We've listed the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT for sale and have only gotten two calls and no buyers. Last time I blogged about this someone left a comment that said something like, "Why don't you supposed 'car guys' ever wipe down the engine compartment? I do that to my car every three weeks."
Even though someone else responded to this comment by calling the three-week cleaning, "sick," I took the comment to heart. And went to work.
Using some spray shine/cleaner and a wet rag, the result was very satisfying. To see the "after" picture, please turn to the next page.
The hardest part was making myself stop working on it. There are so many little nooks and crannies that you could work on this for hours and still find a spot you missed. Still, the general impression is much better.
jeepsrt says:
01:26 PM, 12/16/09
Looks good, I do this every couple of weeks on my Jeep as well, I can't stand it being dirty.
cr_driver says:
01:34 PM, 12/16/09
About time kiddo.
relyt says:
01:45 PM, 12/16/09
It's a lot easier to keep a plastic engine cover clean than it is to clean an actual engine. You could probably remove it and run it through the dishwasher if you wanted.
nealibob says:
01:50 PM, 12/16/09
Just don't use something that leaves a residue, as it will quickly become even dirtier than before. Water and a rag is the way to go.
crowb says:
02:06 PM, 12/16/09
nealibob is right. A damp rag and a little simple green. I do this every month or so. But I usually just do broad strokes. I leave the nooks and crannies alone. Ignore them or risk madness. The interior of the car is a different story.
roadburner says:
03:45 PM, 12/16/09
This job took me @30 minutes:
http://www.carspace.com/roadburner/Albums/B7/IMG_0613.JPG
the_big_al says:
04:16 PM, 12/16/09
hmmm... A little bit of degreaser (I use Orange something or other) sprayed all over the engine, let it soak for a couple of minutes and a sprayer, not too high pressure, and hose it off. Cleans off pretty good. Good enough for me anyway. I don't need it shiny and an armorall shine to it.
bkochuk says:
04:59 PM, 12/16/09
I'll wash my car every week or more. The interior gets a once over every couple of weeks. But the engine? It never crosses my mind...
redwoodaggie says:
07:19 PM, 12/16/09
I wipe down under the hood whenever I wash my car (2-3 weeks typically).
slickersdrip says:
08:42 PM, 12/16/09
Jeebus, roadburner. You have an Alpina?
slickersdrip says:
08:44 PM, 12/16/09
Jeebus, roadburner. You have an Alpina?
slickersdrip says:
08:45 PM, 12/16/09
Also, this is how I usually keep my engine bay... usually just wash it along with the rest of the car:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/TheModestWizard/UpdatedEngineBay006.jpg
roadburner says:
05:35 AM, 12/17/09
"Jeebus, roadburner. You have an Alpina?"
I wish; it was actually a press loaner. The B7 was an amazing drive- it even survived a couple of hours lapping the Motorsport Ranch road course in Texas.
By the way, I like the look of your engine bay; clean and functional.
e90_m3 says:
11:19 AM, 12/17/09
Big Al,
You take a hose to the engine bay? :O
prndlol says:
12:46 PM, 12/17/09
What i do once a year is drive to car wash bay, fire up the foaming brush and scrub the engine. Then i switch the dial to spray wand and *without* squeezing the nozzle the light stream that comes out already is enough to gently rinse the soap away without blasting sensors, connectors etc. Brilliant? Yes! lol
tmanz says:
09:19 AM, 12/20/09
just a quick wipedown each time I change the oil. It's a good way to give everything a once over to see if there are any areas where problems like leaks or loose items are showing up.
alex1zdorke says:
09:52 PM, 01/ 1/10
Funny I was just reading this story and BOOM. Look what in the garage. Thanks guys.
carlosfrias says:
09:29 AM, 01/ 3/10
This is why your car hasn't sold: It's listed at almost $22,000!!
Right now, you can buy a new one for about $23K (30 minus 7,000 rebate). Why would I buy a used G8 when I could buy a new one (which hasn't been put through its paces by professional car-busters)?