[VaevictisAsmadi]

Lets face it, the engine bay will get dirty no matter what.

Obvious point aside, what do you guys recommend on cleaning/detailing the engine bay?

The plastics in particular if not taken care of, has that faded, old look to it and even if the plastic is actually clean of any dirt or grease, the old dried look is unattractive.

For V12 owners: what do you use to keep those V12 manifolds nice and clean? I cant really think of any way to make them shiny (not polished shiny mind you, just clean)

Benzworld brothers, help a fella turn his engine bay from this:

To this:

Let this thread be a discussion that will benefit all 140 owners regardless of engine configuration

 

[Locry]

The plastics do tend to fade... it's not dirt... it's the plastic itself drying out. For that shiny black plastic look, although temporary, apply some sort of plastic conditioner. It'll be oily to the touch, so dirt will eventually build up. Just wipe it once every 2 weeks or so.

 

[Merc-S600]

I know how to clean a V8 engine and make it come up like that ,yes no problem but a V12 with all those expensive connectors etc ,i' be to scared to poor water over it , the only way i would start cleaning that would be with a watersprayer a spunge ,paintbrush & toothbrushes maybe even just hot steam to loosen the harden'd dirt .
I wish you luck & be carfull on where you add the water on that beast .:thumbsup:

Something like this should do the trick without doing any damage to your engine compartments wires,connectors rotors etc etc ,,,,etc .
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/KENWOOD-...597181?pt=AU_Housekeeping&hash=item337c96e9fd etc etc .....
This machine is also good for your carpets inside the car .

 

[the benz 1-90]

I own the V8 version and I have found a simple way to keep it relatively clean. Every time you wash it, take one of the damp towels and wipe down the whole engine and take off the dirt. If you wash your car every 2-3 weeks like I do, it will keep the dirt from building up to the point of where u need water/cleaner.

 

[trikertomsk]

A paint stripper style heatgun is good for getting a shine back onto plastics ,bumpers etc ,obviously dont get too close

 

[MBCL]

I use a wet/damp cloth, a toothbrush and an air compressor.
You can really spend days on this, so you got to figure out what is clean enough for you.
MBCL

 

[lcmlee]

I have seen a few great write ups in the Detailing and Car Care forum.

Detailing and Car Care - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

 

[nhzruthless818]

The reason the v12 valve covers look dirty is because they have a coating of something that flakes off. but the plastics need to be cleaned with plastic protector(armor all) there is also something auto detailers use that restore faded plastics will let you know the name when i ask my cousin. take those valve covers off take it to sand blasting and have them polish it will look nice/unique.

 

[magna steyr 210.282]

 

[VaevictisAsmadi]

Steam cleaning a V12 engine bay sounds like a recipe for disaster

 

[Jre32]

Steam cleaning the engine compartment

The video makes this look so easy and effective. In fact I have done just this with the engine compartment in US made cars for years with good results. When I bought my 97 SL320 the car was well maintained as far as the cars exterior and interior but the engine compartment was fairly dirty by my standards. I read the posts that warned me about getting electrical components wet so I used plastic and duct tape to protect the major components. With this precaution in place I proceeded to high pressure clean the engine compartment. Yes it got clean but I also got to see my CEL in action. Never again will I make this mistake with a Mercedes. Not worth the risk - take the time and do it right.

 

[Merc-S600]

Take a peep in this link & see what you think about Diesel ,i found it to be very effective ,just that it makes a lot of smoke for a while (exellent to prank other motorist's on the road ) until it outsmokes itself & a bit of smell might enter the cabin,give or take for half an hour or so but the result is awesome in the end .
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/1629481-method-cleaning-engine-safe.html