cleaned up real nice using it and a small nylon detail brush.
Elsewhere I use a product made in Canada called Krown. It's a spray lubricant, moisture displacent, rust inhibitor. I guess they have shops in Canada and rust proof cars with it. I spray it under the hood and in all the body seams. I've seen it used on Dream Car Garage on the Speed channel. Great stuff.

sbr
'79 450SL
77,000 miles
'89 asc/Mclaren Mustang #123
46,000 miles

Silver Boat · #14 09-25-2002, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JimF
the stuff made especially for engine detailing but could not find anything about it on the Meguair's web page, commerical or professional.

Meguairs's has at least 3 separate lines. The consumer, such as Gold Class, Professional, such as the various # products, and Detailer. The Detailer is the one with Engine Kote is available at most automotive paint centers. I think Napa can special order it for you. It is like $20 a gallon. They also have an excellent product called All Purpose Cleaner Plus, for $9.00 a gallon. It is super concentrated and you dilute it before use. 4 to one for degreaser the engine and like 8 to one for carpets. I have yet to find anything it will not take out. By the way I have had a test sample sitting on some raw aluminum and it has not tarnished it at all, unlike Simple Green and Zep Orange Degreaser.

Elliott Fager · #15 10-03-2002, 05:27 PM

After a really through cleaning of the engine and compartment, I used a can of clear engine paint with great success. Cleans up the dull finish on the aircleaner and engine block. And....since it is clear, overspray is not really an issue. Or course you need to make sure it is engine paint so that it is heat resistant. Some folks may not like it, but on my older 240D it looks superb after 3 years