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Hi all, here’s to my first post on this forum. I have a new to me 2018 base C7, all black with 23k miles. Only one previous owner. I’m relatively familiar with paint care but this stumps me. The entire engine bay seems to have been sprayed with something in the past. When I went to clean it, nothing would come off. The oil cap and surrounding area are great examples. Looks like regular gunk which should clean right out off, nope. Started with simple windex, then ended with goof off. Nothing works. On a metal painted area rubbing compound worked with substantial work but the plastic parts are coated as well. The alternator is another example, looks like it should clean right off but the goof off even when allowed to soak a bit doesn’t work. Any thoughts? Thanks
Hard to tell with the alternator but the plastic almost looks like some sort of wax residue or detail spray that someone sprayed over everything. I’ve seen alternates look like that on much older cars but there is a chance it’s salt or grime as well if it was driven in a harsh climate.
I’ve heard of guys using all purpose cleaner with good results on a dirty engine bay and a scrub brush. Depending on what brand I would just dilute it properly and obviously keep away from any sensors or exposed wires.
Last edited by QuickSilver20; Mar 21, 2021 at 11:35 AM.
Clean the engine bay with a car soap with neutral ph and see if you can remove film and if you need a stronger alternative possibly the Chemical Guys Trim Clean Wax And Oil Remover TVD11516. Once removed use Meguire's D17001 Hyper Dressing diluted 3 parts distilled water to 1 part D17001 in a spray bottle and you can spray it on while wet . I use a lower dilution because I want a factory look not over glossy look.
Last edited by Gixxerman; Mar 21, 2021 at 01:03 PM.
I’m in line with Gixx on this. Get a good APC that is safe for automotive use, I like CarPro Multi-X or Optimum Power Clean. Dilute 1:5 and get yourself a good boars hair detailing brush. Chemical and mechanical agitation are your friends. You might need to hit it with a few passes after flushed with water and/or increase the dilution to 1:3. Superclean is very powerful and you can’t let it dry on the plastics so go easy @ 1:5 and flush well after agitation.
HyperDressing is my engine dressing or choice @1:4. CarPro Perl is another wonderful choice @1:3. Use distilled water for these products.
If your engine bay is wet, you can spray on the hyper dressing and close the lid an walk away. It is self leveling, and the next day you can go in an level off any high spots.
A staple in my arsenal - amazing on tires to get rid of dressings, and for an immaculate engine bay. Great traffic film remover too. I love Hyper Dressing, on the engine bay, exterior trim, moldings, and tires. Sometimes even inside. smells awesome too.
"The entire engine bay seems to have been sprayed with something in the past. When I went to clean it, nothing would come off."
It sounds like the dealership sprayed clear enamel into the engine bay. This is a common practice to make the engine bay look like a new car to buyers.
Engine Bay
