Engine bling

[Gayle]

Ok-you guys know how I love blingy engines. And I have been known to spend a Saturday night or two in the garage detailing my engine. The ultimate compliment to me was when the mechanics at the indy were talking about how you could eat off of my engine.

I thought I was the queen of engine detailing (not that kind of queen--I am female). But Califblue showed me how it is really done and introduced me to products that are the miracle of the modern world.

I have 3 tips for you:

Carb cleaner--where has this product been all my life?
Aluminum and mag cleaner--you won't believe my strut brace.
CR2 or CD2 or something like that--I think it is a gummi pfledge twin.

All of the above work more effectively if you add beer.

[Gayle]

Here are the before pictures. Please note the lettering on the strut brace. Notice how cruddy the base of the strut brace is. Is that one ugly valve cover or what? And the worthless peeling stickers on the white paint at the front of the engine compartment. I hate stuff like that.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/1.jpg


Note the varnish on the manifold. What was BMW thinking. And it looks like varnish on the hose. Probably not but it is definitely crude that is not becoming to a hose.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/2.jpg

[Gayle]

I went through one can of carb cleaner on my own the weekend before, so I went back and got 3 more. I also made a run on Home Depot for wire brushes before this extravaganza, but I learned you can never have too many wire brushes.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/3.jpg


It is so fun watching paint dry. Mike was a little dissappointed it didn't crinkle more, but it looked good to me. We used Harley paint. We kind of nicked at a little putting it back in so I have some touch up to do.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/4.jpg

[Gayle]

Are you blinded by the light? At bimmerfest, I was drooling over a highly polished strut brace and Mike said we could make mine look like that, but I never believed it. I still can't. Especially the bases--they were so grody. And the manifold is a thing of beauty now.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/5.jpg


Check out the chrome nuts for the valve cover. The prior owner loved this car as much as I do.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/6.jpg

And all the black looks new again. We did the fan blades and everything. And please notice how clean the white looks without those stupid stickers.


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c21/e34Gayle/7.jpg

We also replaced my lows with Silverstar 9005s. I haven't driven it at night yet, but it just has to be an improvement. The old lows so sucked.

So consider yourselves warned guys. I am not talking my car to Chicago this year, but I am in 2007. My car is going to be the cleanest one there after JR's. And hey, if I hit a deer like he did, I might get a step closer to automotive perfection.

[Alexlind123]

Looks good. I never let armorall touch the interior of my car, but in the engine compartment i let that rule slide... I shall post a picture of mine soon. Prepare to weep!

[Chowchilla Skunkwerks]

Nice job. Carb cleaner has been my secret tool of choice for awhile. Next step you powdercoat the valvecover...
Rob

[GoldenOne]

which products did you use on the plastic intake tubing and box?

[winfred]

theres a few different formulations of carb cleaner the baddest has acetone in it, it's like turbo carb cleaner the worst is the old formula of gumout that leaves that greasy residue, the new stuff is ok the old stuff seems to come up as generic/house brand now a days

[Gayle]

which products did you use on the plastic intake tubing and box?

That is the one I can't remember the exact name. CR2 or CD2. I did a search and couldn't find a matching product. When Mike sees this, he will post the name. He is the one who had the product. You spray it on, walk away 20, and come back and wipe it clean. Boy does it make a big difference.

[632 Regal]

removed the paint in the cross brace, wonder how the plastic fended its way.

[Alexlind123]

Brake cleaner is a veyr nasty but powerful solvent. It is illegal in the state of california.

[Gayle]

removed the paint in the cross brace, wonder how the plastic fended its way.


The RD label were stickers that I peeled off with the ultimate girl tool--fingernails. Then used the aluminum and mag cleaner on the brace to get it to shine like that.

[Gayle]

theres a few different formulations of carb cleaner the baddest has acetone in it, it's like turbo carb cleaner the worst is the old formula of gumout that leaves that greasy residue, the new stuff is ok the old stuff seems to come up as generic/house brand now a days

The brand I used is Super-X. Just picked it cause the label says removes gum and varnish. Checked the ingrediants. #1 is toluene and #2 is acetone. It evaporates really quickly. And now that I think about it, it sort of smells like fingernail polish remover. LOL

Reading the words "extremely flamable" did make me pause initially. I put up with a lot more sun than I will usually tolerate to be away from my house and away from Mike's house.

[rob101]

The brand I used is Super-X. Just picked it cause the label says removes gum and varnish. Checked the ingrediants. #1 is toluene and #2 is acetone. It evaporates really quickly. And now that I think about it, it sort of smells like fingernail polish remover. LOL

Reading the words "extremely flamable" did make me pause initially. I put up with a lot more sun than I will usually tolerate to be away from my house and away from Mike's house.
how about the words, do not inhale because its carcinogenic?

[liquidtiger720]

NICE!

Mike...when is it my turn?

I've taken your lesson on girls to heart too. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/liquidtiger720/DSC03416Large.jpg

[Gayle]

NICE!

Mike...when is it my turn?

I've taken your lesson on girls to heart too. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/liquidtiger720/DSC03416Large.jpg

She is nice but that photo does not show hand placement.

[califblue]

First off just for those of you who haven't figured it out...GAYLE is CAR CRAZY ;) (Maguire’s well most likely do a show on her)

Second Off Alezlin123...Armor all SUCK's plain and simple it not only attracts dirt and erodes rubber over time and is a product for the masses...would you use a product that is found in grocery stores across America & a Chevy owner uses...I didn't think so...
( does your engine compartment look this clean?;) )
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/califblue/P1010388.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/califblue/P1010382.jpg

And as far as the my secret engine detailer...Gayle has already said to much!

Carb cleaner now a days is all Enviro friendly same with all brake cleaner sold in California...don't worry Sierra Club members( oh by the way if you a member Go Hike to Hell)

The valve cover paint is way better than powder coating we just did not have the chance to let it dry...Hell this paint holds up to a leaky excuse of a motorcycle named Hardley Davidson...they have successfully managed to convert noise into a product with out the harmful effects of horsepower:p




P.S. the photos do not do her engine compartment justice…all I can say is night and day difference…next step the full paint detail and more Beer!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/califblue/yo.jpg

[joshua43214]

Nicely done, its always nice to have a clean engine to work on.

[Zeuk in Oz]

Nicely done, its always nice to have a clean engine to work on.
I thought clean engines never broke down or needed to be worked on.

Gayle you should come & drive on our dusty roads - the detail would last about 5 minutes. :D

[Alexlind123]

I thought clean engines never broke down or needed to be worked on.

Gayle you should come & drive on our dusty roads - the detail would last about 5 minutes. :D

Nah, the engine should stay dust free unless youre driving right behind someone else. On the way up my driveway today, i couldnt see through the billlowing cloud of dust behind me...

[Gayle]

I thought clean engines never broke down or needed to be worked on.

Gayle you should come & drive on our dusty roads - the detail would last about 5 minutes. :D


I swear the car drove better on the way home. She was feeling the love.

And as far as dust, I plan to explore the use of the small vacuum cleaner on the engine bay. I was thinking that the black insulation that is attached to the hood might look blacker if I vacuumed the dust off of it.

[Rustam]

Are you blinded by the light?

Very nice... my engine is clean too - I get to rub my clothes against it during repairs...

How about cleaning the paint off the oil cap on the valve cover to match the stripes and "BMW"?

[Gayle]

Very nice... my engine is clean too - I get to rub my clothes against it during repairs...

How about cleaning the paint off the oil cap on the valve cover to match the stripes and "BMW"?

I confess. My mother never taught me to just say no to chrome. I was toying with the idea of getting a chrome one at bimmerfest next year. I am afraid it might start me down a slippery slope though. "my name is gayle and I'm a chromaholic". Then from chromaholic I will degenerate into a modaholic. I'll lose my home, my husband, my job, but I will have a blingy engine and Blitzkrieg Bob will be sending me 12 step literature.

[Rustam]

I swear the car drove better on the way home. She was feeling the love.

And as far as dust, I plan to explore the use of the small vacuum cleaner on the engine bay. I was thinking that the black insulation that is attached to the hood might look blacker if I vacuumed the dust off of it.

Maybe we should have contest here on cleanest engine bay? Alexlind's pictures are nice too. I would probably be at the bottom...

[Gayle]

Maybe we should have contest here on cleanest engine bay? Alexlind's pictures are nice too. I would probably be at the bottom...

Mike (Califblue) would win. No contest.

[Rustam]

I confess. My mother never taught me to just say no to chrome. I was toying with the idea of getting a chrome one at bimmerfest next year. I am afraid it might start me down a slippery slope though. "my name is gayle and I'm a chromaholic". Then from chromaholic I will degenerate into a modaholic. I'll lose my home, my husband, my job, but I will have a blingy engine and Blitzkrieg Bob will be sending me 12 step literature.

Yeah maybe chrome in BMW compartment is not such a good idea...

[Rustam]

Mike (Califblue) would win. No contest.

pics?

[Gayle]

pics?

If he doesn't post them, I'll dig them up. He has a low mileage garage princess. He got it, spent 3 months detailing it, and hasn't driven it since. It stays real clean. Occassionally he dusts (like I do my kitchen stove :p ).

[Bill R.]

old car....



Mike (Califblue) would win. No contest.

[liquidtiger720]

Did mike ever get to that o2 sensor?

[SchnellE34]

If he doesn't post them, I'll dig them up. He has a low mileage garage princess. He got it, spent 3 months detailing it, and hasn't driven it since. It stays real clean. Occassionally he dusts (like I do my kitchen stove :p ).

Is that his car he linked pics to, above in the thread?

[billb]

Maybe we should have contest here on cleanest engine bay? Alexlind's pictures are nice too. I would probably be at the bottom...


http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/fgump/m42left.jpg

It's usually pretty clean. Of course, the outside might be a little grimy, but I like a clean engine.

[Rob]

Thanks a lot, Gayle! Now I have to go and spend more money on the car! I want my engine to be that clean!! :D

[Gayle]

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/fgump/m42left.jpg

It's usually pretty clean. Of course, the outside might be a little grimy, but I like a clean engine.


Wow. That's nice! How long did it take you to get it looking like that? Got any engine detailing tips you can share?

.

[Gayle]

Thanks a lot, Gayle! Now I have to go and spend more money on the car! I want my engine to be that clean!! :D

Carb cleaner is really cheap. I think it was $2.39 a can. The wire brushes were $.99. Dish soap is good for cutting grease too. Clean is a matter of time and effort, not money.

The paint for the valve cover was about $15.

.

[billb]

Wow. That's nice! How long did it take you to get it looking like that? Got any engine detailing tips you can share?

.
...warm engine slightly, cover electronic bits you don't want to wash, spray down with either Simple Green or diluted Purple Power. Let soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse off with fanned water spray. Go for a short drive to the store for a six-pack of beer. Come back, open the hood, and spray everything you can see with Formula 2001 plastic spray cleaner. Even the aluminum. Dry up any puddles that form, to keep dirt from accumulating there. Wipe it all down for an even finish. Repeat every 2-3 weeks.

[califblue]

Dear Miss Bling..."He has a low mileage garage princess. He got it, spent 3 months detailing it, and hasn't driven it since"

I wish I wish...I have 86K on it now bought it with 64K 3/21/03( not bad for rotating two cars and two motorcycles:p )..I am just fortunate not to have to drive it in the rain due to owning my VW THIING

And as far as my secret engine detailer...Gayle has already said to much!

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/califblue/P1010388.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/califblue/P1010382.jpg

Josh, it was the Cam Position Sensor it was OME 14 year old $60 dollar part & It was running like a champ!

[Elekta]

Don't forget to wear gloves. Acetone can cause kidney damage thru the skin...

MEK is strong cleaner too...in the paint department, but wear the proper gloves and get a box of paper rags....dispose of properly as this stuff is highly flammable (especially the rags that you think have all solvent evaporated off of them.....ie not in a trash barrel in your garage

[califblue]

Well Since Miss Bling has let the cat out of the bag so to speak...

SPRAY ON ENGINE GLOSS
http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/20236_LG.jpg
Spray Engine Gloss on all plastic and rubber parts and it will leave behind a clear, thin coating without yellowing. Gives a "factory new" look to all of your hoses. Restores tired looking plastic parts instantly, and makes multi-colored wiring look incredibly vibrant! Repels dust and makes "engine wipe downs" a breeze. If you show your car, let this be your secret for a fabulous engine compartment. 10.14 ounces (300ml). Made for us in Germany.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=20236


Miss Bling when we do the rest of your car I am going to have you sign a Non-Discosure Agreement;) with very strick penalties

[genphreak]

Beware Gayle, dish soap is full of phospahtes, they rust metals fast if not 100% cleaned off... never use it to wash the car body incase it gets in a seam, but to be more relevent to this thread, I'd avoid the bay for the same reason. :) nick

[Gayle]

Beware Gayle, dish soap is full of phospahtes, they rust metals fast if not 100% cleaned off... never use it to wash the car body incase it gets in a seam, but to be more relevent to this thread, I'd avoid the bay for the same reason. :) nick

Thanks for the warning. I think we banned phosphates in soaps in this country years ago for water pollution reasons but I will check it out. I will become a label reader when it comes to my car.

[genphreak]

Thanks for the warning. I think we banned phosphates in soaps in this country years ago for water pollution reasons but I will check it out. I will become a label reader when it comes to my car.I heard it as phosphates, but perhaps its something else- I just know dish soap is bad for cars- maybe it is the scent for all I know... :( its worth checking for sure. I still haven't run out of suds from my 3 bottle purchase 5 years ago, I manage to avoid washing cars a lot... (slap on wrist!) :D