6 replies to this topic

[soulslinga]

Hello

I am a new classic mini owner (65 countryman). I have never cleaned/detailed an engine bay or undercarriage before. 

My car had protective underbody sealant applied to the undercarriage and wheel wells at some point, a long time ago. 

In some places (like much of the large flat sections of the undercarriage), the sealant looks fully intact, if a bit old. In other places (mostly the wheel wells and sills) it is chipping and flaking off badly (see pic)

 

A mechanic friend suggested i clean the engine bay, undercarriage, and remove all the old sealant, so that we could better pinpoint some of the small oil leaks the car has. But the sealant was put there for a reason so I want to be sure before i remove it.

This car is well taken care of but nearly completely original, it has not been restored or had an engine or undercarriage cleaning in a long time, so I figure is due for one anyway. 

 

My questions - should I remove all this sealant, and if so, how, and with what products? Should I put new sealant on? 

I am thinking, that if the sealant is damaged in some places, it could be trapping water in other places where it appears to be still intact.

But I wanted some other opinions on this. I don't want to make any mistakes on this car:)

 

Also - the engine bay - what products should i be using to clean this? I will need to be purchasing the tools/brushes and chemicals.

 

The car has a rusty patina thing going, so i don't really care so much about applying dressings or shines, just want it to be clean and protected.

 

Summary:

Old Undercarriage sealant: To remove or not? With what products/tools? 

Undercarriage: Clean with what suggested products

Engine Bay and parts: Clean with what suggested products 

 

Thanks everyone!

 

 photo (1).JPG   68.02K   18 downloads  P1110186.jpg   90.29K   14 downloads

 

[JacckKirk]

Hi pal i use
Kimberly-clark professional
Wypall cleaning wipes

I found these worked amazing to clean my engine bay

[Richie83]

For the engine you could use good old Gunk if it's bad. Or Autoglym machine cleaner, which smells a lot nicer. Cleaning your engine is definitely worth doing. It'll look better and as you say, will help pinpoint any leaks.

The underseal will be a whole lot more bothersome. The best way will probably be a heat gun and scraper; it's not a quick job and will be messy. Depending on your plans for the car you'll want to replace this too. There's loads of threads on here about what to use, and others will probably have a better idea on whether this will be a worth while activity for you.

Edited by Richie83, 28 August 2014 - 02:43 PM.

[Rog46]

1. It's certainly worth cleaning everything off so you can see what's happening, I think I can see a small rust hole there anyway. The old (existing) rigid underseal often comes away from the metal and traps water behind it.

2. It's certainly worth replacing, but I'd use one of the modern wax/oil based product they get into crevicies beter and don't crack and delaminate the same. As Richie83 says there are loads of threads on here.

I would add that even the latest rust sealers do slowly harden and crack eventually. It's worth inspecting underneath at least annually and reapplying as necessary.

It's a Mini. They rust. Don't let it destroy yours, it looks great, and it's almost 50 years old!

[soulslinga]

Thanks everyone. When detailing the engine, do you guys use a hose? I've read here some people cover electrical components with plastic bags and spray the engine with a low pressure hose. That sounds a little scary, I am leaning towards using a wet sponge or something instead....? Or should I just the cleaning the product without water?

[Richie83]

When I did it I covered everything electrical in bags and wrapped them tight with elastic bands. I then worked in the degreaser with my wheel brush and rinsed with a hose set to trickle. After doing this a few times I removed the bags and started up the engine, left it to run until dry. If it's not too bad then a damp cloth or sponge might suffice, but still cover everything to be sure.

Heres a guide end to end: http://www.theminifo...g,and,cleaning\

[Rog46]

I've pulled off all the ht leads and sealed them in a bag completely covering the distributor. Then used a pressure washer with no problems. Try to keep the jet away from the dizzy even though covered.

Wipe the plugs dry before you try to start the engine.

Get the engine hot first, is helps soften the grease and helps it dry out after.

Don't forget to seal the dip stick too!

Don't forget to number the plug leads it makes it much quicker after!