Dirty Engine Compartment
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Dirty Engine Compartment
Hi,
My 1972 coupe which I have owned for 22 years is 98% original. For the last number of years the engine compartment has become dirty especially after breaking two original heater hoses. I had the car ready to go for a pressure cleaning but bulked on it since I have concerns the original labels, etc. will disappear and the process will cause electrical problems. Many car shows around central PA use a hood up format and not that I am embarassed about an original small block but I would like a cleaner engine area short of pulling the motor. Anyone have any ideas or solutions on this? I really don't like the harsh Gunk type products as they are not environmentally friendly but I have heard Simple Green can work? I still have a number of months until the snow melts. Thanks.
Mike B.
My 1972 coupe which I have owned for 22 years is 98% original. For the last number of years the engine compartment has become dirty especially after breaking two original heater hoses. I had the car ready to go for a pressure cleaning but bulked on it since I have concerns the original labels, etc. will disappear and the process will cause electrical problems. Many car shows around central PA use a hood up format and not that I am embarassed about an original small block but I would like a cleaner engine area short of pulling the motor. Anyone have any ideas or solutions on this? I really don't like the harsh Gunk type products as they are not environmentally friendly but I have heard Simple Green can work? I still have a number of months until the snow melts. Thanks.
Mike B.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Price Utah
simple green
Simple green is a great cleaner for automotive applications. You might want to look at a book titled Ultimate Auto Detailing for an exhaustive
look at engine detailing.
Good luck
J Bowles
look at engine detailing.
Good luck
J Bowles
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Professional detailer
Take it to a professional detailer , they know how to detail it with everything in place and do a professional job. Just be sure to mention your concerns about the labels. What part of Pa. are you from ? I do detailing here in my restoration shop as a sideline. My main specialty is metal restoration.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
I use Simple Green, a soft parts brush, and a moderate water stream to clean my car. Using this approach, I have never ruined or damaged a label or original marking. Go slowly, use caution and you will have a nice engine bay.
No need for professionals when you can do this yourself. Don't spray the distributor (duh!) and you will be fine.
No need for professionals when you can do this yourself. Don't spray the distributor (duh!) and you will be fine.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
You can use Krylon semi-flat black spray paint to touch up shabby looking painted areas. Clean vacuum hoses with mineral spirits or paint thinner wiped on with a rag (do the thinner carefully an quickly to keep paint markings on the hoses and don't drop any on exterior paint). Follow hose cleaning with a polymer vinyl protectant...like Nu-Vinyl, etc; never use petroleum based item, as it will break down the hose material over time.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
You can use Krylon semi-flat black spray paint to touch up shabby looking painted areas. Clean vacuum hoses with mineral spirits or paint thinner wiped on with a rag (do the thinner carefully an quickly to keep paint markings on the hoses and don't drop any on exterior paint). Follow hose cleaning with a polymer vinyl protectant...like Nu-Vinyl, etc; never use petroleum based item, as it will break down the hose material over time.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I live in Selinsgrove which is a far piece from Calbot. I wish you were closer since I would likely let you do the work. Around here they just want to blast it with high pressure. Thanks for the advice.