The engine pic thread got me thinking; I'll be pulling my engine in the not too distant future, and I was wondering what folks did to clean up their engine compartments. I'm not going to be able to re-paint, but a good scrubbing would probably do it a world of good. I was just wondering what anyone might have done to clean things up a bit. Thanks.

 

I buy a bottle of concentrate Purple Power at Ace Hardware. Put some in a spray bottle, spray some, let it sit, scrub with a brush or rag, and rinse with spray water. Works like a charm...on almost anything. Be careful around decals and stickers though.

 

I use Gunk by the case. I will try that purple stuff.

 

I used some of that purple stuff on a grease spill on my driveway from my grill. Sprayed it and hit it with a hose and grease was gone. Haven't used it on an engine bay yet.

 

I agree with the purple cleaner. I use it all the time. If you have access to a pressure washer, I'd use that too.

 

Hi Nate,
I'm curious about 'no' paint. Having the engine out is such a good time to spiff-up the cowl and inner fender panels. Please!
Regards,
Alan

 

Alan beat me to it . . . why not paint? If nothing else, clean it up good and hit with some Krylon . . . it will make a world of difference. I've cleaned mine with engine in, but I can't wait for when I do an engine swap so I can get all the nooks and crannies.

 

A word of caution.... The "new" Krylon has a different formula to it now (EPA 'friendly', as I understand it) and they don't have Semi-Flat Black anymore. I've also heard that it doesn't work as well as before. The previous cans had a plain cylinder shaped cap; the new paint has a 'flashy' curved cap (woo-hoo!). If others have tried the new stuff and wish to share their observations, please start a new thread on the subject. [And now, back to the original programming......]

 

I say paint! I did mine with the engine in...............

 

Hey guys, check out my photos as I just did a 350 to 383 engine rebuild. I used a Krylon equivalent when the engine was out; I also painted my front coil springs with a red hi temp caliper paint (as I R/R my upper and lower ball joints and a-arm bushings). I also used the purple stuff in a small spray bottle with a power washer afterwards (protect your electronic stuff). I also undercoated the bottom of the frame, etc.- it's like I just bought a new 78 vette Definately clean AND paint when the engine is out-just climb in there and start spraying. It's just too easy to do when the engine/trans. is out of the car. Good luck-Daddybugs

 

Hey Sevt6: that engine space looks great! Nice job- Daddybugs

 

Thanks Daddybugs....... Nice pics you have there yourself. I layed down three coats of primer & three coats of Dupli-Color engine enamel, sanding each coat but the last. I also hid my wipers under the cowl cover since my baby doesn't do rain.............

 

Just curious! Why not paint?

 

WD40 will clean just about everything and don't affect paint or decals !

 

Well, if it could be done well with rattle cans, I might give it a try, but I was originally referring to a professional job thinking (perhaps incorrectly) that anything that I could do in my garage would look worse than if I just gave it a good scrubbing.

 

Zip Corvette just posted this on their web site, thought you might like it. Called engine bay detailing I think it might help you with what you are looking to do.
Here is the link. http://www.corvettemagazine.com/content/view/103/
Hope it helps.
David

 

people often forget good old soap and water. I find it to be amazing, less hazardous and less residue then any of the chemical cleaners.

Get yourself some good old fashioned DAWN unscented, a bucket of HOT water, and some of those green scotch brite pads will work. You will be AMAZED and your hands will come out nice and clean, too

Plus, you won't have to worry about chemicals leeching into the fiberglass. Even cars getting painted get washed with soap and water before paint, and even after the chemicals, I always wash out before I paint. I've found over the years Dawn is the best pre-surface prep for most surfaces before painting.

I believe you should always work your way UP to chemicals. Start with a good old fashioned soap and water first. Then try some simple green. If you have REALLY nasty areas, you will have taken the top coat off with those two, then you can foucs the chemicals on the tougher spots.

The old Krylon Semi-Flat was great, but I've found over time the incremental investment in EASTWOOD or SEM products to be well worth it. They have a higher paint concentration, go on smoother, and are tougher. You have to plan ahead, but every since I started using Eastwood stuff I can't see myself going back.

Good luck!

 

I think that's the cleanest engine bay I 've seen in a while. Again, nice job- looks like you took your time and did it right.

 

Your correct that Krylon has changed their formula for the paint that is sold to the general public and it is crap. I started a thread on this subject about a month ago and contacted the company for an explanation. I was told that due to environmental pressure they were forced to change the formula for the paint that is sold to the general public, but they still continue to offer the old formula through the industrial supplys such as Graingers and Fastenall for double the price. Makes no sense to me except that someone is making more money and it is a big inconvenience for their customers. Don't even bother to buy the new formula. It is total crap and can't be recoated without causing problems.

 

Do it!!! You'll be happy with the results