Engine Clean + Leather cleaning

[Steve88]

Hey guys finally picked up my 1980 SC . Engine bay looks like a brothels bathroom on a Sunday morning . Very tired and un-loved. I really want to clean it up and get my hands dirty as i need to find the source of an oil leak .

I`ll attach a few photos below but if anyone had any ideas on what products I need and any advice you guys on 

Where to start?

What to clean with what?

What NOT to clean with what?

I really want this engine bay to come up and nice / nicer 

Also the seats were re-done about 10 years ago and have never been cleaned and the dash has had better days . Any recommendations on what i need to clean up the seats and carpet to restore to former glory?

Many thanks Steve

[Daz987]

Hey Steve,

In relation to cleaning leather, I've found the product "Zymol - Leather Cleaner" to be awesome.  In 2003 I bought a 930 with can-can-red leather interior and I could tell the leather had never been cleaned or treated.  I got the Zymol, sprayed it on and used a wet cloth and bucket of water.  Each seat ended up leaving a black water bucket and the red came up better than fresh lipstick [to kind of use your analogy ].  I couldn't believe how well it works.  I still use it 12 years later.  I buy the stuff off an ebay seller. 

After you clean it, Zymol also does a "Leather Conditioner" which I also highly recommend.  It puts natural plant based oils and extracts back into the leather, and keeps it soft and supple and in some cases repairs minor cracking. 

I've just done a quick search - this is the product: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ZYMOL-LEATHER-CONDITIONER-AND-CLEANER-8OZ-EACH-RECOMMENDED-PORSCHE-AUDI-BMW-VW-/272038567671?hash=item3f56c31ef7:g:vQsAAOSw~gRVv8Y2

But seems the Aussie distributor isn't around anymore...?

 

[Steve88]

Thanks mate just purchased both . $60 posted 

[Niko0o]

This also works, worked well on both my cars

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/duragloss/professional_leather_system

 

[Stew F]

I've used a number of leather care products over the years.  One from Wurth, which was pretty good.  Mothers have a range of leather care products, including a leather wash and a cleaner.  On the recommendation from a custom car upholsterer I changed to the Mothers products.  We used it on the original upholstery in a mate's 50's Caddy when he got it and it came up looking fantastic.    I've used others, but i don't recall their names. 

[Steve88]

Thanks guys. Any idea what I should clean the engine bay with?? Including all hoses ect ??

[Stew F]

I just use a $2 can of spray degreaser. Spray it on and drive to the local carwash  then pressure clean it all. Mine came up a treat. 

[Steve88]

I just use a $2 can of spray degreaser. Spray it on and drive to the local carwash  then pressure clean it all. Mine came up a treat. 

Hey Stew , Ive got a pressure washer at home . So its ok to spray the bay as there seems to be a lot of stuff happening in there? Shroud Fan , Belts ect..

[Stew F]

Hey Stew , Ive got a pressure washer at home . So its ok to spray the bay as there seems to be a lot of stuff happening in there? Shroud Fan , Belts ect..

I don't consider it an issue.  I pressure clean mine every so often, but carefully directed.  Needless to say, don't blast it onto things like electrics, airbox, distributor, and so on.  Mainly on the underside, and from inside the right rear wheel arch you can get to the oil tank lines and places like that.  Also I did the front oil cooler.  It was chockers full of muck between the tubes.  You just have to be mindful of the parts you don't want to get wet.  I always take a can of WD40 with me to the carwash - just in case.  Just remember that if you are going to pull the oil thermostat housing, or anything else for that matter, you want the area to be clean so you don't get any junk falling into the engine.

Don't direct the high pressure water onto the sound insulation on the firewall as it may shred it.  Replacing it is an engine out job.