Well, I took the time to clean and detail my engine bay today. Did some degreaser, light brushing and garden hose action. Afterward, I put on some CD-2 dressing and it looks NICE!! Pics will be posted soon.

 

just be careful around the electronics...these little babies don't like water....strange things have been known to happen....mine is all done as dry as possible...

 

Absolutely VERY careful around the electronics; I know that water is NOT friends with electronics.
Here’s the clean bay though.
Pic was taken right after I applied the CD-2. After it’s had time to set and dry; doesn’t look so shiny, but still has a nice sheen to it.

 

Wow, sprayed on that CD-2 thick!

Looks like you are missing one of your wiper nut covers, like I was. I was missing a wiper pivot grommet too; both were readily available from OE Discount Parts.

 

CD-2 is the best. I will never detail my engine without it.

 

I have yet to see a Crossfire with both grommets installed from the factory. Did you notice the hole was off center? I believe that is why it was left off.

James

 

bmorgan: Looks like you are missing both of your wiper nut covers! I'd guess you wipe on, or off, the CD-2 because yours looks much better -- more like OEM, and not gooey. FYI -- I use Vinylex.

Yes, my left/US driver's side pivot/hole seemed a little off-center, but I was able to make the grommet fit. Looks fine now.

 

I had trouble keeping the DS wiper cap on. On a tip from FP, I cut off a piece of electrical tape about 1/2" long. Then I cut that piece down the middle, giving me 2 narrow pieces 1/2" long. Turns out these fit on the recess portion of the wiper cap. Placed them on opposite sides and re-installed the cap. Fits a lot snugger and has never come off since. Nice tip FP, even if you do drive a Mini!!

 

Now, I like this look with CD-2. I've used the product before and don't like the "glossy" look it yielded. In fact, when I used it on my Merkur XR4Ti 2.3L turbos, it turned "yellow-looking" after I drove the cars for awhile. I stopped using it right then. I've still got 4 cans of the stuff on my garage shelving.

Did you rub it on to get this "satin" look? If so, I may try this method on the XFire.

 

I've used it. On other cars. Not the xFire. I spray it on lightly, then I'll wipe it down.

I found that if you don't get it hot enough, fast enough it will turn into a sticky mess/dirt magnet.

On the xFire, I just keep it very clean, and if I want to show it off a bit, I use Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Gel. Wipe on, let sit, polish off. Leaves a nice satin black semi-gloss.

Of course, this is only for the plastic bits-not the whole bay!

 

YEah, this was right after the application. I”ve never used this stuff before, but I’m learning; I”ve also done some wiping down so it’s not all glossy like in the original pic. Thanks for the post. YES, I’ve also noticed the missing grommet for the wiper arm; I thought that was strange. And thanks for that tip on the replacement as well.

 

OH yes, I like that look VERY much; really nice!

 

My procedure is to mix 50/50 Simple Green with water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally over engine area, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then rinse with water hose (carefully around electronics). Let sit for thirty minutes or until engine is completely dry. Spray CD-2 liberally over engine bay. Let site for 5 minutes. Wipe excess CD-2 off with a clean towel. Go for a 15-20 minute drive. The heat from the engine will set the CD-2 and form a dry satin appearance. Once dry, the CD-2 will actually repel dirt. It is not oily like most detail sprays. This is silica based, so once dry, it will not pick up dust.

Do not go crazy wiping up the CD-2. Just hit the spots that are so thick that it is running.

Hope this helps

 

thanks bmorgan; helpful tips

 

I tried this procedure on my 2006 Ford F-150 STX 4x4 Flareside (Whew!) this afternoon. Actually think the engine bay turned out really nice looking. I'll take a few pictures in a little bit. Thought I'd consume a healthy, no preservatives, Canadian lager first! This new diet is killing me!!

 

Bob is right, driving is the key to letting it penetrate the plastic parts. You are supposed to let it sit with the engine idling so long then drive. I do not wipe off excess before I drive, but I do not apply very thick either. After the drive and it cools off, I will wipe the few spots that are left wet and it will look amazing.

Following the directions on the can are key....

 

Here are a few pictures of the engine bay in my 2006 F150. Advice in this thread produced this look. Thanks a bunch!!

 

Favorite Line EVER LOLOLOLOL

 

For me the difference in getting a "satin-like" look is to wipe off the excess after allowing it to set-up for 5 minutes and then taking a drive for 15-20 minutes to dry out the CD-2. The spray can says to wipe off any excess after the drive & heat-set of the CD-2. Following the can hasn't produced acceptable results for me in the past. That's why I stopped using the product. Bob's procedure worked for me.

 

What is CD-2 not familiar with this product/

OldSalt