Engine bay cleaning

[n/a]

Hello all. Some advice please. I would like to make my engine bay presentable without damaging its contents. I'm looking at years of grime and build-up on all surfaces and thinking my choices are spray solvents, steam or careful powerwash.

Please advise on the best methods, precautions, dangers, after-care (lubrication, drying, etc) and any thoughts.

thanks in advance!!

[66andBlue]

Welcome to the group DUBL07.
Take a look at some of the past discussions and check whether these answer your questions.
http://sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=1293+bay+detail
http://sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=111+compartment+cleaning
http://sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=683
http://sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=3328
http://sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=4155
You can also use the search function (on the top left of the page) to look for more specific aspects.
And by the way, it doesn't matter whether you shake or stir those cleaning solutions, just use enough of it!  

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[n/a]

Thanks so much for the response. Thank-you for so kindly pointing me in the right direction to past posts. I know you would have rather said - "try a simple search, novice one!!" I am just geting use to terminology and the organization of the web-site so I was taking the path a least resistance.

Thanks for the welcome... after months of research and negotiating with my wife (2 months from having her first child and about to move into newly built house - where are your priorities Chris?)I just purchased a 1970 280 with a recently rebuilt engine. Work to be done:

- Trunk has surface rust on floor pan (contemplating scrapping and wire brushing or just cutting and replacing)

- both floor pans have rusted through

- next 24 months, new paint and interior.

I gambled that the lack of rust anywhere else (rails, wheel-wells, etc.) and the rebuilt engine will make this project worth-while.

THanks again for the exellent advice and for all the future advice.

Chris in Central CT

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by DUBL07

Please advise on the best methods, precautions, dangers, after-care (lubrication, drying, etc) and any thoughts.

Sorry, no experience doing that on these old cars, but the links provided look like a good place to start.

quote:Originally posted by DUBL07

Thanks for the welcome... after months of research and negotiating with my wife (2 months from having her first child and about to move into newly built house - where are your priorities Chris?)I just purchased a 1970 280 with a recently rebuilt engine.

Wow, that's when most people sell their SL!  Congratulations!

quote:Originally posted by DUBL07

I gambled that the lack of rust anywhere else (rails, wheel-wells, etc.) and the rebuilt engine will make this project worth-while.

Big gamble, as rust can hide (or, be hidden) many places.  Here's a few places to check (you may have already):
- Fuel tank.  Do a search here for "tank tour".
- Front fenders.  Feel up from the wheel well to the flat ledge up under the fender.  Wear a glove the first time, don't need to get cut by rusty metal!
- Headlight buckets.  Remove the headlights, not difficult.  Also, look from behind in the wheel well.  Poke with screwdriver.
- Firewall box section.  Search for "firewall rust" or such.

Best of luck to you.  If you've already accepted replacing some floor and trunk panels then rust problems must not intimidate you much.  Fix her up and enjoy the "new" car!  There's a lot of other members in the NY, CT, MA area, so you'll have fun going to Pagoda events in your area.  Here's one in VA that's a bit of a long drive, but would be a great benefit to you:
http://index.php?topic=5897

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420