Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: n/a on July 25, 2004, 07:54:08

Title: Engine and Under Carriage Cleaning
Post by: n/a on July 25, 2004, 07:54:08

I am considering taking my 280 SL down to my local carwash to have the engine and under carriage cleaned.....they have cleaned the engine on my Tahoe in the past and done a fine job.....of course I am concerned about having them clean the SL.....anyone have any tips or recommendations for this procedure?

Dan

Title: Re: Engine and Under Carriage Cleaning
Post by: Tom on July 25, 2004, 08:18:54

Couple of thoughts:

Be there with them when they clean and ensure that all electrical components (relays, distributor, alternator) are covered with plastic.  I keep shower caps provided by some hotels for covering key components, but I think you can now buy plastic wrap for food that has an elastic gathering.

Provide the cleaner/solvent.  This is what I use and can recommend:

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/ci-d32.html

Not sure what to recommend on the pressure washer.  If it has too much pressure, it can remove paint!  If you are interested in preserving any of the remaining factory painted nuts that indicate the factory checked the torque on certain components, I would not use pressure.

Some degreasers can discolor alloy components on the engine so using the right cleaner is important.

Hope this helps.

Best,

Tom

_____________________________________________

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
_____________________________________________