How I clean a MINI engine bay

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by lotsie, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. theCapn

    theCapn New Member

    May 13, 2009
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    Hmm, Hyper Blue might be a bit of a challenge too.

    I think that I may tape it off ( the tower and frame rail )and go with a satin or matte black.
    Undecided as of now, but it's really annoying that the paint came off that easily.
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    May 4, 2009
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    Hyper Blue is EASY compared to Cool Blue. Trust me.
    You can get Hyper Blue in a rattle can from minspeed I think...
     
  3. theCapn

    theCapn New Member

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    Thanks for that info! :Thumbsup:
     
  4. checkers

    checkers Well-Known Member

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    #24 checkers, Jun 15, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2009
    I've been cleaning mine for a week

    IMG_0727.JPG

    IMG_0728.jpg
     
  5. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad Club Coordinator

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    In my case (i.e., PW-colored frame rail) the patience is wearing thin. I'm not sure it's recoverable -- the fluid seems to have penetrated and stained the paint. I'm wondering if anyone else has had success getting their PW paint back to presentable after a mount failure.

    I suspect repainting is probably the only option. :cryin:
     
  6. Vernon29RW

    Vernon29RW New Member

    May 22, 2009
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    so it seems like you were able to get the stuff off. What method did you use??
     
  7. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    Cosmoline Crud

    That glue looking stuff is cosmoline sprayed on at the factory to prevent rust during shipment and storage. A kerosene soaked rag will remove it, but wash and rinse immediatly after using it. If cosmoline dries on plastic it will discolor it. I had good luck with Goof-Off on the fender flares. The real PIA is the stuff inside the hood and trunk brace. :mad2: It stays in there till hot enuf to melt and run out. A +80MPH run across the Mojave in June made a hell of a mess, but seems to have finally got it all out. GOOD LUCK!! :D
     
  8. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

    May 8, 2009
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    Have you taken some polish (Swirl, etc) and a PC to it?

    I'd suggest talking to Octane Guy or the team at Detailers Paradise. Sure they got someting for you
     
  9. Prima Car Care

    Prima Car Care New Member

    Jul 16, 2009
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    Do you have a photo you could post?

    I would consider TGS91's advice of trying Swirl on it. If I could see a pic though, I could be more specific with advice. Got a pic??

    -Heather
     
  10. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    Speaking about the engine mount, I just noticed mine has failed and barfed the black stuff all over the place...:mad:
    So if I try to use a diluted version of the Simple Green it should work? Ive got a hyper Blue Cooper that is in desperate need of a spa day under the hood, and I have found this thread to be very helpful...

    A
     
  11. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    Sideways, I think Simple Green will work to clean that oil. A regular guy parts cleaner will also work, just make sure to use it lightly, and only on affected areas. I would only use this where SG does not get it off, after letting in soak for 1/2 hour or so. Spray on the SG, then cover with a rag soaked in SG.

    Mark
     
  12. BLUCOOPR

    BLUCOOPR New Member

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    I used coin op when had no other choice and it took the paint off. Also there is no clear coat on the paint and any engine degreaser will take off the paint also. Even a high octance soap will damage the paint under the bonnet.
     
  13. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    Like I say, you have to go easy.

    Mark
    :popcorn:
     
  14. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    Damn!

    Had a mentor session with Mark on this methodology yesterday. Works awesome! I have crossed the threshold of OCD to the next level! :p

    Simple Green was incredible for removing 34K worth of road grime in even a 10:1 concentration. Followed up with some 303 and some chrome polish for the strut brace and I am lookin' mighty fine!
     
  15. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    +1 on the Motor cleaning method...It works AMAZING!!!
    Thanks for the info in the thread...and TOTALLY OCD under the hoon now...
    Not afraid to pop it at the big British Car Show this weekend...
    I just need to get my windscreen replaced now...:cryin:
     
  16. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad Club Coordinator

    May 19, 2009
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    Thanks for the suggestions. I've got some Swirl at home...I'll give this a try. If still no joy I'll post a pic with another query.

    Of course, I see a danger in all of this great advice. My MOCD hasn't really manifested itself yet in the engine compartment. If I manage to get the under-bonnet all clean, shiny, and new-looking I'm afraid a whole new Pandora's Box of possible mods will reveal themselves and make a full scale assault on my wallet. :shocked: :crazy:
     
  17. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    I'd give it a whirl. I'm pretty good at rationalizing pissing some money away on my MINI but I really have not any ideas other than keeping it tidy cause it's pretty darn easy if you keep it up. And....it looks freakin' awesome!

    Go ahead......let it rip.......who needs a life outside of polishing, motoring, reading up on new ways to polish and motor, start cycle again. :eek:ut:
     
  18. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

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    It could be worse...this thread could be how I clean the Underbody and keep it shiny ;)
    [​IMG]
     
  19. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    Now theres a new vista of MINI obsession I had not contemplated................;)
     
  20. versus

    versus Active Member

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