Engine Bay Makeover

[KzA]

My engine bay has sat abused for the longest time. An exhaust leak that chewed up some of the hood lining caused a great amount of damage about a year or so back, leaving everything covered in this black hue. I plan on compiling a list of parts to clean up the engine bay, and do so on a budget...I have a few questions though....

What is the best way to rid my engine bay of all of the dirt and grime? I dont want to put new shiny parts in a filthy bay...I have read about steam cleaning, power washing etc..just wanted to see what you guys think.

Any dress up items youd like to recommend?

Ditch plastic valve cover cover?

[KzA]

My engine bay has sat abused for the longest time. An exhaust leak that chewed up some of the hood lining caused a great amount of damage about a year or so back, leaving everything covered in this black hue. I plan on compiling a list of parts to clean up the engine bay, and do so on a budget...I have a few questions though....

What is the best way to rid my engine bay of all of the dirt and grime? I dont want to put new shiny parts in a filthy bay...I have read about steam cleaning, power washing etc..just wanted to see what you guys think.

Any dress up items youd like to recommend?

Ditch plastic valve cover cover?

[KzA]

Some pics would be greatly appreciated also ;-)

[KzA]

Some pics would be greatly appreciated also ;-)

[BRIAN MP5T]

Do not Pressurewash.

Spray Nine + Rim Care Brush or Sponge and then light volume of water.

Remove the Hood Liner.

[BRIAN MP5T]

Do not Pressurewash.

Spray Nine + Rim Care Brush or Sponge and then light volume of water.

Remove the Hood Liner.

[KzA]

I have the CF vented hood now so the hood liner is no longer a problem ha

[KzA]

I have the CF vented hood now so the hood liner is no longer a problem ha

[t3ase]

This will take a long time but may fit since you're on a budget anyway. I'd say divide the bay up in to different areas, with only a certain amount of surfaces in each. Then do one area at a time, cleaning all surfaces as thoroughly as possible. When done, move to next area.

I see many people talk about cleaning their bays but they just spray cleaner everywhere, let it soak and wash off. That's a decent clean but no where near as clean as it could be, which is why I suggest doing the areas thing.

But again, it'll take time.

I've had an issue with blowby and because of it, there was oil going in to the intake side of the turbo. Around the same time, I also had a broken turbo->ic pipe, which was "fixed" with epoxy. Because of that, I now have oil all over my bay and I'm planning out how to clean it all. I'm going to do what I said above and not rush it, thoroughly cleaning every part I can get access to.

[t3ase]

This will take a long time but may fit since you're on a budget anyway. I'd say divide the bay up in to different areas, with only a certain amount of surfaces in each. Then do one area at a time, cleaning all surfaces as thoroughly as possible. When done, move to next area.

I see many people talk about cleaning their bays but they just spray cleaner everywhere, let it soak and wash off. That's a decent clean but no where near as clean as it could be, which is why I suggest doing the areas thing.

But again, it'll take time.

I've had an issue with blowby and because of it, there was oil going in to the intake side of the turbo. Around the same time, I also had a broken turbo->ic pipe, which was "fixed" with epoxy. Because of that, I now have oil all over my bay and I'm planning out how to clean it all. I'm going to do what I said above and not rush it, thoroughly cleaning every part I can get access to.

[2Shiny]

Any all-purpose cleaner diluted with water will work for cutting grease. There are also many different degreasers that you can obtain locally, but some of them (like Simple Green) will stain polished aluminum, which you will then have to polish off.

Mothers mag/aluminum Polish works great on the metal.

To protect the rubber/plastic/vinyl components and keep them looking great, apply a protectant to them. Buffing off the protectant later is up to you, but excess protectant can attract dirt/dust. There are tons of protectants that work great for engine bays. I've used 303 Aerospace Protectant, NXT Tech Protectant, Poorboy's Natural Look, Wolfgang Tire Gel, and more. Basically any product that is good on tires will protect your engine bay components as well, and make them look better.

Since you asked for pics, this is what my engine bay looked like when I picked up my car in July '05:

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/DirtyEngine.JPG

This is what it looks like now:

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/Engine.JPG

[2Shiny]

Any all-purpose cleaner diluted with water will work for cutting grease. There are also many different degreasers that you can obtain locally, but some of them (like Simple Green) will stain polished aluminum, which you will then have to polish off.

Mothers mag/aluminum Polish works great on the metal.

To protect the rubber/plastic/vinyl components and keep them looking great, apply a protectant to them. Buffing off the protectant later is up to you, but excess protectant can attract dirt/dust. There are tons of protectants that work great for engine bays. I've used 303 Aerospace Protectant, NXT Tech Protectant, Poorboy's Natural Look, Wolfgang Tire Gel, and more. Basically any product that is good on tires will protect your engine bay components as well, and make them look better.

Since you asked for pics, this is what my engine bay looked like when I picked up my car in July '05:

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/DirtyEngine.JPG

This is what it looks like now:

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/Engine.JPG

[BRIAN MP5T]

Sweet Jebus!

Intake Mani needs some LOVE too..:)

[BRIAN MP5T]

Sweet Jebus!

Intake Mani needs some LOVE too..:)

[pdhaudio83]

WOW very NICE

[pdhaudio83]

WOW very NICE

[2Shiny]

Brian - I scrubbed the intake mani with a toothbrush a while after that picture was taken. Got some strange looks from the neighbors as they drove by...LOL.

It's so textured...I'm not sure if I want to remove it and grind it down or not. We'll see when spring comes. I want to paint my calipers, remove my door trim, and paint my upper heat shield bright silver right away. The heat shield looks pretty decent after polishing, but it's corroded around the bolts.

[2Shiny]

Brian - I scrubbed the intake mani with a toothbrush a while after that picture was taken. Got some strange looks from the neighbors as they drove by...LOL.

It's so textured...I'm not sure if I want to remove it and grind it down or not. We'll see when spring comes. I want to paint my calipers, remove my door trim, and paint my upper heat shield bright silver right away. The heat shield looks pretty decent after polishing, but it's corroded around the bolts.

[SandmicaMP3]

man i need to do this also i've put it off for to long now cant wait til spring!

[SandmicaMP3]

man i need to do this also i've put it off for to long now cant wait til spring!

[BRIAN MP5T]

Brian - I scrubbed the intake mani with a toothbrush a while after that picture was taken. Got some strange looks from the neighbors as they drove by...LOL.


http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/New%20Stuff%20For%20UL%20-%20(9).jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/Porsche%20Intake%20Mani%20-%20(9).jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/Porsche%20Intake%20Mani%20-%20(13).jpg

[BRIAN MP5T]

Brian - I scrubbed the intake mani with a toothbrush a while after that picture was taken. Got some strange looks from the neighbors as they drove by...LOL.


http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/New%20Stuff%20For%20UL%20-%20(9).jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/Porsche%20Intake%20Mani%20-%20(9).jpg

http://www.msprotege.com/members/Brian%20MP5T/Porsche%20Intake%20Mani%20-%20(13).jpg

[t3ase]

can the valve cover be removed with the need of new hardware/gaskets/etc?

[t3ase]

can the valve cover be removed with the need of new hardware/gaskets/etc?

[BRIAN MP5T]

Yes, be careful with it and have some Black Sealant handy to do by the himp by the cam gears.

[BRIAN MP5T]

Yes, be careful with it and have some Black Sealant handy to do by the himp by the cam gears.

[t3ase]

any advice as far as not breaking shit? aren't the valve cover bolts torqued in there pretty well? no worry about stripping or breaking them off?

[t3ase]

any advice as far as not breaking shit? aren't the valve cover bolts torqued in there pretty well? no worry about stripping or breaking them off?

[SandmicaMP3]

nope they come off easily

[SandmicaMP3]

nope they come off easily

[t3ase]

cool.

[t3ase]

cool.

[BRIAN MP5T]

cool.


P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..

[BRIAN MP5T]

cool.


P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..

[t3ase]

P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..
(naughty)

[t3ase]

P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..
(naughty)

[SandmicaMP3]

P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..

oooh me likey where can you get those?

[SandmicaMP3]

P.M. Me your addy and I'll fire some of these to you..

oooh me likey where can you get those?

[BRIAN MP5T]

oooh me likey where can you get those?

My Basement.

PM Me with Addy..

[BRIAN MP5T]

oooh me likey where can you get those?

My Basement.

PM Me with Addy..

[t3ase]

ok, I just read on H/A forum that a guy didn't use high temp and hasn't after paint "6 or 7 covers".

is high temp a true necessity? what about layering the shit on with wet sanding in between?

[t3ase]

ok, I just read on H/A forum that a guy didn't use high temp and hasn't after paint "6 or 7 covers".

is high temp a true necessity? what about layering the shit on with wet sanding in between?

[BRIAN MP5T]

ok, I just read on H/A forum that a guy didn't use high temp and hasn't after paint "6 or 7 covers".

is high temp a true necessity? what about layering the shit on with wet sanding in between?

Well, the engine gets hot here in Canada, I don't mean to sound like an ass but It's probably only going to get hotter there..

That krinkle paint shit is cool. Or talk with Kim, Mazdafreak73.. She is a Powder-coater chick.

[BRIAN MP5T]

ok, I just read on H/A forum that a guy didn't use high temp and hasn't after paint "6 or 7 covers".

is high temp a true necessity? what about layering the shit on with wet sanding in between?

Well, the engine gets hot here in Canada, I don't mean to sound like an ass but It's probably only going to get hotter there..

That krinkle paint shit is cool. Or talk with Kim, Mazdafreak73.. She is a Powder-coater chick.

[SandmicaMP3]

i didnt use it and mine has held up, it kinda baked on there lol it smelled horrible for a few days then it went away i used rim paint on it too lol

[SandmicaMP3]

i didnt use it and mine has held up, it kinda baked on there lol it smelled horrible for a few days then it went away i used rim paint on it too lol

[t3ase]

I was thinking gunmetal, as I'm not fond of the crinkle look at all, but I want to be somewhat different. Was also thinking of shaving it so the letters aren't there.

[t3ase]

I was thinking gunmetal, as I'm not fond of the crinkle look at all, but I want to be somewhat different. Was also thinking of shaving it so the letters aren't there.

[t3ase]

I think rim paint is a bit higher temp spec'd than regular rattle can due to close proximity of brakes and such. I could be wrong, though.

[t3ase]

I think rim paint is a bit higher temp spec'd than regular rattle can due to close proximity of brakes and such. I could be wrong, though.

[SandmicaMP3]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?

[SandmicaMP3]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?

[BRIAN MP5T]

I was thinking gunmetal, as I'm not fond of the crinkle look at all, but I want to be somewhat different. Was also thinking of shaving it so the letters aren't there.


Yeah, I did it because the engine isn't really a Mazda, Weak rods are there thing. I didn't want the negative KARMA.

(shady)

[BRIAN MP5T]

I was thinking gunmetal, as I'm not fond of the crinkle look at all, but I want to be somewhat different. Was also thinking of shaving it so the letters aren't there.


Yeah, I did it because the engine isn't really a Mazda, Weak rods are there thing. I didn't want the negative KARMA.

(shady)

[BRIAN MP5T]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?


Yup, the cover is the same. Just less visible.

[BRIAN MP5T]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?


Yup, the cover is the same. Just less visible.

[SandmicaMP3]

I think rim paint is a bit higher temp spec'd than regular rattle can due to close proximity of brakes and such. I could be wrong, though
yeah that does make sense it prob is i used that dupli color paint that stuff is like bullet proof

[SandmicaMP3]

I think rim paint is a bit higher temp spec'd than regular rattle can due to close proximity of brakes and such. I could be wrong, though
yeah that does make sense it prob is i used that dupli color paint that stuff is like bullet proof

[t3ase]

I didn't even know you had done that.

[t3ase]

I didn't even know you had done that.

[SandmicaMP3]

Yup, the cover is the same. Just less visible

oh ok i see

[SandmicaMP3]

Yup, the cover is the same. Just less visible

oh ok i see

[t3ase]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?
The valve cover, not the valve cover cover.

[t3ase]

that would be kool the msp's valve cover has letters on it? or are you painting that plastic cover?
The valve cover, not the valve cover cover.

[SandmicaMP3]

lol oh ok

[SandmicaMP3]

lol oh ok

[t3ase]

I actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?

[t3ase]

I actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?

[BRIAN MP5T]

I actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?

I ground them off when I buffed the shit out of the cover.

[BRIAN MP5T]

I actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?

I ground them off when I buffed the shit out of the cover.

[SandmicaMP3]

actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?
you wouldnt have to worry about if you wanna trade with me:D i've been wanting the plastic cover haha

[SandmicaMP3]

actually took the valve cover cover off a while back and haven't replaced it. Which leads me to another question. If I were to remove the studs which hold it, would the holes be fillable?
you wouldnt have to worry about if you wanna trade with me:D i've been wanting the plastic cover haha

[t3ase]

if I remove it, it's being hung up in the room. :D

[t3ase]

if I remove it, it's being hung up in the room. :D

[SandmicaMP3]

hahaha kool! i might just buy the dg cf version i think it comes with the brackets and all anyway

[SandmicaMP3]

hahaha kool! i might just buy the dg cf version i think it comes with the brackets and all anyway