Engine detailing kit

[aquariuscsm]

I was in Autozone today and was just browsing around. I usually use Simple Green to clean my engine and then Forula F21 to keep it all shiny and fresh. They had various engine detailing stuff (Engine Brite,etc.) and then this engine detailing stuff called CD2 Engine detailer:

http://www.amazon.com/CD-2-Engine-Detailer-12-5-oz/dp/B0002JMAOS

Is the Engine Brite stuff better to clean an engine over the Simple Green? I`d read here where someone said Simple Green can etch/harm metals.

 

[Panzerman]

Ive heard of people using WD40 and I tried it once and it turned out ok. I used the Tire black stuff on my Hemi and it did a nice job, but you have to be careful around the belts. I imagine you would with any cleaner/silicone though.

 

[hooligan24]

I use simple green to clean the motor, then dress it with the CD2. I thought the CD2 was just a dressing, and not a cleaner. I will have to go look at my can.

 

[The Critic]

Don't bother.

Spray the engine compartment with the most potent (and caustic) degreaser you have at home, scrub the components with a medium to stiff brush, then powerwash the engine compartment completely.

Dry off the components the best you can, then go for a 15 minute drive. No need to buy expensive kits.

 

[roushstage2]

I don't get what's being asked exactly. CD2 is a dressing that gets used after you clean. I used CD2 today, actually. Simple Green and Engine Brite are cleaners. Simple Green can harm aluminum, especially since most people don't take the time to properly dilute it. I use Simple Green quite often on engines, properly diluted, and have never had an issue. I use Engine Brite when there is caked on oil and grease. Simple Green won't work on that too well.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: roushstage2
I don't get what's being asked exactly. CD2 is a dressing that gets used after you clean. I used CD2 today, actually. Simple Green and Engine Brite are cleaners. Simple Green can harm aluminum, especially since most people don't take the time to properly dilute it. I use Simple Green quite often on engines, properly diluted, and have never had an issue. I use Engine Brite when there is caked on oil and grease. Simple Green won't work on that too well.


Will the Engine Brite harm any of the rubbers or plastics in the engine bay? I also saw they had several different variations of the Engine Brite. Which one is the best?

 

[roushstage2]

I've used it a few times with no issues. It should really only be used when absolutely when necessary IMO. I'd think continuous/regular applications of it could cause problems over time. If you really need Engine Brite, use it to get the bulk/heavy junk off, then just maintain it with an all purpose cleaner. As for which is the best, IMO, they all do the same thing. Get whatever one is cheapest.

 

[ionbeam22]

My attitude is that the engine compartment is to fragile to be blasting with water and harsh chemicals. Engine cleaners, are usually quite strong and fortified with solvents.

I usually just wipe down any thing in reach with some armor-all, and the that will leave the engine looking pretty clean.

 

[Vikas]

Newer engines have fancy plastic covers which are generally easy to remove. Just take them in the bath tub and make them shiny and put them back. The engine will look lot better.

- Vikas

 

[roushstage2]

Originally Posted By: ionbeam22
My attitude is that the engine compartment is to fragile to be blasting with water and harsh chemicals. Engine cleaners, are usually quite strong and fortified with solvents.

I usually just wipe down any thing in reach with some armor-all, and the that will leave the engine looking pretty clean.
I usually just use an APC to clean any build up off after a while. The only two vehicles I've used Engine Brite on, on occasion, are the two older trucks that have a small oil leak. Over time it builds up and an APC won't cut it, literally. I always use the "shower" setting of a sprayer on a garden hose to rinse. Least amount of pressure.

 

[AdRock]

I use the Orange Citrus Cleaner from Home Depot. Spray it on a cold engine & bay, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off.

I never put stuff like armor all on anything under the hood, all it does it collect dirt and make everything loo like [censored] that much faster.

 

[KrisZ]

I'm with Critic on this one, no need spending money on "kits", where most APC's will do the job just fine and there are other, cheaper, products that will dress up the engine bay, even though they are not marketed as such.