Under Hood Cleanup Questions

[WRXINXS]

Hello,

Today I cleaned an already pretty clean engine bay by spraying Optimum Power Clean into a wet microfiber and wiping down under the hood including the painted parts. Next I used PERL to protect the plastics/hoses and finally used Opti-Seal to protect the painted parts. I had a few questions for next time:

1. Is OPC sprayed into a wet cloth too strong for the metal/painted parts under the hood?

2. I used PERL but also have 303 aerospace, UTTG+ and 1z vinyl and rubber protectant. Would any of those have been a better choice to keep the hoses/plastics supple? (I know UTTG+ would last longer)

3. Will Opti-Seal last under the hood with all the heat?

4. Finally, do you guys put anthing on the metal parts under the hood. The description for UTTG+ says it can go on metals to prevent corrosion but it would seem to me that it would make them greasy?

Thanks,
Drew

[Andr3wilson]

1. I use a highly concentrate APC as a degreaser (megs D103), I have never had anything etch or stain. OPC wont either, I have seen people use it on everything from chrome to iron.

2. My go to product is 303. When I clean an engine, I cover sensitive spots with cling wrap, and hose it all. Then when its wet i spray a few shots of 303 and leave it to dry, no wiping (might be hard if you are doing your WRX and it has the top mounted intercooler). Works like a charm. I have not had experience with other products.

3. Never used it in an engine bay, but I have seen it on exhaust pipes; my guess would be yes, but if I am wrong, someone please correct me.

4. I have used CG Metal Shine, I like it

hope this helps :)

[primo spaghetti]

im sure your fine with the OPC under the hood. it is a safe and effective APC for sure.

as for your choice in sealants/protectants for under the hood, many go with 303, but here is a shot of my bay unsing Sonus Trim and Motorkote.

it is a great product, doesnt attract dust, and so long as you apply it as per the instructions its great.

i cleaned the engine bay using simple green at 1:4 and agitated with some brushes...wiped dry with an old MF and sprayed the Sonus.

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p617/primo_spaghetti/aquawax%20detail/e928f955.jpg

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p617/primo_spaghetti/aquawax%20detail/6d70c99a.jpg

[swanicyouth]

For cleaning under the hood, I like Chemical Guys Grime Reaper 1:5. It's great at cleaning, well... grime. I also have had no issues with pressure washing an engine compartment. I just pay attention to where I'm spraying.

For whatever reason, I love Poor Boys Bold and Bright Dressing, along with their other dressings. I also like OptiBond and Prima Nero. I also use Black Hole and their sealant on some of the metal bits.

Here are some pics from a while ago:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/yju3e2y3.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/y6eqyty9.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/y6e6evys.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/u2ahavyb.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/ahyqy5ug.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/27/pyhy2u3u.jpg