Engine Bay Detailing using WD40 (info + Pics)

[Robb]

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)


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.

Note: As you will notice, some parts were replaced/restored as well.





BEFORE:

[Robb]

AFTER:

[cormier]

News to me but wow awesome result

[propr'one]

good job man!

You really think wd40 would work better than engine degreaser?

[Robb]

Originally Posted by propr'one

good job man!

You really think wd40 would work better than engine degreaser?

Dunno... try it.
Depends on the thickness/hardness of the rustproofing.

[jmack]

HOLY S***

Nice work.

[davericher20]

holy shit

[EuroSpec_92]

bull shit everything was replaced i guess..... i dont see a spot of rust and there was qite a bit in the bay "originally" i call bluff

[Carib]

I know there are a lot of DIYers out there who use WD-40 for cleaning. Check out some of the other enthusiats forums and you'll see the debate going on there as well...!

I find it impressive you got the engine THAT clean. It's one of those "I just gotta see for myself type of thing"... I know some things were replaced in the engine, such as the spark plug wires, that white plastic timing belt cover? (unless some stickers were removed/replaced), so that makes me a bit skeptical as well. Would have loved to see all the original components still there to have a true 'Before and After' comparison.

Regardless, mad props for a seriously clean engine bay!

[hockeyfan27]

Originally Posted by EuroSpec_92

bull shit everything was replaced i guess..... i dont see a spot of rust and there was qite a bit in the bay "originally" i call bluff

I have an '89 Kawasaki SX650 jetski. The engine bay wasn't horribly dirty as it is a stand up jetski; so often partially filled with water and drained. (especially because I fall frequently) However, because of the constant presence of water, there was a significant amount of rust on various bits and pieces. The head bolts were the worst.

I've seen Robb post this before, not to sure where, but based on his experience I tried the WD40 on my boat. I used a rag and an old power toothbrush and the rust polished right off most of the parts I would have written off. I was most impressed with the head bolts, they look brand new and I though I would be replacing them for sure.

If I hadn't seen/experienced it for myself, I would have agreed with you, Eurospec. However, this is LEGIT.

[Robb]

Originally Posted by Carib

. I know some things were replaced in the engine, such as the spark plug wires, that white plastic timing belt cover? (unless some stickers were removed/replaced), so that makes me a bit skeptical as well. Would have loved to see all the original components still there to have a true 'Before and After' comparison.

Regardless, mad props for a seriously clean engine bay!

Not many parts were replaced but here's a list:
replaced battery
new radiator
powdercoated valve cover
plug wires
new hood insulator
new manifold heat shield
changed engine mount
new timing cover decal
a few new nuts & bolts

[Randy]

i dont believe it.

[Robb]

Originally Posted by Randy

i dont believe it.

[nikijack]

Robb: Please read the label: "Harmful or fatal if swallowed or inhaled"

Jack

[North]

will WD40 eat at rubber lines, wires and other plastic/rubber things?