C_WRX

iTrader: (2)

Has anyone cleaned the top mount intercooler before ? More so a newage STi TMIC's.
As happens through time it fades and begins to look a little grubby. Be good to know what products/techniques were used to clean it up and then effectively protect it.

Failing it being able to be cleaned can it be painted safely ?? With what ?

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

I'm interested in this to !
Are the fins aluminum?

AbbasSTI

iTrader: (37)

Anyone????????
I know it is easy enough to straighten the fins but it still looks not so nice

Rich @ PB

iTrader: (3)

There have been several threads posted about this over the last year, many showing the processs with pictures - try searching for threads started by mneame and swisstony. In short, you'll need a strong engine degreaser and a set of detailing brushes to enable access to all of the hard to reach bits. A pressure washer set to low is also very useful, but mind you keep it on low so as not to damage the fins. Suitable products and brushes can be found here...

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...dressings.html

and a generic engine bay cleaning guide here...

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...n-engines.html

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

Rich at PB can supply all you need. Megs Super Degreaser, a spray bottle, chemical spray head (or go for the r222 and it's ready to spray) and various soft brushes. To finish and protect 303 aerospace sealant.

The key is to take your time and repeat the proceedure rather than go heavy handed.

Couple of before and after. I'll try and find a previous thread for the process I use. If not I'll type it up for you

Before:



After:

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

An sti one for you.

C_WRX

iTrader: (2)

The difference on the STi one is much more obvious.
So basically the intercooler can be cleaned the same way the rest, e.g. the manifold, is with degreaser ? Have plenty of required cleaning products it was just what to clean it with that needed to know.
Also, was the red STI writing on the last pic reapplied, just looks very fresh/bright.

If you have the process, more so for the intercooler part, that that would be great.

Ta.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

The way I tackle the engine bay and the IC is:

cover the relevant parts you don't wish to get water in, alternator etc
warm the engine for a few mins - cold engines don't like water. by warming it it'll help the water to evaporate off and not sit in places.
apply the megs super degreaser or similar and leave to dwell for 3 - 5 mins
apply another round of msd and then gently, very gently, aggitate with a long bristle, soft brush
start the engine again and rinse with the open end of a hose or pressure washer on it's lowest pressure settle. don't use full pressure as it'll bend the fins.
repeat until it's as clean as you want it to be.
if you have a compressor, use the air attachment to blow off excess water, if not leave the engine to idle until the water has evaporated off
turn the engine off and mop up water from places where it won't evaporate from or you can't blow it out of
apply 303 and follow instructions for this.

Nope the red wasn't reapplied. The engine was still covered in the protective gunk it comes with from the dealer so had gathered a fair bit of road grime. Cleaning simply removed the grime.

kennyc

iTrader: (1)

Good job on those engine bays!

SirFozzalot

This is my next challenge

Just ordered some 303, when it arrives I will try and find some time to have a go.

PPPRob

Just to add, I did the whole warming up thing and then used P21S or whatever they call it these days and it left a horrible residue on all the rubber hoses. If I were doing it again with that stuff (which is fantastic but expensive IMHO) I'd do the whole job on a cold engine.

Megs seems to not mind about the heat then?

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

How warm did you have the engine? You don't want it warm enough so as to dry the product on contact with hoses. Re application should remove the residue

I used the p21s, now r222, before I started using the megs. Only reason I swapped was because of the cost. Doing a couple of bays a week it bumped the cost up somewhat. Cracking product though.

PPPRob

If I'm honest I'd say heading towards hot rather than warm. From memory, I started approx an hour after a good run which was my mistake I know.

I agree totally with you, if it had been cheaper I'd still be using it now but then I quite like the megs so not too fussed.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

Ah most likely that then. Other thing it may be, was it the first time the bay had been cleaned? Sometimes the protective gunk that the dealer puts on takes a few goes to fully remove and this can dry to a nasty residue.

PPPRob

Correct again. It was an 04 STi and I bought it in 05 with 9k miles so I doubt very much whether anyone had been under there before to clean bits.

All this talk of R222 has got me thinking, I might treat my Noble to a nice squirt of it when I reorder from PB soon

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

mmmmm noble. Take the rear clam right off for uber cleaning access Spec C from here had one (reg V6 NBL iirc - silver with colour coded rear wing) and traded it in / swapped it for his Focus RS. Never did get a go in it.

baz995

iTrader: (8)

I am always worried about water in my engine bay so have never bothered (no doubt my fears are unfounded, but it just dont sound right lol) I always just use microfibre cloths and meguiars rubber/vinyl cleaner and some Goddards metal polish, i have yet to do the I/C, just waiting for a sunny day with some time to myself. I also use brass head rotary bits for my Aldi dremmel rip off :-)

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

This one.

baz995

iTrader: (8)

he traded that for a FOCUS??

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

Nice work.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

Yup. He hardly used it. The focus sees much more use. I think the RS will be up to 400bhp soon

baz995

iTrader: (8)

thanks mate, i do enjoy cleaning it, lol, not sure if i have OCD or not.

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

OCD = Obsessive Cleaning Disorder. Perfectly normal behaviour if you ask me.

PPPRob

I've driven that Had a test drive in it at Castle TVR about a week or so before he bought it. Steve isn't it?

V4JDMSTi

iTrader: (2)

Yup