what's best for cleaning the black engine parts?

[TigerTrax]

Foam Tire Cleaner ...

Smells like a clean babies butt ( chic magnet )

" Oy, would you like to smell my babies butt?"



"ooooooooo .... that is sooooooo cool. "



"You are a caring guy!"



" Would you like to see my etchings?"



" Shut-up you filthy pervert!!!   Take that .... (a knee to the groin)!!"



"uuuuuuuh ... but what about me babie's butt???"



"Pervert!"



See it works if you don't get carried away!

[iansoady]

I've just used some stuff called Turtle Wax Color Magic (black) which I've had lying about in the garage for years - I can't remember where, when or why I bought it as I've never had a black car. It's brought a really nice gloss finish back to the engine cases which were looking very dull.



You need to wear rubber gloves when you apply it as it stains your fingers horribly otherwise.



It may not be available these days as it's probably toxic.

[klrbill]

I use good old carnuba based paste wax, Mother's in my case.  Then I keep it up with Detailer spray for months at a time until I do a full detail.



I find the Armorall and Silicone suggestions end up leaving an inconsistent surface texture and tend to collect dirt.