Engine Bay detailing using WD-40 (info + pics)

**ROB89M3** · 12-10-2011, 02:53 PM

I did this engine detail a few years back on my 1991 Civic Si with 105,000 orig km

I used WD-40 and a paintbrush and 4 microfiber towels.
Works amazing on 20 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.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

**rexdoss357** · 12-10-2011, 03:08 PM

I though I was the only one to use wd40 for engine detail.

excellent job, I can't believe that's the same car

**brodrick330** · 12-10-2011, 06:45 PM

Very nice, I really like it.

Looks like next weekend is going to be filled with me and some time with my car

**mosportgreen66** · 12-10-2011, 06:52 PM

looks like a very nice turn around

**shoshinsha** · 12-10-2011, 07:24 PM

WOW... what a difference, my 318is needs a serious engine bay detailing will defo try this out. Well done by the way

**ROB89M3** · 12-10-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by shoshinsha

WOW... what a difference, my 318is needs a serious engine bay detailing will defo try this out. Well done by the way

CooL Show us some pics when done ! Its a messy job though..

**Rocket 2** · 12-11-2011, 08:50 AM

that is nuts. thumbs up

**ROB89M3** · 12-11-2011, 09:18 PM

thx

**ClubSport332ti** · 12-11-2011, 09:46 PM

WD-40 works for DME water displacement as well should the car wash ever flood that compartment. I have used that on all my cars with great results in the motor compartment

**gaspump** · 12-12-2011, 09:52 PM

There's no way that could be the same car! No way. Is it? You did one hell of a good job and the time involved --whew. I never thought of WD-40 as a treatment, now I know, thanks for the update.

**2011328xi** · 12-13-2011, 06:44 PM

Hmmmm.. That looks too good to be true..

**Dylans3960ccs** · 12-13-2011, 07:13 PM

good work

**gjtrafl** · 12-13-2011, 09:06 PM

Don't get me wrong it looks outstanding!! But how many new parts were used in addition to the cleaning process?

**rexdoss357** · 12-13-2011, 09:09 PM

plug wires?

**ROB89M3** · 12-13-2011, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by rexdoss357

plug wires?

Yea, the originals were replaced

Originally Posted by gjtrafl

Don't get me wrong it looks outstanding!! But how many new parts were used in addition to the cleaning process?

Not many:
Since the old pics were taken:

- 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

**Court M3** · 12-17-2011, 03:49 AM

That is amazing! Great job

**Court M3** · 12-17-2011, 03:50 AM

That is amazing! Great job

**Echec** · 12-17-2011, 03:59 AM

For an engine bay that isn't quite as dirty, would WD-40 be overkill or still worth it? Think it would be harder in a more confined space? (Hondas always seem to have more space in the bay than bimmers.)

**ROB89M3** · 12-17-2011, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Echec

For an engine bay that isn't quite as dirty, would WD-40 be overkill or still worth it? Think it would be harder in a more confined space? (Hondas always seem to have more space in the bay than bimmers.)

Show me a picture ?
If its just dusty with dirt, then WD40 is overkill. if the dirt is baked/dried into the paint/engine, then wd40 and brushing will be required.,

**Echec** · 12-18-2011, 01:02 AM

Best picture I could find of my bay. I think it may be overkill, but there's some tough grime I can't seem to get off like the normal dust (using wipes or other cleaners)

**ROB89M3** · 12-18-2011, 11:03 AM

^^ wheres the dirt ? LoL

Just spray some All purpose cleaner and wash it off. Your bay isnt dirty at all.

**Echec** · 12-18-2011, 11:57 PM

It's there. Lol. I just don't have that sheen like I'd expect from a really clean bay. And I've been hesitant to use any kind of power wash in the bay, just out of sheer fear of something malfunctioning. Not something I need to happen with my DD.

**Rex1585** · 12-19-2011, 12:29 AM

the only issue with using something that leaves any residue, is that it leaves a place for dirt to stick, otherwise, WD-40 is a great thing to use. I have also used PB blaster, but it smells like hell when it gets hot....