Black River Details

    Car detailer based in Petersfield

    Black River engine bay detailing Hampshire & West Sussex
    Clean Engine Bay

    In this article, I thought it would be a good idea to write about engine bay detailing. We find that some people who visit our premises on the Hampshire and West Sussex border seem to be wary of engine bay detailing for fear of damaging something. However, as a professional detailer, we can assure you that with the right tools and knowledge engine bay detailing is nothing to be concerned about.

    There are five main parts to engine bay detailing:

    • First, we assess the level of dirt and figure out whether it needs a quick once over or a full soak down.
    • Secondly we prepare the engine bay for cleaning.
    • The next step is to move on to the actual cleaning. During this phase, it’s essential to use a systematic approach to ensure we aren’t working over ourselves.
    • If a vehicle has carbon fibre painted parts, they may require paint correction.
    • Finally, we need to protect and dress the engine to leave it looking factory fresh.

    Assessment:

    In this step, we determine what cleaning method best suits the level of dirt that is present. If the engine bay isn’t that dirty, we’ll use a commercial steam machine to remove light dust, dirt and grease leaving a fresh factory finish. If however, the bay has a moderate to a substantial level of dirt, we will need to introduce water and some detergent. We also need to assess whether it’s safe to use water. If it is safe, we need to determine how much we can use and at what pressure. For classic cars or cars with very exposed engines, we aim to use very little water at low pressure or preferably steam.

    Preparation:

    Having assessed the level of cleaning required, we then need to prepare the engine bay for cleaning. We tape up and wrap plastic around all the sensitive electrical components as well as any air intakes. We also check all pipes for splits and holes. It’s vital that the engine is cool to warm for the cleaning process. We never wash a hot engine.

    Cleaning:

    When it comes to the actual cleaning, we always use a top to bottom approach. We begin with the underside of the bonnet. Firstly we rinse it, including the sound insulation material (but only if that material is fully intact and in good condition). After this initial rinse, we spray degreaser. Our preferred degreaser for engine bay detailing is Bilt Hamber Surfex HD. We work the cleaner with a variety of brushes and mitts. We reapply cleaner to areas with high concentrations of grease and dirt. After this, we rinse it off and check to see if it needs another pass.

    Once the underside of the bonnet is complete, it’s time to rinse off the engine. During this critical stage of engine bay detailing it’s important to keep the pressure washer lance far away. That way, one can ensure that water isn’t forced into any components. Additionally, areas that are wrapped in tape and plastic are not compromised. The initial rinse will remove the majority of the dust and dirt, leaving only the more stubborn areas that may require some agitation with our cleaning tools.

    We work in sections. We spray the cleaner on to small sections then agitate with various brushes to reach all the tight areas. After this process, we rinse things off and assess whether it needs another go or not. We keep working in sections to ensure the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface. We also keep wetting the engine bay down to ensure no water spotting occurs.

    For stubborn dirt, we will often spray on the cleaner then allow it to dwell for a couple of minutes before agitating with a brush. This process gives the cleaner time to break down the dirt, and it’s easier to remove.

    Once all the areas have been cleaned we give the bay, including the underside of the bonnet, a final rinse off and dry it down with microfiber towels. At our premises on the Hampshire and West Sussex border, we have access to compressed air, and this is a great time to use it.

    Correction:

    On certain high-performance cars, it is possible to vastly improve the appearance of the engine bay. Any chrome or polished strut tower braces, or clear-coated carbon fibre can be machine polished. This can also be done by hand but does take more time. One could use a microfiber towel with some polish and buff away until a deep glossy shine develops.

    Protection:

    Protection is the final step in the engine bay detailing process. To finish off and to give a factory-fresh appearance, we apply a protective, water-based dressing. This application keeps the engine bay cleaner for longer and makes it easier to clean when it does need it. We spray the dressing onto a microfiber cloth and wipe over all the surfaces. Sometimes vehicles are delivered to our premises on the Hampshire and West Sussex border that have carbon fibre, gloss plastic or painted parts in the engine bay. We can ceramic coat these parts to offer fantastic protection and ease of cleaning.

    At Black River Details we are experts in engine bay detailing  drop us an email or give us a call to arrange your detail. We’d love to welcome you to our facility near on the Hampshire and West Sussex border.

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