I just notice my 07 mcs is so dirty under the hood. I already bought the Prima Cosmonot from Richard the Octaneguy but doesn't seem to be the right product for all the black greasy dirt. Anyone has tips for that problem? Much appreciated.

 

I use a steam cleaner

cuts the goop quickly while not introducing so much water to cause problems

if the crud is really tuff, I'l hit it with diluted POR Marine Clean and a bristle brush to loosen things and then follow with steam

http://www.por15.com/MARINE-CLEAN/productinfo/MCG/

I clean the engine of my 79 this way annually.

 

You can try some diluted simple green that works for me. There is no clear coat under the hood so it's easy to take paint off if you aren't careful.

 

Even diluted SG took paint off under the hood in the non-protected areas!!

I use this...

 

I agree with the posts that say either a steam cleaner (works really well) or a mild cleaner.

The one bit of advice I would give is get a pump tank garden sprayer to wash whatever you use to clean under the hood. The pump tank (weed sprayer) puts out enough pressure to wash away gunk and soap without getting water everywhere and is very easy to direct.

I think I may be repeating this advice from Richard but I don't really remember where I got it from.

 

There is a way to prevent this. Just take a very slightly damp microfiber cloth and clean under your hood each and ever time you wash the car. To me it is just the normal routine when washing the car. I use a cloth to wipe off the door sills and all the nooks and crannies throughout the whole car. Including the boot area. Under the hood is just part of this normal routine. We have had our cars over two years now and the engine bay looks almost as good as the day the cars were new. It just takes a little time and work. I have a pressure washer at home as well and every 6 months or so I give it a quick spray to get rid of the dust and such in the places where the rag cannot get to. It's really not a time consuming process at all. I use Griots products as well and think they work well. So giving that a try would be worth it. (We have a Griots store nearby, I can spend hours in that place. They have a lot of cool stuff for car maintenance, plus a lot of old race cars in a museum in the building.)

Pat

 

^^^ I do exactly the same thing, it really doesn't take much extra time at all.

And man do I wish I had a Griots store near me, or any type of store like it. I'd save so much on shipping! But at least we have an Autozone on every corner.

 

Like PatM said, if you make a point to clean the bay every time you wash it stays pretty clean. My 08 GTI after three years had a spotless engine bay and I only cleaned it once when I had a coolant leak.

 

Nrob, it's approx. 148mi. from me and I still order,
Orders take 6-7 Business Days to reach me, you're in SL? They ship from Indiana, you'd get your order super fast!!

 

I have always used motorcycle cleaner, either S-100, or Honda-Brite. I spray it on, let it sit for a couple of minutes, gently wash it off with a hose and water, wipe as much as possible, then take the car for a drive for the final air dry. Both of these products are ph neutral and won't harm paint. They won't clean serious caked on grease, but your car shouldn't be that dirty anyway.

 

Could someone please post a photo of an R56 engine bay that shows where not to directly spray water? I know people say avoid this, avoid that, but I need to see where those places are!

 

What's everyone use for the plastic after it's already clean? I had always used 303 Aerospace Protectant, but I tried Adams In and Out Spray the last time and was really impressed. It makes it easier to get in the nooks and crannies. It also works great on the grill.

 

I use 303 for it's UV protection qualities.

 

My local AutoZone has recently started carrying a selection of Griots products . . .

 

The more wires you see, the more you need to stay away. Take a couple of minutes and find the fuse box in the engine compartment. It has a snap off cover. Find it and look inside so you know what's there - then keep water OUT of it! See the spark plug wires? On end goes into the engine block and is fairly water safe. The other end is the ignition coil .... don't drown it.

The battery actually lives up here too and drenching it and the main cables isn't really gonna help anything. If in doubt - don't drown it.

 

I still use 303 on my dash and seats because of it's UV protection. But I don't think much UV is getting in under the bonnet.

I'll have to check mine to see if they started stocking them as well. But I know if you like Armor All you'd be in heaven.

If only someone local would start selling Prima products. Now that'd be sweet. I just want a detailing superstore that has all the different brands of products I use and all the different tools and pads and such. I'd quit my job and work there just for the employee discount!

 

303 here too!! It can be found at your Local Pool Supply Store!!

 

And that's why I'd like to have a photo because...?????. I'm not ashamed to say I'm car dumb, so I'd rather see the photo with the areas to avoid! Ignition coil? Yeah, okay...

 

I use 303 on the outside and Meguiar's Natural Shine vinyl & rubber protectant under the hood and on the tires. It makes the tires look new and doesn't leave any residue.