Rob.

Here's a writeup on how to clean up a dirty engine bay using WD-40.
This engine bay had a 20 year buildup of rustproofing and dirt, that dried up onto the paint.

I used WD-40 and a paintbrush and 4 microfiber towels.
Works amazing on 20 year old buildup of dirt and rustproofing. No joke.
Car had been sitting for 10+ years.. I basically spent 4 afternoons/evenings total on it.

STEP BY STEP

1. Go to the automotive store, buy 2 cans of WD-40 , 4 microfiber towels, paintbrush.
2. Open Hood.
3. remove battery, air filter box and arm, fuse box cover, wiper motor, map sensors assembly, coolant overflow tank, move away side wires and tubes on shock towers.
4. Start attacking the dirtiest parts with WD-40.
5. Spray and brush/agitate the grime/dirt
6. Wipe off dirt with towel.
7. Once all the bay is clean, you can buff and polish the paint around the bay and dress the rubber hoses with rubber and vynil dressing.

Keep doing this until all dirt is removed. It takes a while, but well worth it.
WD-40 wont remove the paint.

Note: As you will notice, some parts were replaced/restored as well.



BEFORE:







AFTER

Acaidian

wow,, looks brand new now. Gonna have to give this a try lol

02civicminded

I am amazed...and inspired!

Ponyboy

Hey, these pics look familiar. FWIW, I'm using this method for the underside of my m5 and the results are favorable so far.

Thanks for sharing.

Rob.

Thanks.
As mentioned some parts were replaced/restored. The car had been sitting in a mechanics garage for quite some time.

- new battery
- new radiator + cap
- new plug wires
- some new nuts and bolts
- powdercoated valve cover
- new engine mount
- new exhaust manifold heat shield
- Painted black clutch cable bracket


This WD-40 cleaning method should be used only when you have a buildup of caked on oil or rustproofing.
If your engine bay only shows dust or sand, just use plain All purpose cleaner, diluted 1-5 (1 part cleaner, 5 parts water) and a garden hose.
You can also use a paint brush to agitate the dirt as well.
Always clean your engine bay when engine is cold.
If you want it to look nice, you can spray some 303 Aerospace protectant on the rubber hoses and plastic parts.

tdizzy92

my god i can imagine the number of hours this took O.O

Axix24

you gotta be pulling our chains, b/c that bay is been repainted no doubt. How you can tell is there isn't one imperfection or scratch on the paint of the bay. Even after cleaning all that, there will be imperfections and scratches in the bay.

Rob.

hahaha..

RollingFantasyx

You missed a spot..

GoLowDrew

Great job.

My concern is getting WD40 on the rubber parts. Yes, I know we should use care, but still, sometimes it still drip on to rubber hoses or electrical wires connections.

Advise? Just be super careful?

Rob.

On a 24 year old car, you shouldnt be concerned the rubber parts are already hardened. I wouldnt do it on a newer car (but a newer car wouldnt be as dirty as this)

DaveSi677

Rob what did you use to get the plastic and black molding so black and shinny?

Rob.

I think I used 303 Aerospace.

crazyhouse2011

Wow, that is amazing. nice job. i used to work at cadillac as a detail tech. one day i took my car after work and pulled it into the bay. i had had the car for a good 5 months at this time and i had never washed it. when i was finished with the bay, and the rest of the car, it looked absolutely golden. it was amazing.

dopesk8er87

I'm gonna try this on the next warm day.

EJDom

I literally said wtf, that has to be painted man! Lovely job.

rick_rabies

wow seems to work better than brake cleaner.

Rob.

People actually use brake cleaner to clean an engine bay ? lol
That will eat paint !!!!

rick_rabies

so...

Rob.

scmil95eg

lol - no paint = extreme clean!

I used to use No Touch wheel & tire cleaner on the delSol back in the day (when it still had an engine). Spray on / hose off - no effort and it looked good for a day or two. But then the tacky/shiny residue would collect more dirt & dust than I just cleaned off.

Is that 303 stuff tacky? Need something for the Evo but don't want to go through the same thing.

Rob.

303 aerospace is for rubber and vinyl. Good stuff ! Smells like Armour all dressing. hahah

s0hayat

I have used always a gunk decreaser spray it on the engine once its cool leave it there for about 10 to 15 minutes and than rinsed it with high pressure wash but make sure not to point the pressure on electric stuff such as alternator fuse boxes etc. It works like a charm and after rinsing immediately start the engine and once the engine is dry apply detailer such as CD2 engine detailer and your engine will shine like a new penny. I have heard here someone mentioned to clean the engine bay with brake fluid that is not a good idea because brake fluid will immediately damage your paint, WD 40 sound good though as it also take care of rust if any. There are many engine detailer I have a really bad experience with Gunk one which says engine shine never use that product as after words it looks like one of the oil seal has broken and your engine will show signs of oil spills every where. and I know CD2 engine detailer has been discontinued but some folks are still selling on e-bay its little pricy. Anyway just wanted to share.

goldenarmz

Purple Power, pressure wash and an engine dressing.

Rob.

^^ GOOD JOB