Cleaning/Shining Engine Components?

[Duffman]

Any great ideas on polishing/cleaning up engine components? Have no problem with toothbrush and putting in the time, but trying to see what is the appropriate cleaner/polisher solution I should use. My valve cover and air filters are shiny, so want to clean up or refresh the rest of the engine. Tried checking archives on engine cleaning, polishing or shining with no luck.

Any thoughts?

[MEZZZ]

I used Simple Green degreaser and some of those detailing brushes, nylon, steel and brass with great results. It takes alot of scrubiing and wiping but it gets looking pretty good (at least compared to the dull and black stuff before). I replaced all the hoses and used new clamps, that helped alot too. I havent done any polishing yet but have a dremel with a polishing kit and thought I would give it a try on some smaller pieces.

I wish I had taken a before and after, because it looks so much nicer than when I bought it. Simple Green is the stuff to start with though. I used it on my block and after several applications and scrub downs, I actually have the blue paint on the block again.

[geezer]

Simple Green is a great choice for removing what does not belong, but I would like to warn you of the mistake I once made. I had a number of small parts soaking in a very strong solution of Simple Green (concentrated form) and didn't get back to them till the next day. They were void of all the original paint that I didn't intend on removing. Ahh..live and learn. Good stuff though.

[TomoHawk]

I used a citrus product like Simple Green to do the general de-griming of my engine & engine area, then I used tire foam and brushes to do detailing. Since then I've been removing sections ( intake system, heater hoses, brake hoses & lines, radiator hoses, fuel lines, etc.) and cleaning/polishing/restoring those sections. For steel parts that can be removed I basically just use a wire wheel to clean off all the rust, then fine steel wool & mototool for fine polishing & detailing, and a light coat of clear high-temp paint.

thxZ

[TomoHawk]

I used a citrus product like Simple green to do the general de-griming of my engine & engine area, then I used tire foam and brushes to do detailing. Since then I've been removing sections ( intakesystem, heater hoses, brake hoses & lines, radiator hoses, fuel lines, etc.)and cleaning/polishing/restoring those sections. I basically just use a wire wheel to clean off all the rust, then fine steel wool & mototool for fine polishing & detailing, and a light coat of clear high-temp paint. Don't forget to clean with wax & grease remover before painting.

thxZ

[Oiluj]

For polishing the "shiny" stuff, I can recommend a product called "Miracle Polish". Very mild abrasive and works well for most things. Even works to restore slightly oxidized rubber surfaces. Works on plastic, brass, stainless steel and plated parts.

Warning: With any abrasive polish, when polishing plated parts don't get carried away or so will the plating!

[beandip]

I used the tried and true buffing wheel with polishing rouges that I bought at Sears. I polished the valve cover and domes on my SUs. I started with 600 grit wet/dry sand paper with kerosene on the cover, water would have most likely been just as good. Then the buffing wheel followed with aluminum polish. Recently I tried the Meguiar's new Hot Rims aluminum polish and I like the results.

Works great on my wheels also.

On my intake manifold and head I didn't polish these although when they are polished they look stellar. I just use one of the small stainless steel brushes the size of a tooth brush , and scrub the castings dry . It brightens the casting and removes the dirt and dust, if oily the simple green does a good job on the oil.

[Duffman]

Great input, everyone, thanks!!

[five&dime]

For metal parts, I have them bead blasted. If they look good after that, I clear them with minwax satin urethane in a spray can. It holds up great to heat and grime and will not discolor.

If the parts still have oxidation then I spray them with mag wheel paint in a nice silver followed by the minwax clear. Makes parts look like new

[280~Master]

I use Simple Green and Mothers polish. 1 Thing to keep in mind about Simple Green is, it is very corrosive if left on a surface. It must be rinsed completely or it can cause rusting.

[DeesZ]

For metal I media blast (glass or coal slag, maybe both), then wipe down with mineral spirits, then clear coat with a high temp rattle can. Results are nice, and you can sometimes get a bit creative with the blasting and detali painting as well. Check out some of the pictures in my gallery..... http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=9676

Edited August 5, 2008 by DeesZ