[zzzbullseye]

I have a scheduled maintenance appointment this week at the dealer so I thought I would detail the engine bay beforehand. I wanted the dealer to know who they're dealing with...

[HifiSyd]

Nice work and good call! I might have to steal that idea before my next visit to the dealer!

[2ndname]

That's a good idea actually. Show them that we actually open and view the engine bay, don't do shitty work!

[SilverII]

wow

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by HifiSyd

Nice work and good call! I might have to steal that idea before my next visit to the dealer!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by 2ndname

That's a good idea actually. Show them that we actually open and view the engine bay, don't do shitty work!

Exactly the point!

Originally Posted by SilverII

wow

Only takes about 30-45 minutes to do...

[nycbr]

I always wash my car before having it serviced. Maybe if the mechanic sees the car is well kept they will do the same. It also lets me see if they damaged anything

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by nycbr

I always wash my car before having it serviced. Maybe if the mechanic sees the car is well kept they will do the same. It also lets me see if they damaged anything

I'd like to believe the mechanics are conscientious, and most probably are, but a little visual reinforcement about proper exterior and interior maintenance never hurts.

[R 4 5 T 4 M 4 N]

they don't care, they will do the same shitty job they usually do. The finger prints and grease smears will be all the more noticeable now.

[raceyBMW]

Nice Job! And always tell the dealer to never put your car through the car wash if they offer that service, when they do it always comes back with scratches.

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by R 4 5 T 4 M 4 N

they don't care, they will do the same shitty job they usually do. The finger prints and grease smears will be all the more noticeable now.

Absolutes and broad brush strokes...how refreshing!

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

Nice Job! And always tell the dealer to never put your car through the car wash if they offer that service, when they do it always comes back with scratches.

Yep. I don't even have to say anything anymore, my SA just puts a "do not wash" note on the dash.

[Motastic]

what did you use to clean it. I need to clena mine its filthy, im just scared sine I have CP, BOV, and STETT CAI

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by Motastic

what did you use to clean it. I need to clena mine its filthy, im just scared sine I have CP, BOV, and STETT CAI

Check out this DIY from the Detailed Image website. Awesome info to be had here.

The only thing I do in addition to prepare, is cover the alternator with a plastic bag for protection. I would use this technique for any additional component of concern.

The most important thing to remember is to not use a jet of water to rinse! You want to use a mist or shower setting on your sprayer. As long as you abide by this, you should have no issues.

I use the P21S Total Auto Wash as discussed in the DIY for cleaning, and the 303 Aerospace Protectant for dressing the hoses and vinyl/plastic parts.

[TClev]

Does the 303 Aerospace collect dirt and dust the way an other protectant such as Armor All would?

[cvc 22349a]

^ yes it does devil dog

[TClev]

Thanks for the heads up cvc 22349a, I'll avoid using that in my engine bay.

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by TClev

Does the 303 Aerospace collect dirt and dust the way an other protectant such as Armor All would?

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

^ yes it does devil dog

I have not experienced any undue dirt attraction using the 303, if anything it helps repel the dirt. The key is not to over apply. I use a MF towel to buff/remove any excess product.

[rogerdiaz]

Originally Posted by zzzbullseye

Check out this DIY from the Detailed Image website. Awesome info to be had here.

The only thing I do in addition to prepare, is cover the alternator with a plastic bag for protection. I would use this technique for any additional component of concern.

The most important thing to remember is to not use a jet of water to rinse! You want to use a mist or shower setting on your sprayer. As long as you abide by this, you should have no issues.

I use the P21S Total Auto Wash as discussed in the DIY for cleaning, and the 303 Aerospace Protectant for dressing the hoses and vinyl/plastic parts.

Looks great.

Where is the alternator? Do we have to cover catalytic convertor? Any pics

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by rogerdiaz

Looks great.

Where is the alternator? Do we have to cover catalytic convertor? Any pics

No to the catalytic convertor. In the pic below, my index finger is pointing at the alternator. You should be able to pick it out, it's underneath the black cold air intake, and it has copper coils visible through the housing.

[rogerdiaz]

cool my car still works after cleaning the engine bay with degreaser and light water spray. barely covered the alternator with foil. There is a foamy type piece under the hood. Can that be washed? or remove first and then clean under hood metal?

[raceyBMW]

No, don't wash the hood insulator, when it gets wet it will sag and then not fit right anymore. I probably wouldn't wash it off the car either.

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

No, don't wash the hood insulator, when it gets wet it will sag and then not fit right anymore. I probably wouldn't wash it off the car either.

While I don't have any insulation on the underneath side of my hood, I agree with racey's advice. I would remove it while washing the hood if possible.