Engine detailing question...valve cover stains

9935todd · 02-06-2012, 12:30 PM

I just got my Cobra last May and placed in my first car show last September. I'm kinda hooked on them now. One thing I noticed about my engine bay was where the valve cover bolts are is stained. It looks like someone before my hosed it with Armor-all and the extra puddled around the valve cover bolts. After a couple heat cycles it has stained that area to a permanent yellow-ish color. What can I use to clean that without hurting the painted covers? I've tried simple green with no luck. Thanks, Todd

Grabber · 02-06-2012, 02:17 PM

Do you have any pics of the damaged area/spotting?

It may be kind of tough to get it out, but seeing what it looks like will help me suggest something that could work.

TransAxle · 02-06-2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrabberGT

Do you have any pics of the damaged area/spotting?

It may be kind of tough to get it out, but seeing what it looks like will help me suggest something that could work.

This. Pictures will help. But it heat was the factor for the staining, painting might be the only thing to resolve the issue.

mnewxcv · 02-06-2012, 02:35 PM

if theyre painted id try some sort of compound or polish

98 Saleen Cobra · 02-06-2012, 02:36 PM

You can thank me later buddy

http://proweldperformanceparts.com/id97.html

9935todd · 02-07-2012, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98 Saleen Cobra

You can thank me later buddy

Our Products 99-04 4V Socket Head Bolt Kits 777

I like the bolt kits and the covers...I wasn't planning on removing the valve covers this year.

I have a picture that I could email (No photobucket) for posting.. Thanks, Todd

mnewxcv · 02-07-2012, 08:10 AM

send pics to my email mnewxcv at gmail, and ill post em

9935todd · 02-07-2012, 08:47 AM

Thank you, on the way

Vnmous1_04 · 02-07-2012, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98 Saleen Cobra

You can thank me later buddy

Our Products 99-04 4V Socket Head Bolt Kits 777

Has anyone used these? I like the cleaner look only problem is i hate hex keys tend to strip...any input on these?

mnewxcv · 02-07-2012, 11:36 AM

sorry it took so long

Grabber · 02-07-2012, 11:52 AM

There really isn't anything out there that will get rid of those stains. That is from heat and dirt that has been practically blended into the valve cover.

Best bet is to buy some socket bolts that are in the link 98 Saleen cobra suggested.

It won't hurt to get a soft brush with some non-diluted simple green and see if that helps.

A magic eraser isn't a bad idea, however, I don't see all of that coming out.

9935todd · 02-07-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnewxcv

sorry it took so long

No problem, I appreciate the help! Todd

9935todd · 02-07-2012, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the info. I will try the simple green and a small brush.

Terminator-Fox · 02-07-2012, 01:17 PM

They are factory zinc coated and yours just look kind of corroded. I'm not sure they would clean up that well but you can try.

Terminator-Fox · 02-07-2012, 01:24 PM

When I was installing the 2.3 and the blue VC's last winter I just soaked the bolts in greased lightning orange cleaner and cleaned them really well, even using a tooth pick to get all the crud out of the bolt head. They came out nice.

9935todd · 02-07-2012, 01:26 PM

I'm more concerned with the stain under the bolt where dirt/cleaners have puddled and been heated. What about some of the rust preventer/remover product available at auto parts stores? To harsh? Thanks

Terminator-Fox · 02-07-2012, 05:20 PM

The valve covers have a very good factory coating and shouldn't remove the paint with a good cleaner just dont let it sit too long with the cleaner on there. That is oil that has seeped up through the bolt. Try Simple Green or Greased Lightning Orange. I get it at Wal-Mart.

9935todd · 02-08-2012, 07:22 AM

Ok, thanks for the info!! Todd

flamed03vert · 02-08-2012, 07:38 AM

Looks like rust staining... if the purple power or Zep citrus doesn't cut it try a small spritz of Sonax Full Effect or Iron X.

9935todd · 02-08-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamed03vert

Looks like rust staining... if the purple power or Zep citrus doesn't cut it try a small spritz of Sonax Full Effect or Iron X.

Will do...thank you sir!

flamedstang95 · 02-09-2012, 08:22 AM

You can also try some Coke. I use it to remove grease/oil off of my clothes, you'd be surprised at what that stuff does

9935todd · 02-12-2012, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamedstang95

You can also try some Coke. I use it to remove grease/oil off of my clothes, you'd be surprised at what that stuff does

Now, I wouldn't of thought of that one!! Nothing else is touching it. The bolts have cleaned up slightly, but the covers haven't.

Does anyone make decorative caps for the bolt heads? Either chrome or stainless? Thanks for all the help. Todd

mach14604 · 02-12-2012, 03:52 PM

I would go and try maybe a Dremmel and see if that helps things out. Something that polishes the or eats rust thought you have to walk a fine line seeing as that is paint you are dealing with.

9935todd · 02-14-2012, 07:46 AM

I understand that. I'm leary what I want to put on them for that reason. What about that Oxy Clean (I think). The stuff that gets rid of rust stains in showers, etc...?

John@Lethal · 02-14-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9935todd

I understand that. I'm leary what I want to put on them for that reason. What about that Oxy Clean (I think). The stuff that gets rid of rust stains in showers, etc...?

It's kind of skating on thin ice. You really have to be careful with what you use. If you use a product that isn't safe for paint or coatings it could end up pretty poorly.

I haven't seen a circumstance where what you used hasn't gotten the job done. The stain could be so deep that it could be boarding the bare surface of the covers. Have you considered getting them refinished? Give the bay an extra pop for the car shows?