can i spray wd-40 on metal parts under the hood

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

You are talking about the engine parts aren't you?

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by asawadude

What about a really thick coat of vaseline?

That thing at the end of the sentence is called a smilie which typically tells the reader "I'm screwing with you."

[6to]

I'm a WD-40 nut. Used it on every car (and motorcycle) I've had. Engine compartment no exception. Just don't overdo it since it does attract dirt. nothing beats it for keeping humidity out of electrical components and contacts.

[asawadude]

Back to being serious, there is some spray on stuff that dries clear without being tacky, except I can't remember the name of it which we used to spray on undercarriage parts to prevent corrosion. Damn it, I'm drawing a blank. Anyways, I've used it on outdoor swings, barbeques, lighting fixtures and it is compatible with bare metal surfaces of all types. Maybe I can find it on Google.

But then most all engine surfaces and engine compartment parts are painted or clearcoated and what's not painted is usually non-corrosive. Cleaning the engine compartment with a good degreaser and hitting it with a detailing spray is probably good enough, so long as it's done periodically.

WD40 leaves a oily residue which in turn becomes a dirt magnet. If you wipe it, whatever's left will likely vaporize from engine heat. I think WD40 is rather pointless as a protectorant; it's value is only as lubricant.

Somebody told me that WD40 can remove gum from clothing, replacing the age old fix of using a stick of butter. Haven't had the occasion to try it yet.

[jek889]

Wd-40 is great for removing tar, sticker residue, gum, and a bunch of other stuff without damaging the paint. As for a long term protectant, it tends to burn off on hot surfaces and does attract a little dirt. Use it sparingly and it probably won't hurt anything.

[Tim]

This is the stuff. And their wax ReJex is the best I've ever used.

http://www.corrosionx.com/marine.html

[msammy]

Originally Posted by asawadude

WD40 leaves a oily residue which in turn becomes a dirt magnet. If you wipe it, whatever's left will likely vaporize from engine heat. I think WD40 is rather pointless as a protectorant; it's value is only as lubricant.

Actually, WD40 is a protector from corrosion, not a lubricant at all. WD40 was originally developed in the 1950's for the military as a Water Displacement (the WD name) technique to displace water and prevent corrosion on metal parts. Keep in mind that WD40 is not a lubricant, never was designed to be, never will be. I agree with asawadude, based on the residue that it will leave behind, I would not spray it under the hood. In any event, why mess with the corrosion protection that BMW has already engineered into our vehicles???

[asawadude]

Yes, WD40 was not designed as a lubricant, but it does have uses as a lubricant and is in fact advertised as such in the WD40 website. However, it's use as a lubricant is very limited - it's only good for minor moving parts where lubricating properties is not critical. Who hasn't used WD40 to stop a door hinge from squeaking or pretreat a bolt or a nut that has a tendency to freeze? It is definitely not an all purpose lubricant.

[RJRDenver]

I don't know what's funnier, the detail of this thread or the fact I just read the whole thing. LOL

P.S. where do you live that you're concerned with corrision in the egine compartment? I'd probably look into moving rather than protecting the car.... think about what it must be doing to you if its corroding you're engine????

[msammy]

Originally Posted by RJRDenver

I don't know what's funnier, the detail of this thread or the fact I just read the whole thing. LOL

P.S. where do you live that you're concerned with corrision in the egine compartment? I'd probably look into moving rather than protecting the car.... think about what it must be doing to you if its corroding you're engine????

RJRDenver, you're right, I think we all got caught up in the technical aspects of this thread. Blue Mountain Raider, your original question was "can i spray wd-40 on metal parts under the hood". The answer is "of course you can, it's your X5!!!". I just wouldn't!