Plastic in Engine area - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

timreid · #1 04-01-2003, 04:03 PM

I usually just wipe the engine area with a damp towel after washing the car. The plastic is starting to show its age and I would like bring back the color and detail the plastic. The products I've tried seem to attract dust like flies, they must be to oily-any thoughts of what brand/product to use?
enjoy your drive, timreid

placo1 · #2 04-01-2003, 08:22 PM

I found that Meguiars Final Detail Spray works really well in the engine bay. It works on the plastics, rubber, metal and leaves a dry satin finish. I originally bought it for the exterior paint, plastic bumpers and rubber trim.

You can buy it from any Autobody Paint supply store which sells Meguiars Products for $16.00/Gallon Note that it is not Final Inspection or Quick Detail but it is a quick detailer type product.

Here's a shot of my engine:

placo1 · #3 04-01-2003, 08:25 PM

Here's a detailed shot of some plastic components on the drivers side of the engine.

timreid · #4 04-02-2003, 08:39 AM

Placo1 (great detailing of your engine bay)

I believe I found the Meguiars product you are using, to be sure is it FINAL DETAIL™ D-5101 one gal for, paint, plastic, chrome, vinyl, etc.??

I also ran across another Meguiars product for the engine-- ENGINE KOTE D-4301 1 gal Water-based, non-flammable engine dressing Dries to a hard, dust resistant, semi-gloss finish Safe for all engine compartment surfaces Non-sticky formula. Have you every tried the Engine Kote?

Also I notice from your pictures your engine metal parts have a great shine, do you use the Final detail on all your engine parts?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, enjoy your 500E drive, timreid

placo1 · #5 04-02-2003, 10:53 AM

timreid,

I've also researched the Meguiars Engine Kote but have heard mixed reviews about it. It definitely does provide a satin hard finish that makes cleaning easier however I've heard that it is very difficult to apply. You need a very fine mist when applying, any larger drops will create spots all over your engine.

I've decided to stick with the Final Detail for the areas I can reach by hand. I spray it onto a rag and wipe my engine after every drive (takes about 5 minutes). I use a duster as well to keep the dirt out. Sounds obsessive but it's actually helped me save alot of money.

I'm going to try the Griots Undercarriage spray on the lower half of the engine and underbody, I'll post results in a couple of weeks.

Regarding the metal, I do use the Final Detail on them however they're not as shiny as they appear in the photo. The insulation in the rear is definitely shiny and the aluminum engine block has the machined natural finish. But other components like the power steering reservoir is the normal greyish color.

D-5101 is correct.

Lou K · #6 04-02-2003, 11:43 AM

The Griot's under body spray works very well. However, make sure that you cover the garage floor, driveway or whatever surface you are going use when applying it because it will leave a nasty stain that comes off only with time.

BrianH · #7 04-07-2003, 06:40 PM

Hears a trick I learned from a top competitor at the Monetrey Historics: the one step tire cleaner foam. Spray it on, let it sit over night and in the morning the plastic is absolutely perfect. The key is to get the grime off the plastic first., no dressing will make dirt shine. Any brand one step tire cleaner foam for $2.95 available from any parts store or Walmart will work. It will clean the plastic and rubber and leave a low luster shine like it was when new. Meguires is great but too greasy/shiney.

placo1 · #8 04-07-2003, 07:00 PM

Brian,

Actually I've also used the tire foam for a short period of time in the past but with mixed results and a few concerns.

My results included a near perfect engine bay immediately after application with all rubber and plastics looking as new. However I also noticed excessive dust buildup due to the tire spray which meant cleaning more often. This was 10 years ago BTW so I don't know how the new sprays compare.

The two concerns I had include the worry that the tire spray may contain oil based silicone as part of it's ingredients (which would deteriorate rubber Like Armorall) and how it would affect the belts (Slippage?)

If you've been using them for an extended periods have you noticed any browing of the rubber components? Also do the new tire sprays dry completely to the touch or do they still feel oily?

Thanks for your help, always looking for better ways of keeping the car perfect.

georgie · #9 04-07-2003, 11:25 PM

I use the Griot's engine gloss on my 400E. It adds a nice satin shine to the plastic and rubber under the hood.

BrianH · #10 04-08-2003, 12:27 PM

placo1,
Below is a web address of a Benz fan who uses "No Touch" tire cleaner. He goes into detail about the unique properties that make No Touch the best. This is the product I use as well, with good results. The dusting is not an issue like you'll find with Armor All. Everyone I've turned on to it for detailing, now uses it. But everyone has their favorite products, this is the easiest I've found.
Regards,
-B
http://pages.prodigy.net/jforgione/MB_detail.html