Cleaning under the bonnet

Rich in Vancouver · 14th April 2020, 05:28

What products and methods have members used to good effect to remove the grime that accumulates on the underside of the bonnet and the other painted bits in the engine compartment? This black deposit is baked on and I would like to clean it off without ruining the paint, and without spending day upon day scrubbing if possible. I don't have access to a steam cleaner and would prefer not to use Gunk spray or similar as I don't have a suitable run-off area for the disgusting mess that cleaner creates.
When I did the front compartment (Frunk? Froot?) on my MGF I used cut polish but not having an engine there it wasn't as bad as the ZT.
Any ideas appreciated!

Les4048 · 14th April 2020, 05:39

You could try a foam cleaner like the Premier Industrial one I use sadly not available to non-trade but others are available. Just spray on leave for a while and wipe off

AndyN01 · 14th April 2020, 07:48

The only ones I know need washing off which isn't going to work for you.

These guys are your side of the pond and may be able to offer some suggestions.

https://www.autogeek.net/

Their shipping rates might be too high but at least you may find a product that'll work for you.

Good Luck.

Andy.

Rich in Vancouver · 14th April 2020, 15:04

Thanks! Ièll check them out.

Nobby · 16th April 2020, 17:46

Depends on how bad it's baked on. You could try WD40 as a pretty good cleaner which also softens up the grime and lots of old cotton towelling or rags and then follow up with some light cutting paste. needs a good bit of elbow grease too

Falcon Flyer · 19th May 2020, 17:47

Anyone got any suggestions as how to clean the black soundproofing? I was going to sponge it, but I think it needs 're-blacking' somehow. Fabric paint??

14th April 2020, 05:28	#1
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 849 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	Cleaning under the bonnet What products and methods have members used to good effect to remove the grime that accumulates on the underside of the bonnet and the other painted bits in the engine compartment? This black deposit is baked on and I would like to clean it off without ruining the paint, and without spending day upon day scrubbing if possible. I don't have access to a steam cleaner and would prefer not to use Gunk spray or similar as I don't have a suitable run-off area for the disgusting mess that cleaner creates. When I did the front compartment (Frunk? Froot?) on my MGF I used cut polish but not having an engine there it wasn't as bad as the ZT. Any ideas appreciated! __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021

14th April 2020, 15:04	#4
Rich in Vancouver Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: White Rock, BC on Canada's Pacific Coast Posts: 849 Thanks: 338 Thanked 367 Times in 210 Posts	Thanks! Ièll check them out. __________________ ZT-T190, Anthracite, LHD, Left the Line on June 24, 2002, Sold new in Switzerland, spent time in Germany, Imported to Canada in September 2021

16th April 2020, 17:46	#5
Nobby Aged to perfection! Rover 75 Conn SE Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Princes Risborough Posts: 639 Thanks: 405 Thanked 423 Times in 226 Posts	Depends on how bad it's baked on. You could try WD40 as a pretty good cleaner which also softens up the grime and lots of old cotton towelling or rags and then follow up with some light cutting paste. needs a good bit of elbow grease too __________________ Nobby....... Sometimes I talk to myself, Then we both LAUGH!

19th May 2020, 17:47	#6
Falcon Flyer Gets stuck in R75 CDTi Auto Conn SE Mk1 Saloon Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Crowthorne, Berkshire Posts: 665 Thanks: 190 Thanked 64 Times in 54 Posts	Under bonnet soundproofing Anyone got any suggestions as how to clean the black soundproofing? I was going to sponge it, but I think it needs 're-blacking' somehow. Fabric paint?? __________________ The only 75 with a non-factory fitted, factory fitted sunroof!!!!

14th April 2020, 05:39	#2
Les4048 This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer/ MG ZT-T 400 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lhanbryde Posts: 3,277 Thanks: 2,627 Thanked 1,523 Times in 869 Posts	You could try a foam cleaner like the Premier Industrial one I use sadly not available to non-trade but others are available. Just spray on leave for a while and wipe off

14th April 2020, 07:48	#3
AndyN01 This is my second home Toyota RAV4 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Tamworth Posts: 3,070 Thanks: 2,478 Thanked 1,579 Times in 968 Posts	The only ones I know need washing off which isn't going to work for you. These guys are your side of the pond and may be able to offer some suggestions. https://www.autogeek.net/ Their shipping rates might be too high but at least you may find a product that'll work for you. Good Luck. Andy.