In this section, we'll talk about cleaning your engine! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Before you start preparing the engine compartment for judging, evaluate all the time and effort it may take. Many judged car shows (even those with true qualified judges), have class divisions for "wash and shine" or "closed hood". For this kind of judging, chrome is not king, and some judges cringe at shiny parts that didn't come chromed from the factory. Also make sure that painted pieces or black areas are not all the same shade of black. There should be different degrees of color, luster and shine.
<u>Area 1</u>: Carefully start spraying and rinsing. Did you buy Engine Gunk? If you want to finish this project fast, opt instead for cheap spray cleaner and a slow running garden hose. Cheap grease removing cleaners, generously applied, work great, plus you can survive the fumes afterward. After completing all your engine bay cleaning, finish this project with a few quick wisks of carefully shot, lemon pledge. Judges love a clean smelling engine and get point deducting crazy if the aroma is of fried gunk. <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>
<u>Area 2</u>: Next, start with the most unexcusable area under any hood... rusty manifolds. Countless car owners open their hoods to show off their show quality chrome, mirrors, and perfect sparkle, unaware that spectators and judges alike are turned off by rusty manifolds!!! Yes, you can buy or "calyx" manifold dressing for under $10.00 and easily make an engine of difference. Sure, it is not a long-term solution, but cleaning off the inevitable gray fingers from dirt/rust, may allow you to take home the gold.
<u>Area 3</u>: Hood latches discolor and mar endlessly. Spray clean, dry, and then apply your paint pen, or manifold dressing. In fact, while you have these handy touch ups out, see how many other nuts, bolts, and latches you can restore to a new look. Next examine the fan blades for discolorment or spots missing paint. Grab your permanent magic marker or paint pen and touch them up. Or if you have time, spray paint the blades. Don't forget to check out the radiator from the engine side. Those pesky bugs sometimes heat pressure themselves, and you need to squirt their carcasses heavily with your cleaner to gently remove them.
<u>Area 4</u>: Cleaning the valve cover, spark plug cover, and air box/intake are common sense. But what about the engine block? Get the Q-Tips and toothpicks here, and don't quit until it is clean enough for a judge to eat off of. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>
<u>Area 5</u>: All the wire and hoses need to be cleaned, and a fresh "brand new" look obtained. Your tire spray stuff applied onto a rag, might remove alot of dullness is a hurry.
<u>Area 6</u>: Make sure you clean underneath the hood as well. Alot of people have under hood mirrors or mirror film. Get out the ol windex and go to town. Also, the tire spray stuff works well on your windhshield fluid nozzel hoses, in a quick jiff. <img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle>
