GR86 Keeping engine bay clean

MorrisM

MorrisM

Dedicated member
Feb 4, 2024
113
150
43
Anyone got a routine for keeping the engine bay clean - what products to use on which parts, how often, etc.? Car is used daily and washed weekly. I’ve never paid the engine bay much attention on previous cars but would like to try and keep this one as clean it is now.
 
Every month or so, conditions depending, I use a blower and detailing brushes to remove detritus from the crevices. Citrus APC (diluted appropriately) and detailing brush to agitate and foam the APC, loosening surface dirt on all areas, which I’ll then either gently rinse or wipe off with a microfibre. Rubber hoses, pipes and plastics wiped with Carpro Perl for a nice shine. Brightwork, such as hose connectors and ECU housing, cleaned with soft metal polish/wadding like Wadpol or Brasso. The Green/white factory gloop on components and hoses I have already removed using WD40/GT85 and rags. Battery terminals and fixings given a light brush with Silicone Grease. Finally, it's usually a clean and shine with some Ceramic Quick Detailer where necessary, for the likes of bonnet and bay paintwork. Plastic nut covers for decoration.
I guess it’s a passion? 😉.

[Edit: Now that I've inserted this 'flash' photograph I'm gonna have to go look at a pipe that might need some extra tlc :geek:]

IMG_7024.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Nigel L, Silverye, TorqueOfTheDevil and 2 others
Thanks Sonic - will use this for the GR86. This pic is what I'm trying to avoid - any suggestions on how to get started on this? It's been sat garaged for most of the past 25 years.
 

Attachments

  • Like
Reactions: TorqueOfTheDevil
MorrisM said:
Thanks Sonic - will use this for the GR86. This pic is what I'm trying to avoid - any suggestions on how to get started on this? It's been sat garaged for most of the past 25 years.
Click to expand...
Doesn’t look that bad - I’d probably use some ‘Gunk’, a steam cleaner and a bale of rags. Then fettle it a section at a time.
You could of course power wash it with snow foam as I’ve seen people do on YouTube, but I think that takes some extra preparation- and courage! 🫨
 
  • Like
Reactions: MorrisM
Yep get your self a steamer, plenty of cheap microfibre cloths and some degreaser.

Or look up a local detailer to do it for you.

I would advise against a pressure washer it will cause damage on an old engine and wiring.
 
I've always used carpro pearl but have come across a product which kick its ass a mile down the road it's called koch chemi motorplast basically you clean your engine bay with a brush and apc, rinse it, then spray the product all over it, close the bonnet for 20 mins with the engine running and then thank me later. It leaves a thin film which protects the plastic, rubber and all electrical connections it touches and stays clean for a long time. A few friends on here now love it and also a detailer I I've always used now uses it. Check it out on you tube
 
  • Like
Reactions: rsh1972
Sonic said:
Every month or so, conditions depending, I use a blower and detailing brushes to remove detritus from the crevices. Citrus APC (diluted appropriately) and detailing brush to agitate and foam the APC, loosening surface dirt on all areas, which I’ll then either gently rinse or wipe off with a microfibre. Rubber hoses, pipes and plastics wiped with Carpro Perl for a nice shine. Brightwork, such as hose connectors and ECU housing, cleaned with soft metal polish/wadding like Wadpol or Brasso. The Green/white factory gloop on components and hoses I have already removed using WD40/GT85 and rags. Battery terminals and fixings given a light brush with Silicone Grease. Finally, it's usually a clean and shine with some Ceramic Quick Detailer where necessary, for the likes of bonnet and bay paintwork. Plastic nut covers for decoration.
I guess it’s a passion? 😉.

[Edit: Now that I've inserted this 'flash' photograph I'm gonna have to go look at a pipe that might need some extra tlc :geek:]

View attachment 30945
Click to expand...
What do you use to clean/polish the strut bar? Same as the ECU housing? Have the same one and needs a bit of cleaning!
 
Renzokuken86 said:
What do you use to clean/polish the strut bar? Same as the ECU housing? Have the same one and needs a bit of cleaning!
Click to expand...
Yes, I've a drum of Wadpol that I've had for literally decades. I think I 'borrowed' it from the Flight Engineers' store room and never returned it. As long as the lid is on tight and you invert it every now and again to soak the wadding it's fine. As I don't use mutch at a time, my tin will probably outlive me!
WADPOL.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Renzokuken86
Sonic said:
Yes, I've a drum of Wadpol that I've had for literally decades. I think I 'borrowed' it from the Flight Engineers' store room and never returned it. As long as the lid is on tight and you invert it every now and again to soak the wadding it's fine. As I don't use mutch at a time, my tin will probably outlive me!
View attachment 31909
Click to expand...
Awesome, might look into that then! I did consider popping in to see my old bio technician pals from uni to see if I could "borrow" the stuff we cleaned metal instruments with, probably something similar. Might come away with another box of nitrile gloves too if I'm lucky!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sonic
That reminds me - I had a ‘Fresh Whip Bruv’ moment yesterday at the garage, as a GT86 owner looked at my engine bay and exclaimed “Bloody hell, now that’s clean!”. Nice of him to notice 😇.
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Renzokuken86 and AWB
Ended up getting some Autosol polish and gave it a go on the strut bar this afternoon. Might need a little more work but quite pleased with the results. Took some pics halfway through the job. I'd previously given the engine bay a very brief clean with Autoglym Engine & Machine Cleaner and their Vinyl & Rubber Care.

20241023_163036.jpg

20241023_163031.jpg


Also gave it a quick try on the exhaust tips - microfiber was filthy by this point so I'll definitely be going back to give it another go!

20241023_165122.jpg

20241023_165037.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vistalite, Salko_GR, AWB and 1 other person
With regard to ya fuzzy engine.
Try blasting the whole engine top and bottom with wd40, don't worry about it dripping or pooling. That should kill the 'fuzz'.
Leave it a week, do it all again. Then if you want to start polishing bits, try one part at a time?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom