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

[Blue Mountain Raider]

im thinking about doing this to protect parts from the elements of nature. just wondering if this is overkill or might actually cause negative effects. thnx

[asawadude]

What parts are you trying to protect?

[JCL]

The manufacturer says that it doesn't do so, but in my experience it attracts dirt, logical since it contains lubricating oil. It is designed to displace water (WD = water displacement), not to protect exposed surfaces.

[Blue Mountain Raider]

hmm.. i thought wd-40 protects metal surface from rust?

[JCL]

So do paint, grease, and Castrol Syntec. I wouldn't put any of them on the outside of my engine either.

[Quicksilver]

It does but the question is,

how much exposed metal is there under the hood? I have used it as you suggested in the past on my seven series. If you do you have to wipe the excess away because as mentioned it will attract dirt. I don't think it did a whole lot of good except when i would spray noisy fan belts. Worked great on that although i don't know why

Originally Posted by Blue Mountain Raider

hmm.. i thought wd-40 protects metal surface from rust?

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by JCL

So do paint, grease, and Castrol Syntec. I wouldn't put any of them on the outside of my engine either.

What about a really thick coat of vaseline?

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by asawadude

What about a really thick coat of vaseline?

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

[Quicksilver]

You ever tried spraying vaseline?

Originally Posted by asawadude

What about a really thick coat of vaseline?

[eddii]

i wouldnt do it, too messy for me, unless your taking it to the beach and drive through salt water. but then again, u could by an electronic rust protector.