2002 Volkswagon Cabrio

[CharlesW]

A friend of mine asked me if I would/could clean up th engine compartment of his wife's car.
It has never been cleaned since new, but that doesn't really concern me.
My question is, do these vehicles have any places that are particularly sensitive to moisture?
I plan to cover anything that looks susceptible with plastic wrap.
I don't use high pressure when doing engines, but I do use quite a lot of water.
The only thing I remember being a problem with some European cars is HID headlight components.
1. This car is built in Mexico so it really isn't European.
2. I don't think it has HID headlights.

Not to hurt anyones feelings, but I consider all European cars to be high maintenance and I don't want to contribute to that.
Any comments and/or suggestions?

[Mr. Clean]

CharlesW, my wife has an '03.5 VW New Beetle Turbo S (also built in Mexico). I don't know what the engine bay of the Cabrio looks like, but hers has a big plastic cover which occupies the largest portion of the bay. I've never put the hose to hers, choosing instead to just "wipe around" the visible portions with an APC and then treat with B-n-B or similar product.

[9D4E420]

The Cabrio has a plastic cover over the top of the engine. Just try to stay away from the wires and plugs. Pretty much everything else is sealed well. You are correct in the fact that the car doesn't have HID. I like putting a light coat of dressing on the plastic covers and hoses when they are warm. I also use BnB it works well.

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clean

CharlesW, my wife has an '03.5 VW New Beetle Turbo S (also built in Mexico). I don't know what the engine bay of the Cabrio looks like, but hers has a big plastic cover which occupies the largest portion of the bay. I've never put the hose to hers, choosing instead to just "wipe around" the visible portions with an APC and then treat with B-n-B or similar product.

I have not yet seen the vehicle, but I did look at picture of a 2002 Cabrio engine compartment on Edmunds.com.
It appeared to have a large plastic cover as well.
My friend says it's pretty greasy, but I guess I'll wait and see.

[Mr. Clean]

Still with the plastic cover several of the Scott's blue shop towels and one of your (probably) many APCs should make short work of the bulk of the grime and then you can continue with a bucket of warm water with further diluted APC to finish. A final wipe-down with the rubber/vinyl/plastic treatment of your choice and you could be done. Those engine bays are not cavernous, and they are pretty tight too.

[heatgain]

I've had great luck and gotten compliments with using a PW to wet everything and pre-rinse (stay 1.5 to 2 feet away with the nozzle), spray some APC or any other degreaser, let it dwell 5 minutes, agitate with a soft-medium brush if necessary, rinse with the PW (same distance), dry with a leaf blower, spray CD-2 all over (follow can directions), and smooth any CD-2 drips later if necessary. Ends up looking fantastic.