I have a stupid question is this just dirt build up or rust proofing in my engine bay?

Thanks

 

dirt. try cleaning it off.

 

Can you not tell the different btwn dirt/dust and rust? Rust is brownish red and hard like sand paper

 

Peter,

Was your car rust proofed before you purchased the car?

It looks like the spray along with some dirt mixed in. Try rubbing it with your finger to see if it comes off.

Looks like time for an engine detail!!!!

 

Hey Bill,

Not sure if it was rust proofed before I bought it. The stuff will come off with simple green. I had similar stuff in the crevasses of my trunk. Don't want to take stuff off that is there to help my car.

 

Hi nghiars,

I said "rust proofing" not rust.

Thanks

 

did you buy it used, becuase the 2nd pic kinda looks like oil buildup (maybe a leaky valve cover?) but that stuff is definatly gunk, they don't spray rust proofing materieal up on top of the wheel wells, and rust proofer is generally thicker, almost like a heavy duty floor coating for your garage . . .

 

Actually they do spray rust proofing up in those areas with aftermarket rustproofing. I have it on my car. I agree with you it is normally somewhat thicker although not much.

The valve cover wouldn't likely leak over that far and up on top. If it is a leak it's more likely coming from a PCV hose or something like that.

 

Looks like rustproofing and dirt to me......

C.

 

How do you get it so dirty?

I had mine for almost 2 years and it looks better then it was when I picked it up.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. My next question is, do you think it would be a bad idea to clean my engine bay? For now, this car is my daily driver, winter, summer and spring. Do you foresee any negative impacts to cleaning that stuff off?

 

To be honest, I am not sure how the car got that dirty, I was ashamed to post these pics because of how filthy it was. But take my word, the rest of my car is not neglected.

 

If it is undercoating it will be hard to remove without some strong chemicals.
Underhood mine looks dirty as well because of the undercoating which dirt, dust adhere to. I don't worry about it. The alternative after a few years around here is rust.

 

+1 for rustproofing....
I've seen that look before.
Like Deane says.... with age dirt gets embeded into the product.

I think it's a little overkill on all the painted surfaces, & wouldn't hurt to clean up a little. (if you can)
Around the strut towers etc, it looks like it's been doing the job.
That area is very prone to surface rust.
I wouldn't touch those type of areas.

 

Here are a few crappy pics of mine from a while back.