I wanted to do some spot up cleaning in the engine compartment and I decided to try some windex and sure enough it cleaned up very well, in fact too well as it took off some of the paint.

 

I have had that experience! But I was using 409 spray. It seems that the paint is rather thinly applied in the engine bay, and definitely not clear-coated... It was quite a disappointment to see blue paint on my paper towel after detailing...

 

doesnt sound right. i bet whatever you 'cleaned off' did it.. oil? antifreeze? cosmoline??

ive used windex under there before just because it was in arms reach... its not too harsh

but right...no clear there

 

Many folks have had this issue, regardless of what they were cleaning off, or with. Thin paint, no clear, it's going to happen. Never has on mine though, and I've worked pretty hard a few times, guess it's the luck of the draw.

Mark

 

lotsie turned me on to Simple Green at about a 10:1 dilution with water

Works great under the hood, does not take off paint.

DO NOT USE AT FULL STRENGTH

 

i use Slick to clean my engine bay... and nero for plastics and seals.

 

Prima Slick to clean the engine bay grunge?

I can understand Slick for after to shine/protect, personally use 303 which is pretty similar, but don't see it to clean

 

I used a clean diaper. First time I've ever cleaned an engine compartment and have paint come off.
So now I just used ONR. Might try simple green diluted 10:1, worth a try.

 

learned this from Lotsie

take a warm engine and spray down the entire hood and engine bay liberally with simple green, let it sit for about 10-15 min, come back with plenty of rags and re-hit with simple green and wipe down till you get it like you want.

Drench it with 303 Aerospace and run the car around the block to heat it up. Take another couple rags and even out the 303. Awesome

Oh yeah think Lotsie recommended plenty of beer for the applier if you are so inclined...

 

Yup, with Simple Green. I am not sure of the exact dilution but it was not strong. I did not see primer or anything but the BRG showed on the rag I was using.

I have changed to only water and a household steamer to clean the painted areas.

 

I think I've done that too, but I don't remember the dilution. No problem spraying down, its the wiping that did it in for me. Will try it again with another dilution composition in a area that is repairable. I've had to respray areas where the paint came off.

 

If your engine bay suffers from soft paint, let the simple green/your favorite cleaner do most of the work. Keep spraying it on, keeping the area wet. Lay towels soaked in the cleaner on the area to help keep it wet. Then blot/dab at it with a cloth, rather than scrubbing/rubbing the grime off.

Mark

 

Cute, eh

 

eh, handsome little devil (or should I be saying cute littl darlin'?)

 

grunge in engine bay? wat is that?

 

Ahhh now I understand the disconnect

Dinner for two in Kenchen's engine bay as it's THAT clean!

 

no eating on or near my cars.

 

FWIW it looks like the paint in the engine compartment has no clear coat on it. My guess that is why it seems somewhat fragile.

 

yep, i think so too. and most folks dont open the bonnet so i suppose it's ok(?)

 

Sad, but oh so true....

 

i open the hood on my FitS sometimes making sure the engine's still in there after driving my Z.

 

I'm in the same lot with paint near the shock towers having been washed off. I was thinking about scuffing it and shooting it with some paint through an air brush. I have a big batch of chili red body paint that I could use. Has anyone ever tried this and had good results?

 

I use carnauba car wash in a bucket with a small soft towel and gently wash the motor when cool, then lightly rinse off with the garden hose on fine spray setting. After which I use my leaf blower held a good distance from the motor and blow all the excess water away. What ever I don't get with the blower, I'll wipe off with a soft towel. ****, maybe, but very clean motor and yes I do drive it everyday. If this is done early in your vehicles life, it will pay off if and when you sell. Of course if the motor has been neglected, it's going to take some work....