what is the yellowy paintwork in my engine bay? NEED POLL!!

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:05 pm

will this come off? what isit? what should i use??
thanks max

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:20 pm

it may be waxoil, try some tar and glue remover on a bit rag and apply some elbow power.

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 7:50 pm

cheers, will do that tomorrow!!

is it common? or just mine? as my red e30 hasnt go any!

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:15 pm

It's the original 'wax' that was put on at the factory, bloody annoying. Will take you forever and a day to remove it...

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:19 pm

its also on my white touring. its on my to do list.

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:39 pm

it was on my white 318is still is as far as I'm aware and its went through 3 owners since me

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:05 pm

ohh good stuff then, not just me!! reckon i might try my mini machine on that to save my elbows as im a lazy git! or just ask my mum as she loves cleaning!!

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:17 pm

use rubbing compound

i know its quite vigorous but works a treat

before

after

just baught a new yellow warning sticker for it too

need to do the other side now

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm

fairplay alex, that looks sweet!! where did u get your yellow sticker from? mines half peeled off!

and what do you call rubbing compound?

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:36 pm

yellow sticker was of ebay seller - retrobmw there probably cheaper at bmw but i couldnt be arsed with ringing up. its a different shape its a rectangle rather than square but it says the same thing

rubbing compound

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165625

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:40 pm

i also put new Stainless steel nuts on the top of the strut too

Post Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:19 pm

yes i noticed that! good stuff mate!!

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:08 pm

I would try something a bit less abrassive than rubbing compund, i have fetched most of it off mine with Autoglym Super Resin Polish, for the tough bits i used Autoglym paint rennovator.

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:52 pm

baught a steam cleaner the other day to clean my engine bay, used it for the first time today and with the brush nosle it removes the yellow stuff fairly easily, a lot easier than the rubbing compund

^^^^ that was all yellow still a bit there

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:15 pm

have you proded that rust under the sealer with a screw driver yet alex ?

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:19 pm

no, it looks worse than it is, there is loads of paint flaking off which is causing it to go orange

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:42 pm

lovely job, it just so happens i have a brand new steam cleaner in my garage, never thought of that! if the weathers nice tomorrow, will hava go!!

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:30 pm

as long as its got a head with a brush just keep the steam on and kepp going back and forth with it should start to bring it off

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:35 pm

how come it only seeems to be white cars that have this waxy coating?

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:36 pm

i think its only white cars that you can see it

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:41 pm

carefull with the electrics tho

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:08 pm

cheers, yea will do,

is waxoile the manufactures wax that they put on when there made? or does it just happen..?? i am sad i want to know this? just interested,

Post Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:11 pm

i dont think its waxoil, just a type of wax that burns over time, correct me if im wrong

Post Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:26 pm

Its a wax based seam sealant that is there for a reason!!

Yeah maybe there is some over spray but is it a big problem? I for one like a tidy engine bay but scrubbing all that off is it worth it?

Alex, I would get some wax oil on that flaky paint mate! It looks unsightly i know but better to have some protection than none at all!

I am off to polish my brake pad anti rattle springs...............

Post Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:29 pm

Looking at the pictures in more detail it does seem to be somewhat excessively applied in some cases. Maybe it is for protecting the turrets and paint from the exhaust manifold and engine heat.

Also Alex it does look good though. Get something on that rust!!!

Post Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:33 pm

well should i scrub it off my sport then? we need a poll lol, what do people reckon,

1. leave it untouched and looks untidy but is 100% original,
or
2. scrub it all off.

Post Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:36 pm

Also Alex it does look good though. Get something on that rust!!!

im probably going to leave that till the summer and sand down and have a go at painting it my self providing a screwdriver doesnt go through it

its under the washer bottle so i might just clean and wack some white hammershite under there

Post Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:36 pm

m4xos wrote:well should i scrub it off my sport then? we need a poll lol, what do people reckon,

1. leave it untouched and looks untidy but is 100% original,
or
2. scrub it all off.

i think most people will vote number 2

Post Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:16 pm

how did you get on, did you try the steam cleaner

Post Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:32 pm

sorry didnt bother today, i went to the zone's e30 cruise in portsmouth, was bloody freezing but otherwise was sh*t hot!! i got a couple of days off the end of the week so will crack on then!! will post the before and after shots!!!

Post Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:18 pm

Its a sealer that's put on prior to shipment from the factory. It protects the car's engine from salt when it is on the ship. (some of these cars go to Japan, Australia etc)They didn't remove it in the 80's.

It's still done today, but it's removed at the dealers before going out to the customer.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:13 am

blackcountrybimmerman wrote:Its a sealer that's put on prior to shipment from the factory. It protects the car's engine from salt when it is on the ship. (some of these cars go to Japan, Australia etc)They didn't remove it in the 80's.

It's still done today, but it's removed at the dealers before going out to the customer.

cheers, im going to defo remove it then!!