Just bought a 2010 G37x from New Jersey but there is some salt on the engine. What is the best method/product to safely wash this off?

Here's a picture
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41017314/201...2011.16.13.jpg

 

I have the same issue, whats the best way to remove that stuff anyone?

 

You sure it's salt? Down here in miami i got that same stuff on the engine and my car hasn't been anywhere near salt. Im guessing is oxidation buildup due to moisture.

 

idk what it is, but i have it too, and it could be salt... even if u dont go near the water when u live near salt water (ocean) ur rain is salty, and when it gets humid the air gets salty too. im sure youve noticed that when it gets rly humid or rains it sometimes smells like low tide lol

 

Interesting, I've got the same on mine... Live in the tropics surrounded by the Caribbean Sea though

Did detail the engine a few months ago with some Poorboys APC but its still there.

 

The surface of metals like uncoated aluminium are oxidized in the presence of air and moisture, thus becoming coated with a thin film of oxide (so-called ‘white rust’) that passives the metal and slows further corrosion.

Alkaline road salt and / or harsh chemicals may also cause this. Galvanic corrosion can occur when an aluminium alloy is placed in electrical contact with other metals with a more negative corrosion potential than aluminium.

• Thoroughly clean the affected surfaces of all soil and grease residues with a d-limonene (citrus) based solvent cleaner (P21S® Total Auto Wash) prior to processing.
• Brush it down with a wire brush to get rid of all the powder.
• Clean the surface with Flitz Aluminum Pre-Clean and then sand any scratched or damaged areas with Norton 3X Sandpaper (p-graded aluminium oxide grain,) 60, 80 or 100 grit sand paper, sand wet or dry with a rubber sanding block.
• Use a tack rag and wipe the area, using a light pressure
• Then treat with etch primer, maybe two or more coats.
• Follow with ordinary primer and top coat

 

Depending on how advanced it is will help determine the solution. I'd first start off with a basic engine detail (ie How To Detail Engine), hopefully that helps remove any light build ups. After that TOGWT seems to have some good advice for the more severe cases. Good luck!

Greg @ DI

 

argh. that looks nasty