Engine degreasing - is it worth it?

[280E]

Still waiting for rear springs to arrive, so I was wondering whether cleaning the engine & 'compartment' would aid the future sale of the C70.

On the one hand, a nice shiny underbonnet always looks nice - but might this be seen by a buyer as an attempt to hide problems? Maybe it's better to leave it 'dans son jus' - however crusty that might be!

If I do decide to clean things up, is there anything to consider - other than covering up the alternator / spark plug area?

Cheers,
David

[ITSv40]

Whenever I have looked at a car to purchase I have always wanted to see a clean engine bay - not over bulled, but clean. The real test is then to pull the dipstick and note the colour and level of the oil.

So many cars are advertised with a photo of a dirty engine bay that would make me scroll pass and look for something else. Covering the number plate is also a pet hate of mine. I want to see the mot history before contacting the seller.

[280E]

Yes, I know what you mean about the covered number plates It amuses me when a seller has covered up the plate in most photos, but has forgotten about it in another!

[Lancee]

I like to see a clean engine bay, BUT, as you infer it can be used to disguise, for example an oil leak.

So, the Jury is out here !

[RollingThunder]

It depends...

If the car is absolutely mint cosmetically, and is showing signs of attentive maintenance (refurbished wheels, new coolant reservoir being the easiest to spot), then an immaculately clean engine bay is a bonus.

However if the car is in 'average' condition, with worn seats, dirty marks on upholstery, cheapo tyres, etc then a very clean engine bay would suggest to me that something is being hidden.

On the flip side, if the engine bay only has a covering of light dirt/dust, then it wouldn't put me off a viewing.

NB I also always check the oil - and also remove the oil filler cap to look at the camshaft lobes and cylinder head internals for condition.

[CbrDave]

I usually degrease the engine and bay after I've done a service, the way I see it is, If there is no gunk anywhere it is easier to spot a leak and trace where it's coming from.

I usually do the same with the gearbox too.

[Luxobarge]

Degrease and reasonably clean for me every time. If I buy a car where the engine bay has been cleaned within an inch of its life then I'm suspicious, but I'm even more suspicious of a filthy bay - speaks to me of someone who doesn't go in there very often and who doesn't care. Also agree with above comments.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

Whenever I have looked at a car to purchase I have always wanted to see a clean engine bay - not over bulled, but clean. The real test is then to pull the dipstick and note the colour and level of the oil.

I get the level. Colour though, what are you looking for? Unless it's been changed a very few miles ago, it'll be black?

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

I get the level. Colour though, what are you looking for? Unless it's been changed a very few miles ago, it'll be black?

With a diesel yes, but I don't buy diesels. All my cars have the oil changed regularly and the colour is only slightly darker than new oil. If the oil in a petrol engine was black, I would walk away.
.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

With a diesel yes, but I don't buy diesels. All my cars have the oil changed regularly and the colour is only slightly darker than new oil. If the oil in a petrol engine was black, I would walk away.
.

Do you change a good deal more frequently than the service interval then?