Engine bay detailing using WD-40 (pics)

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I did this engine detail a few years back on my 1991 Civic Si.

I used WD-40 and a paintbrush and 4 microfiber towels.
Works amazing on 22 year old buildup of dirt and rustproofing. No joke.
Car had been sitting for 10+ years.
I basically spent 4 afternoons/evenings total on it. (about 20 hours total)

Note: Some parts were replaced during the restoration.
- new battery
- new radiator + cap
- new plug wires
- some new nuts and bolts
- powdercoated valve cover
- new engine mount
- new exhaust manifold heat shield
- Painted black clutch cable bracket



STEP BY STEP:


1. Go to the automotive store, buy 2 cans of WD-40 , 4 microfiber towels, paintbrush.
2. Open Hood.
3. remove battery, air filter box and arm, fuse box cover, wiper motor, map sensors assembly, coolant overflow tank, move away side wires and tubes on shock towers.
4. Start attacking the dirtiest parts with WD-40.
5. Spray and brush/agitate the grime/dirt
6. Wipe off dirt with towel.
7. Once all the bay is clean, you can buff and polish the paint around the bay and dress the rubber hoses with rubber and vynil dressing.

Keep doing this until all dirt is removed. It takes a while, but well worth it.
WD-40 wont remove the paint.



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BEFORE:

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AFTER:

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I remember seeing that a few years back. Did you used to be here under a different username?
 
Originally Posted By: Rand
Wow that's an amazing job there!


Thanks ! Not an easy job - time consuming and messy but rewarding !
I thought about removing the engine to get better access, but I manged to remove most of the stuff inside the engine bay to get better access.
 
Originally Posted By: satinsilver
I remember seeing that a few years back. Did you used to be here under a different username?


Nope. I posted it on various other forums as well.
 
Well done, but why WD-40? It's not meant for that. You could have had similar/better results with Sonus, CD-2 or 303 and used a hose with a good degreaser.

Looks great though. I like to keep the engine clean.
 
Originally Posted By: buster
Well done, but why WD-40? It's not meant for that. You could have had similar/better results with Sonus, CD-2 or 303 and used a hose with a good degreaser.

Looks great though. I like to keep the engine clean.


All purpose cleaners would work, but I was afraid it would be too harsh on the paint.
The WD40 is more oily and would break down the dried up rustproofing easier when agitated with the brush.
 
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Does WD40 attract dust / dirt ?

Kind of, but after a few washes with water and soap, it should take off the oil residue. Most comes off after wiping it.
 
WOW!

IMHO, The only thing is WD40 is bad for rubber parts. Makes them soft and swell.

Please report back later if any side effects.

If not, I may want to try it myself in my boat engine. My cars are fairy clean.

Also, how did you get an idea? Anyone done it before?
 
What a clean engine bay! Looks excellent, the shine looks good only for a while though, as it attracts dust. I decided to forgo the shine this past time for a cleaner look...
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Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek


Also, how did you get an idea? Anyone done it before?


Someone I worked with years ago showed me this trick.
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What a beautiful job? You have earned a well deserved pat on the back!!

Glad that you washed out the WD-40. I've heard of people having problems with fire in the engine compartment after trying to de-grease with WD-40. It's extremely flammable if left exposed to intense heat or flame.
 
Back some 60+ years ago, people used to clean their engine bays with lighter fuel or gasoline ! Imagine that !
 
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