Re: Engine Washing and Car Washing in Public Washes

[Bud Zaouk <zaouk@ncac.gwu.edu>]

I don't recommend using simple green since when I used it on my old Jetta Gli
16v, it clean the engine extremely well to the point that there was no more
grease (or whatever substance is used) protecting some of the steel parts and
after a while every steel part exposed was rusted.

That's just my opinion. Hope this helps

Bud Zaouk
97 GTI VR6
Black
Black Leather
CD Changer


George Achorn wrote:
> 
> Hey All,
>         I had the J at a public car wash today to clean off the road soot, and
> noticed in the bay next to me the owner of the place in his dorky Bond Z3,
> hood up cleaning the engine bay. I know my engine is dirty, and was
> wondering what a good method is for cleaning it. I have seen the engine
> degreaser setting before and was wondering the pros and cons to using the
> public wash's pressure washer on the engine. I am betting this should not
> be done on a hot engine regardless. I have also heard that people use
> simple green. What kind of endorsements do you guys have towards that
> product.
>         Second, I am fairly certain my '94 Jetta is distributorless, however I am
> not so certain if my '93 Corrado is (mfg. date 1/93) how can I determine if
> it is distributorless or not and if so, what do I do when cleaning the
> Corrado's engine different from when I clean the J, if indeed I do have a
> distributor on the C?
>         While on the subject I'll point out stuff I do know about public washes.
> DO NOT USE THE BRUSH PROVIDED, as it will scratch the paint. I did so in
> '95 on my brand new black Grand Cherokee to my peril. Gotta love scratches.
> I sold the jeep and keep a wool looking mitten in my trunk that I picked up
> at an Auto Parts Store. While talking to a local detailer he highly
> recomended them, preferably synthetic. He also told me that using the wax
> at these places is nice for VERY SHORT term effect, but this in no means
> should replace a periodic hand or buffed wax job.
>         Last, I've found car washes are great places to meet other VW owners.
>         Later-G
> --
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