Sticky clear stuff on engine

purpleparrotuk

Went to see a car yesterday I was thinking about buying. All the engine components in the engine bay including all the plastic covers etc were covered in a film which I thought was grease or oil. Hubby said it is a protector.

Could this be the case or should I be wary? Not really that in to cars to know.

paddedjohn

Sounds like lacquer, could have been applied after the engine bay has had a steam clean.

purpleparrotuk

is it a good idea to steam clean it? thought that would damage the electrics etc?

GAZ237

Just about all cars for sale have the engine steam cleaned.

They spray that slimy stuff on after so everything looks new.

Its just to make the car look tidy and give the impression its in good condition.

Strider590

purpleparrotuk wrote: »

is it a good idea to steam clean it? thought that would damage the electrics etc?

Only if it's French....

purpleparrotuk

Strider590 wrote: »

Only if it's French....

It is. It's a qashqai with a Renault engine.

purpleparrotuk

A bloke at works Renault was dead and he had it got years. They couldn't find the fault but told him it looked like the engine had been jet washed

purpleparrotuk

I am probably gong to purchase this car. Do you think I should be wary?

colino

Does the car have unnaturally black tyres and have a forest of Magic Trees hanging off the rear-view? Unlikely to be a true private sale (if it's purporting to be one) more like a bomb-site trader or driveway dealer. Great at immaculating cars but proving you can polish a turd.

purpleparrotuk

It's from a car dealer/supermarket.

westwood68

Probably something like Silicone spray. Do the rubber bits look shiny rather than matt black?

I use it all the time to keep things protected