Engine Compartment

[route66detail]

Engines, who's cleaning that area... Who's not? Is there some sort of liability reason people don't (wires etc...)
Should this be done with any auto detail gig? I'll be honest.... I did my first gig and didn't do the engine and I'm feeling pretty bad about it.

[LSNAutoDetailing]

Engines, who's cleaning that area... Who's not? Is there some sort of liability reason people don't (wires etc...)
Should this be done with any auto detail gig? I'll be honest.... I did my first gig and didn't do the engine and I'm feeling pretty bad about it.

Don't feel bad about it. You do what you are cable and comfortable with doing.
Most average customers (daily drivers) aren't even expecting it... The discerning ones may...

It also depends on the engine. An older engine with a carburetor will need more stuff covered. A newer engine usually has large plastic covers on everything. Cadillac actually wraps foil around important parts.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Mustang030308/Mobile%20Uploads/caddy%20XTS/75da789e-76e2-4b58-9fee-cf2c1b987fb4_zps19ovqlzp.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/Mustang030308/media/Mobile%20Uploads/caddy%20XTS/75da789e-76e2-4b58-9fee-cf2c1b987fb4_zps19ovqlzp.jpg.html)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Mustang030308/Mobile%20Uploads/caddy%20XTS/b84b7a2a-d1f8-4756-b7d0-36dfb4e33aee_zpsl21javgl.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/Mustang030308/media/Mobile%20Uploads/caddy%20XTS/b84b7a2a-d1f8-4756-b7d0-36dfb4e33aee_zpsl21javgl.jpg.html)


I have three packages, base doesn't include engine, next level up is optional for a price, next & highest level includes it.

Read the "how to's" section where Mike Phillips discusses how to clean an engine compartment in the Ask The Experts Section.

One thing to remember is that most engines and bays are designed to take water. For example, when a car is going down a highway at 55 to 65 mph and it's raining, a fair amount of spray does get into the engine bay area.

As long as you don't exceed that amount it should be fine. Cover up the alternator and any wire connections (plugs etc...) Honestly, I don't because I don't put more water into the bay than what it normally gets from a rain storm on a highway drive.

I spray the entire engine and bay with a light mist of water.... just to get the lose dirt and grime off, then I spray DP Engine Degreaser, then I scrub with Daytona, and small Mothers detailing brushes. Next, either rinse with the same amount of water you used in the initial stage, or I now use steam. Blow dry with a leaf blower or Metro blower then start the engine. Shut the engine off then treat with a detailers trim (DP or Stoner). You may want to practice on your cars until you get comfortable.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Mustang030308/Mobile%20Uploads/Merc%20S550/25417D39-221B-4D88-8C7B-59DC12CC71EF_zpsqqygklta.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/Mustang030308/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Merc%20S550/25417D39-221B-4D88-8C7B-59DC12CC71EF_zpsqqygklta.jpg.html)

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/Mustang030308/Mobile%20Uploads/Merc%20S550/0A436621-D35D-4B60-9675-A27EDD36326F_zpsiyy9v972.jpg (http://s76.photobucket.com/user/Mustang030308/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Merc%20S550/0A436621-D35D-4B60-9675-A27EDD36326F_zpsiyy9v972.jpg.html)

[FinishingTouchA]

I do engine bays more like a production shop. Pressure washer set around 2000 psi keeping the wand 1-2ft away in most areas and avoiding coils, computers, intake hole, alternator, etc.
Pre-rinse
Coat everything heavily in degreaser
Soak 1-2 minutes
Pressure rinse off
Coat everything in a heavy mist of water based dressing
Close hood

Takes 5-15 minutes and I charge $50

[PA DETAILER]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/93004-what-can-sonus-motor-kote-do-you.html

[route66detail]

Wow thanks! All your info is great. I will do my cars first. Motor Kote. Nice!

[SKorch630]

I don't touch the engine bay. Unless requested. There's so much electrical crap in there that I don't even want to mess with. I used a power washer on one of my old Audi's and it was a no-no. Even with the plastics.

[Audios S6]

I do it as an add-on. Tornador cleaning tool with zep citrus degreaser and MF towels. Finish it with 303AP. Easy ones take 10 minutes, bad ones take 30. If it's an intensive engine cleaning for show car purposes, I'll take up to 2 hours.

[route66detail]

Thanks for the info! I've got the Exp citrus. Love it. Ever use Meguiars Super Degreaser?

[Evan.J]

When doing engines all you need is common sense and you will be ok.


http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee289/thoryamaha919/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqe2oxynv.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/thoryamaha919/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqe2oxynv.jpg.html)
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee289/thoryamaha919/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2miby93s.jpg (http://s232.photobucket.com/user/thoryamaha919/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2miby93s.jpg.html)
Sonax Multistar to the rescue and diluted 30:1.

[route66detail]

Great pics. Great job! Thanks for your help.

Rob- Route 66 Mobile Detail