How do I keep my Trunk Lid Clean? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dervman · #1 11-12-2004, 09:06 AM

Has anybody got suggestions on the best way to remove the oily soot deposits that accumulate on the trunk lid and rear of the car, without stripping the paint finish off? My Ivory White SDL really shows up the residue and its driving me nuts trying to keep it clean.

I did a search, but no conclusive answers.

Hatterasguy · #2 11-12-2004, 09:14 AM

Check your injectors their shouldn't be any black soot on the back of your car.

But a clay bar would probably take the light stuff off. Try Claymagic.

boneheaddoctor · #3 11-12-2004, 10:44 AM

Dish soap and water will get it off, then wax the heck out of it ....will help future cleaning....I get lots of crud on the rear of mine too. Tan showes every spot oh so well.

P.E.Haiges · #4 11-12-2004, 10:45 AM

Dervman,

Perhaps you could try an extension on your tailpipe.

P E H

boneheaddoctor · #5 11-12-2004, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.E.Haiges

Dervman,

Perhaps you could try an extension on your tailpipe.

P E H

Yes, 10 extra feet would keep it from soiling the car.

Hatterasguy · #6 11-12-2004, 10:54 AM

I have not washed my car in a week and their is no soot on the trunk lid. It is blue granted but I would see it on the chrome and gray bumper.

Dervman · #7 11-12-2004, 11:13 AM

Thanks guys.
I'll try the dishsoap & water. I have alraedy got a decent coat of wax on the car but I'll maybe add another layer.

My car doesn't smoke that much except when really cold and when I floor the accelerator, but I have always had an oily residue on the back of the car. Maybe 'soot' was misleading as it isn't really black particles, more of a light coating that will smear greasy grey/black if you wipe it.

TwitchKitty · #8 11-12-2004, 12:04 PM

The advice to check the tuning on your car may be worth a second look. I expected residue on the back of these cars and was surprized when I found that it is the exception rather than the rule. Do you use your car in town only or does it get out on the hiway often? Maybe your engine is just gunked-up from loafing around town.

KCampbell · #9 11-12-2004, 12:07 PM

I'll add another vote to the idea that these are not necessarily sooty cars. The rear of my car has stayed remarkably clean, and the only time I can really make soot is on a pedal to the metal and hold on start from a dead stop.

Kevin

boneheaddoctor · #10 11-12-2004, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dervman

Thanks guys.
I'll try the dishsoap & water. I have alraedy got a decent coat of wax on the car but I'll maybe add another layer.

My car doesn't smoke that much except when really cold and when I floor the accelerator, but I have always had an oily residue on the back of the car. Maybe 'soot' was misleading as it isn't really black particles, more of a light coating that will smear greasy grey/black if you wipe it.

Dish soap will remove whatever wax is on the car so be sure to use a good paste wax afterwards.

Dervman · #11 11-12-2004, 01:37 PM

Car is mostly highway driven and gets a good run at high speed morning and night to and from work. It doesn't burn any oil between changes and I regularly get 30mpg so you wouldn't think it can be blowing out too much excess fuel.

I will get the injectors checked though, it was on my "to do" list anyway.

Thanks

Hatterasguy · #12 11-12-2004, 01:39 PM

After you have washed away all of the heavy stuff with dish soap give clay a try. That stuff is amazing and it will make your paint look better then you thought it could.

P.E.Haiges · #13 11-12-2004, 01:51 PM

Dervman,

If the engine runs good and gets 30 MPG, there is nothing wrong with it. Older Diesels emit a certain amount of smoke and fumes.

Don't try to fix something that isn't broke.

P E H

Pete Burton · #14 11-12-2004, 01:55 PM

and it's no wonder that Anthricite Gray was always such a popular color with these cars!

soydrivermatt · #15 11-12-2004, 06:34 PM

Some bio-diesel can help cut down on soot also...