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I want a clean and presentable engine on my 01 S-type. Any suggestions on what I should use for cleaning? Any 'do not's? Did anyone chrome any part/s of it? Can you post photos? Thanks
Do not use water, do not disturb anything mechanically or electrically.
You risk a nightmare.
I'd spend the same time making sure it's maintained (e.g. replace hoses, worry about vacuum lines, use OBD extensively, study the forum posts for ideas).
Like a feline's posterior. I believe our American friends use a somewhat more earthy expression for this level of cleanliness.
As posted above, avoid water anywhere near electrics or you will certainly regret it. Wrap anything you need to keep dry in aluminium foil or clingfilm before applying any product. I use an 'orange degreaser' (biodegradeable and solvent free cleaner) in a spray bottle and then clean off the dirt with paper towel. Here's an example although there are many types available:
I'm not a fanatic when it comes to engine compartment cleaning but I like it to appear as if someone has actually looked in there since it left the factory.
Give the car an ORS. If anyone asks what ORS means you tell them it is ‘original specification service’. Actually it means ‘oily rag service’ but you never tell a customer that. Get one clean rag nice and oily and wipe everything under the bonnet with it to make things look shiny and clean without risking water ingress.
Thank you all for the advice. I started with an oily rag to be safe. Then, I saw that the plastic cover that needs cleaning, and it just came off with very little resistance. Underneath the cover looks like it is supposed to attach to something, but there is nothing there to attach to. Is this how it should be? It is a 2001 S-Type.
plastic cover Are these supposed to attach somewhere?
Also, I think I would like to paint the cover red. Comments? Do I need a high temp paint?
They are supposed to press onto the centre bolts for the cam covers that have extensions. It appears someone has put the bolts in the wrong positions on the cam cover.
If you are painting the cam cover(s), use engine or high heat paint.
How clean is your engine?
