Engine Detailing Tip/Warning!

Shawn F. · 08-01-2008, 06:55 PM

I have been reading on here about you guys cleaning your engines and dressing them up and thought I'd post some info for you guys.
After cleaning your engine, blow dry everything with an air nozzle and when you go to put some kind of dressing on all of the plastics and hoses do NOT use silicone based dressings. They are NOT good for your sensors and parts in the engine. Use a water based dressing ONLY, these will not harm any sensors or electrical parts. I have seen and heard of people having problems over time with this. GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc have put out warnings about using silicone sprays to dress engines because of sensors going wack.
Thought I'd warn you guys just in case you did not know.

OneLowSdime · 08-01-2008, 07:07 PM

well thank you for the warning........but what products do u personall reccomend

Shawn F. · 08-01-2008, 07:38 PM

All I really recommend is buying a water based dressing. Look at Stoner company: www.moreshine.com
Another is PoorBoys: www.poorboysworld.com
If you want a factory shine: www.autoint.com <-- this is not that shiney, just brings a factory look that is all. Some people do not want shiney engine compartments or tires. Looks like you are hiding something when you go to sell a car or such IMO.

Wrkn prgs · 08-03-2008, 02:14 PM

What can I buy at the local auto parts store?

***Wicked Mayhem*** · 08-03-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Wrkn prgs

What can I buy at the local auto parts store?

i used armor all. check out notadimes thread i put up pics in it.

Shawn F. · 08-03-2008, 04:21 PM

I do not use anything from auto parts stores so not sure what to tell you there. Since I detail for a living I buy all my products in huge bulk and from companies. Armor All I do not recommend, it's not good for vinyl and things like your dash, door panels, etc. Armor All is good for tires only, and yes I know they have interior wipes and such but it's pretty much Armor All in the wipe instead of having to spray it on the panel and wipe. Go to the auto parts place and look for a water based dressing NOT silicone.

beandip · 08-03-2008, 04:28 PM

last time i checked Armor All is water based

Shawn F. · 08-03-2008, 04:45 PM

In the 1970's when it was first introduced,without constant re-application it caused the padded dashes to crack/deteriorate when exposed to UV rays. The formula has been changed but still not perfect and therefore I wont use it. One example is black interior and dashes. Over time it will turn it grey. Don't believe me, use it and try it. After a while you will see. Some people are so stubborn, they dont want to believe something so they have to find out the hard way, that is why I said that.
Also, Armor All is sticky and attracts dirt like crazy. Find a good professional detailers dressing and it will not attract dirt such as Armor All and thick silicone tire dressings.

beandip · 08-03-2008, 04:50 PM

I have been using it for 3 years no problems, i re-apply it every week. i used that turtle wax ice (i think that is what its called) and my dash looked dull.

but what do you recommend? i dont mind changing to something else as long as i know its good.

Shawn F. · 08-03-2008, 04:59 PM

My father used to use Armor All all the time as well on his grey interior and never had a problem, I did notice the black radiator shroud fading to grey though. He uses it still I think and doesn't have a problem but I have seen and had problems on my own. I've had blue interior fade on me from it and leave dots. Do half of a dash for a few months and see if you can tell the difference.
As for what to use here are a few good ones.
http://www.stonersolutions.com/ <- Their tire shine, interior dressing and glass cleaner is great.
http://poorboysworld.com/<- they make great products too. Their wheel protectant is awesome, especially if you have bad brake dust problems like Mercedes and BMW's have. Clean your wheels very good first (with non acid cleaner) and then apply this. Next time your wheels get dirty hit them with a hose and the dirt comes right off.
www.autoint.com <- Great products here as well, their tire shine is not very shiney, its for people that like the tire to look new but not glossy.

beandip · 08-03-2008, 05:06 PM

well, i have used armor all for 3 YEARS, inside, and in the engine compartment. yeah maybe the used to have that problem with cracking but if they still did i would believe i would know about now, also my dash is still soft if i push my finger on it but that probably doesnt mean anything

but i will try out those products you posted.

also invisible glass + newspaper = awesome!

Shawn F. · 08-03-2008, 05:36 PM

Yes Invisible Glass works great, try out Towel Pro's towels, their micro towels help a lot for doing glass and wiping down wax, easier to get the streaks out. I hate cleaning glass too, this makes it much easier though.

NotaDime · 08-08-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn F.

do NOT use silicone based dressings. They are NOT good for your sensors and parts in the engine.

Use a water based dressing ONLY, these will not harm any sensors or electrical parts.

well actually any type of liquid is NOT good for anything electrical.

the less the better.

Quote: Originally Posted by beandip

last time i checked Armor All is water based

^^^ INCORRECT!
this information is directly off of armor all's website:

"Armor All® Original Shine Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions"

***orangesonoma*** · 08-08-2008, 10:02 PM

i give my motor mud baths..it looks great

oh that was a year or so ago...it looks worse now...lol

Shawn F. · 08-08-2008, 10:04 PM

Yes any liquid is no good but silicone based is not good for the sensors. It will cause faulty sensors and bring up an engine code.

NotaDime · 08-08-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by orangesonoma

i give my motor mud baths..it looks great

***orangesonoma*** · 08-08-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn F.

Yes any liquid is no good but silicone based is not good for the sensors. It will cause faulty sensors and bring up an engine code.

i dont know about that... i have been using armerall for a long time to clean up my motors and hoses...and i never had a issue...and you should see what the dealers do to motors to spruce them up..lol

Shawn F. · 08-08-2008, 10:43 PM

Like I said, it may be fine on some but just be careful. It's your engines, do whatever the hell you want I don't care. Just warning you that's all.

***orangesonoma*** · 08-09-2008, 10:18 AM

well silicone is conductive so i can see your point but i think you would have to soak the sensors...i spray it on then wipe it off

randomtwinkie · 08-09-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by orangesonoma

...i spray it on then wipe it off

...i don't know about you, but i just take a big ole 5gal bucket of the stuff...

now i'm reminded about my engine...:/ i need to go spruce it up a bit

OBrienChevSuper10 · 08-11-2008, 12:42 PM

Im not sure if stinger (professional auto detailer brand) sells to the public but they're what we use at work (I detail also) and they have an interior shine that i find works great. It's called Pearl White. It leaves everything really shiny but not slick or sticky at all. Also smells like Pina Colada so thats nice haha. I dont personally use it in engine but then again we dont ever shine an engine comp and i dont do mine but from what it does on interior i love it and would assume it would work just as well.

http://www.stingerchemicals.com/

Check em out they sell alot of stuff for detailing and prices seem pretty fair for professional stuff.

rockyroad217 · 08-11-2008, 10:02 PM

i have friends that believe the armor all myths too..just like fram oil filters are made of paper and clog up your motor, or that throttle body spacers add extra power and a cool whistle noise(at least they got that part right)

BarelyGettinBy · 08-11-2008, 10:18 PM

We sale products in bulk to car dealerships and detail shops and they all seem to like this stufff called Red Flag from Warsaw Chemical. Its silicone based but it puts store but tires dressings to shame

NotaDime · 08-15-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JSamsS10

Its silicone based but it puts store but tire dressings to shame

bought*

08-01-2008, 06:55 PM	#1
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! I have been reading on here about you guys cleaning your engines and dressing them up and thought I'd post some info for you guys. After cleaning your engine, blow dry everything with an air nozzle and when you go to put some kind of dressing on all of the plastics and hoses do NOT use silicone based dressings. They are NOT good for your sensors and parts in the engine. Use a water based dressing ONLY, these will not harm any sensors or electrical parts. I have seen and heard of people having problems over time with this. GM, Ford, Chrysler, etc have put out warnings about using silicone sprays to dress engines because of sensors going wack. Thought I'd warn you guys just in case you did not know.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-01-2008, 07:07 PM	#2
OneLowSdime I SHIT BRICKS Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,093 Location: Oshkosh WI 54901 User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! well thank you for the warning........but what products do u personall reccomend
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-01-2008, 07:38 PM	#3
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! All I really recommend is buying a water based dressing. Look at Stoner company: www.moreshine.com Another is PoorBoys: www.poorboysworld.com If you want a factory shine: www.autoint.com <-- this is not that shiney, just brings a factory look that is all. Some people do not want shiney engine compartments or tires. Looks like you are hiding something when you go to sell a car or such IMO.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 02:14 PM	#4
Wrkn prgs Useless posting member Age: 20 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 8,736 Location: Conover, Oh User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! What can I buy at the local auto parts store?
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 02:18 PM	#5
*Wicked Mayhem* Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 16,350 Location: :noitacoL User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by Wrkn prgs What can I buy at the local auto parts store? i used armor all. check out notadimes thread i put up pics in it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 04:21 PM	#6
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! I do not use anything from auto parts stores so not sure what to tell you there. Since I detail for a living I buy all my products in huge bulk and from companies. Armor All I do not recommend, it's not good for vinyl and things like your dash, door panels, etc. Armor All is good for tires only, and yes I know they have interior wipes and such but it's pretty much Armor All in the wipe instead of having to spray it on the panel and wipe. Go to the auto parts place and look for a water based dressing NOT silicone.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 04:28 PM	#7
beandip I'm Back!! Age: 21 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,991 Location: Somewhere, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! last time i checked Armor All is water based
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 04:45 PM	#8
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! In the 1970's when it was first introduced,without constant re-application it caused the padded dashes to crack/deteriorate when exposed to UV rays. The formula has been changed but still not perfect and therefore I wont use it. One example is black interior and dashes. Over time it will turn it grey. Don't believe me, use it and try it. After a while you will see. Some people are so stubborn, they dont want to believe something so they have to find out the hard way, that is why I said that. Also, Armor All is sticky and attracts dirt like crazy. Find a good professional detailers dressing and it will not attract dirt such as Armor All and thick silicone tire dressings.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 04:50 PM	#9
beandip I'm Back!! Age: 21 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,991 Location: Somewhere, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! I have been using it for 3 years no problems, i re-apply it every week. i used that turtle wax ice (i think that is what its called) and my dash looked dull. but what do you recommend? i dont mind changing to something else as long as i know its good. Last edited by beandip : 08-03-2008 at 04:52 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 04:59 PM	#10
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! My father used to use Armor All all the time as well on his grey interior and never had a problem, I did notice the black radiator shroud fading to grey though. He uses it still I think and doesn't have a problem but I have seen and had problems on my own. I've had blue interior fade on me from it and leave dots. Do half of a dash for a few months and see if you can tell the difference. As for what to use here are a few good ones. http://www.stonersolutions.com/ <- Their tire shine, interior dressing and glass cleaner is great. http://poorboysworld.com/<- they make great products too. Their wheel protectant is awesome, especially if you have bad brake dust problems like Mercedes and BMW's have. Clean your wheels very good first (with non acid cleaner) and then apply this. Next time your wheels get dirty hit them with a hose and the dirt comes right off. www.autoint.com <- Great products here as well, their tire shine is not very shiney, its for people that like the tire to look new but not glossy.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 05:06 PM	#11
beandip I'm Back!! Age: 21 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,991 Location: Somewhere, OK User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! well, i have used armor all for 3 YEARS, inside, and in the engine compartment. yeah maybe the used to have that problem with cracking but if they still did i would believe i would know about now, also my dash is still soft if i push my finger on it but that probably doesnt mean anything but i will try out those products you posted. also invisible glass + newspaper = awesome! Last edited by beandip : 08-03-2008 at 05:09 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-03-2008, 05:36 PM	#12
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Yes Invisible Glass works great, try out Towel Pro's towels, their micro towels help a lot for doing glass and wiping down wax, easier to get the streaks out. I hate cleaning glass too, this makes it much easier though.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 09:58 PM	#13
NotaDime UN-BANNED B!TCHES!!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,335 Location: Home. User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn F. do NOT use silicone based dressings. They are NOT good for your sensors and parts in the engine. Use a water based dressing ONLY, these will not harm any sensors or electrical parts. well actually any type of liquid is NOT good for anything electrical. the less the better. Quote: Originally Posted by beandip last time i checked Armor All is water based ^^^ INCORRECT! this information is directly off of armor all's website: "Armor All® Original Shine Protectant contains water-based silicone emulsions"
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 10:02 PM	#14
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! i give my motor mud baths..it looks great oh that was a year or so ago...it looks worse now...lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 10:04 PM	#15
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Yes any liquid is no good but silicone based is not good for the sensors. It will cause faulty sensors and bring up an engine code.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 10:06 PM	#16
NotaDime UN-BANNED B!TCHES!!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,335 Location: Home. User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by orangesonoma i give my motor mud baths..it looks great
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 10:12 PM	#17
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by Shawn F. Yes any liquid is no good but silicone based is not good for the sensors. It will cause faulty sensors and bring up an engine code. i dont know about that... i have been using armerall for a long time to clean up my motors and hoses...and i never had a issue...and you should see what the dealers do to motors to spruce them up..lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-08-2008, 10:43 PM	#18
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Like I said, it may be fine on some but just be careful. It's your engines, do whatever the hell you want I don't care. Just warning you that's all.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-09-2008, 10:18 AM	#19
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,856 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! well silicone is conductive so i can see your point but i think you would have to soak the sensors...i spray it on then wipe it off
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-09-2008, 04:25 PM	#20
randomtwinkie Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 156 Location: Wichita, Ks User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by orangesonoma ...i spray it on then wipe it off ...i don't know about you, but i just take a big ole 5gal bucket of the stuff... now i'm reminded about my engine...:/ i need to go spruce it up a bit
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 12:42 PM	#21
OBrienChevSuper10 No More Chrome Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Midland, MI/Hastings, MN User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Im not sure if stinger (professional auto detailer brand) sells to the public but they're what we use at work (I detail also) and they have an interior shine that i find works great. It's called Pearl White. It leaves everything really shiny but not slick or sticky at all. Also smells like Pina Colada so thats nice haha. I dont personally use it in engine but then again we dont ever shine an engine comp and i dont do mine but from what it does on interior i love it and would assume it would work just as well. http://www.stingerchemicals.com/ Check em out they sell alot of stuff for detailing and prices seem pretty fair for professional stuff.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 10:02 PM	#22
rockyroad217 got me some 20s Age: 22 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3,945 Location: Pine Bluff, AR User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! i have friends that believe the armor all myths too..just like fram oil filters are made of paper and clog up your motor, or that throttle body spacers add extra power and a cool whistle noise(at least they got that part right)
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-11-2008, 10:18 PM	#23
BarelyGettinBy Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,359 Location: London Ky User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! We sale products in bulk to car dealerships and detail shops and they all seem to like this stufff called Red Flag from Warsaw Chemical. Its silicone based but it puts store but tires dressings to shame
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-15-2008, 01:04 PM	#24
NotaDime UN-BANNED B!TCHES!!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,335 Location: Home. User is: OffLine	Re: Engine Detailing Tip/Warning! Quote: Originally Posted by JSamsS10 Its silicone based but it puts store but* tire dressings to shame* bought*
	[Reply w/Quote]