The paint in my engine bay has a yellow film it looks like the clear coat has dried out and discolored how can I clean it off

Use some rags and WD40.

1. Wipe/hose down engine with water. (i wipe)
2. Dry it off.
3. Spray rag with WD40, and wipe everything down. Let it be fairly thick.
4. Then take another rag or paper towel (both dry) and wipe the excess off.
5. Admire it.
6. If not satisfied repeat steps 3 through 5.

Use some rags and WD40.

1. Wipe/hose down engine with water. (i wipe)
2. Dry it off.
3. Spray rag with WD40, and wipe everything down. Let it be fairly thick.
4. Then take another rag or paper towel (both dry) and wipe the excess off.
5. Admire it.
6. If not satisfied repeat steps 3 through 5.

That will clean off dirt and grease but my clearcoat is peeling and discolored. I'll post a pic so you guys can see what I mean

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n290/ninety5m3/0805071505b.jpg

Cosmoline.
I quess they got a little overboard when putting it on you car. Ive never seen an e36 with that much in hte engine bay. Most e30 bays are covered in the stuff. Its a rust preventative from when you car was shipped from the factory.
CRC Brakekleen works well but be careful on your good paint and plastic peices. Its a tedious job but itll come off.




HUnter

I just finished getting that off.I used brake cleaner and a scrub brush then went over it with more brake cleaner and a rag.Worked great.

I just finished getting that off.I used brake cleaner and a scrub brush then went over it with more brake cleaner and a rag.Worked great.
that didnt damage the paint at all

A lot of engine cleaner or wheel cleaner then powerwash it really good.

I just finished getting that off.I used brake cleaner and a scrub brush then went over it with more brake cleaner and a rag.Worked great.

Cosmoline: [: is the trade name for a generic class of rust preventative. Cosmoline is similar to petroleum jelly in properties, appearance, and thickness it is the purified residue obtained from the distillation of petroleum oils.]

It's a protection that was used on imported new cars during shipment; it is applied to the paint film surface, engine and wheels to provide a barrier against exposure to the elements. Cosmoline is no longer used in the US as it is not environmentally sound, but it is till used on imports (BMW, Porsche, VW, Mercedes-Benz, etc); using a petroleum-based solvent to remove it can do irreversible harm to the vehicle finish.

By using a non-caustic, acid-free, d-limonene (citrus) based, biodegradable cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash or Zymöl Strik™ Cosmoline Remover and Engine Cleaner ) will avoid any damage and safely remove the Cosmoline, or any oils or grease that may have been applied for protection. Most manufacturers now use plastic film and / or a blend of paraffin and synthetic waxes, but mainly paraffin

Cosmoline: [: is the trade name for a generic class of rust preventative. Cosmoline is similar to petroleum jelly in properties, appearance, and thickness it is the purified residue obtained from the distillation of petroleum oils.]

It's a protection that was used on imported new cars during shipment; it is applied to the paint film surface, engine and wheels to provide a barrier against exposure to the elements. Cosmoline is no longer used in the US as it is not environmentally sound, but it is till used on imports (BMW, Porsche, VW, Mercedes-Benz, etc); using a petroleum-based solvent to remove it can do irreversible harm to the vehicle finish.

By using a non-caustic, acid-free, d-limonene (citrus) based, biodegradable cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash or Zymöl Strik™ Cosmoline Remover and Engine Cleaner ) will avoid any damage and safely remove the Cosmoline, or any oils or grease that may have been applied for protection. Most manufacturers now use plastic film and / or a blend of paraffin and synthetic waxes, but mainly paraffin

oops