Engine cleaning

wormdoggy

Enthusiast
Joined
May 12, 2005
Posts
785
Reaction score
0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
What do you guys use to clean some of your engine components. I don't mean engine shampoo...... I am noticing some oxidization on the Viper logo ( valve covers ) and I can't seem to remove the oxidization. A person recommended that I get fine fine sand paper and just sand it down..............ouch!



Cheers
 

95Viper

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 1, 2002
Posts
1,510
Reaction score
0
Location
Phoenix
Simple Green on engine but it won't clean the Viper on the valve covers on a gen1-2. Extremely fine like 2000 grit, wet sandpaper, block of wood, masking tape just to be safe on red paint, makes them look new in 15 minutes.

I don't know if gen3's are painted or not.
 

29OUTLAW

Viper Owner
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Posts
767
Reaction score
0
Location
Solomons Island, Md.
If sand paper is too scary for you to use on those valve covers, then try some steel wool. I have a 40' aluminum boat trailer. I take steel wool to it every year. Makes that aluminum shine almost like stainless. Have to rub with the grain though.
 

29OUTLAW

Viper Owner
Joined
Oct 18, 2004
Posts
767
Reaction score
0
Location
Solomons Island, Md.
Steel Wool will scruff the paint. Do as 95 Viper suggested.

Correct that steel wool will trash the paint on the valve covers but I only suggested that it be used on the “raised” portion (the letters) and not the painted valve covers themselves.

Either way, I think sand paper or steel wool will give you the results you need. Regardless of what you decide, you have to “go with the grain” of the aluminum.
 
OP
OP
W

wormdoggy

Enthusiast
Joined
May 12, 2005
Posts
785
Reaction score
0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
Thanks for the tip guys. On a different note but similar topic, has anyone purchased stainless steel valve cover replacements like these. I love the way they look but I am curious as to the adhesion and heat of the engine??????????

Does anyone have a picture of them installed?

http://www.vipertrim.com/srt_RW9516.html
 

Skip White

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 15, 2001
Posts
867
Reaction score
1
Location
Kingsport TN
Never wash engine when hot, warm is ok. Never use soap unless engine is very cool, and rinsing well is a must.

Never spray engine gunk cleaner on these engines. Much to harsh.

Never spray directly into alternator.

Never hold wand to close to painted surface on engine.

Never hold wand to close to hood pad, as it will destroy it with ease. At least three feet away from this item.

Never spray directly onto extremely hot exhaust, as this could crack them, even headers can crack. Mist them with water first to cool them gradually.

Never wash engine and not finish up with the car, as nasty oily residue will be all over convertable top and glass.

If the car wash has spot free rinse, use it as water spots are really bad about staining aluminum.

Dry most of the engine off as to prevent spotting.

Do not wash the engine on a regular basis. This is just not a good thing to do. To many problems. Once every 6 months or year. Blow it off with a blow nozzle.

The above IMO
 

95Viper

Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 1, 2002
Posts
1,510
Reaction score
0
Location
Phoenix
The reason I'd stick to the sandpaper over steel wool is you can control the sandpaper when wrapped around a block of wood. If you move the block over the letters, you can keep the sandpaper off the red paint. With wool, it might be easy to slip onto the red.

Reminder, get a rediculously how grit paper though, like 2000 wet.
 

Bratatatat

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 17, 2005
Posts
137
Reaction score
0
Location
Calgary, AB
Opps ... when cleaning the Viper logo I was a bit too aggressive and took off a small bit of the red paint ... does anyone know if you can touch it up? If so, do you know the paint code?

Cheers
 

rleminv

Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 29, 2005
Posts
234
Reaction score
0
WHOA! Before anyone tries any abrasives on any metal parts for your car, please take the time to try the following.

Go to the nearest Harley dealer or Chopper Shop and pick up some Extreme or Nevr-Dull wadding polish. It is cotton impregnated with chemicals. I just went out to my SRT and verified it will not effect the paint. New car no oxidation to try it on. However, I live about a mile from the coast and use it all the time on my custom bike or street rod polished aluminum billet parts. Please try it before giving up and going the abrasive way. Just trying to help.
 
OP
OP
W

wormdoggy

Enthusiast
Joined
May 12, 2005
Posts
785
Reaction score
0
Location
Toronto, Ontario
WHOA! Before anyone tries any abrasives on any metal parts for your car, please take the time to try the following.

Go to the nearest Harley dealer or Chopper Shop and pick up some Extreme or Nevr-Dull wadding polish. It is cotton impregnated with chemicals. I just went out to my SRT and verified it will not effect the paint. New car no oxidation to try it on. However, I live about a mile from the coast and use it all the time on my custom bike or street rod polished aluminum billet parts. Please try it before giving up and going the abrasive way. Just trying to help.

Actually, I got the same stuff from a harley dealer and the stuff works great!!!! :2tu:
 
Top