I was trying to dust off my engine last weekend and was wondering what to use when cleaning all of the plastic. Can I use something like vinylex or armorall on the plastic coverings of the engine? Is that safe? I just want the engine compartment to shine. Thanks guys!!

Jim Eagan
97 328is 55k
(finally got a couple pics)

I guess you already cleaned the rest of the engine with a spray foam type cleaner (Gunk Engine Brite, etc.)? Or it was already clean already? Afterwards I usually spray down everything (not only just the plastic parts) with tire dressing from Eagle One, Meguiar's. This has given me excellent results over the years to keep everything looking nice. You can wipe/buff it after it soaks in a bit.
I remember Jim Powell mentioning in a post that Armor All works pretty well as a cleaner, and then you can dress it up afterwards. Haven't tried this yet, but sounds interesting. Personally I don't like Armor All as a protectant as it usually produces a slick, slippery surface in interiors, and it contains kerosene, which tends to brown and crack tires.

Just remember the less chemicals the better, Personally i like Simple Green, the stuff cleans well and smells good.

The thing I don't like about putting protectant on the engine plastic and rubber is that then the dust/ dirt sticks to it and forms grime which is really gross, so If you use it make sure to wipe it down good so it's not oily.

Dave