luvatenor

I recently received a 1984 300zx from Florida and noticed brown waxy gunk all over the engine. I looked on ebay and noticed that almost all cars from Florida have the same stuff in the engine compartment. I want to remove it but want to be familiar with it enough to pick a proper method(steam, hose, ect.) to use-here is a pic of the engine compartment:

86tcoupe

mine does as well but is not from FLa.
should be cosmoline ..that stuff was tough to get off when new ,usually they used paint thinner and a scrub pad ( on the body). it was not uncommon for the datsuns to be sloshing around in 12 -15 inches of sea water in the cargo holds ,we were told

I would refrain from the pressuered steam washer for the electronics

luvatenor

Thanks for your reply- How did you get yours off-with thinner? I would think that would take off the paint as well- I am sure it is not causing any harm but it looks nasty-Many z's engine compartments look new-love to know how they got it that way-Thanks-Rolf

zxguy1986

Looks like some combo of mineral spirits, water wash and pressure spray will do it. Or even the company's own remover product. You def should protect your electronics from this while you do it. Tight waterproof wrappings.

How to Dissolve Cosmoline | eHow

Cosmoline Remover - Nothing Works Better! Cosmoline Direct

You're right, though. It's ugly. Definitely get it off the frame and engine bay... If the other parts have it but they look clean, I'd probably leave it. You don't want your cleaning fit to disturb anything that's running right as it is, cosmoline or not... So take it slow and easy in there.

86tcoupe

Yes I meant to say mineral spirits not paint thinner
I cleaned a car or 2 back then on a 95 degree day and the fumes where bad.