Detail engine compartment with wd 40

[willys54wagon]

On a prior thread some one commented that they used wd 40 to detail the engine compartment. How does WD-40 affect the rubber and plastic under the hood?

Exactly how did you use it?

I put some WD40 in a spray bottle awhile back and it seems to dissolved the spary mechanism a little. Maybe I didn't have a good quality bottle.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

I used WD-40 on the plastic trim and the plastic intake assembly, and it has made a great shine, which has lasted for a couple of weeks. I wouldn't use it on my radiator hoses though, if anything I'd use Armor All or any rubber treatment instead of WD-40. I don't intend to constantly use WD-40, just did once to see how well it made it all shine.

 

[drewjp]

Seriously, the best combo I've ever used is the CD-2 Engine Cleaner and Engine Detailer.

They used to be available at Target, but now I see them at Pep Boys and Autozone...

They're two products, and produce amazing results! After I'm done, it looks like the car just rolled off the delivery truck!

 

[OutlawTitan]

I would worry about using WD40 on plastic or rubber unless it was to clean something after which I would wash and use a protectant of some sort. The solvents in WD40 which make it such an effective cleaner would worry me about degrading the plastic and rubber. I would also be worried about dirt and dust adhering to the WD40 treated areas. I could be wrong but just my opinion.

 

[bretfraz]

I'm with Titan. WD40 might be a good solvent and water displacer but I wouldn't use it as a cleaner unless I was rinsing it off ASAP.

There are non-caustic engine cleaners out there. Diluted Simple Green and some light agitation would be OK too. Rinse thoroughly and dress with a water-based protectant.

 

[kkreit01]

Based on a recommendation from one of the "detailing" websites, I tried Stoner's Trim Shine for engine plastics/hoses. This product worked great. You don't have to wipe it off. I will continue to purchase it. It's also great for all exterior trim (obviously).