From: Dr. Bob [dr.bobf@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 1:25 PM
To: 928
Subject: [928] re: Cleaning Question....

Jay wrote to the list:

> Hey Gang-
>
> Just a quick question regarding cleaning
> the Oil Filler Cap and the Dipstick.
>
> Just about finished putting the engine
> compartment back together, but noticed
> the un-sightly 'dirty' condition of the above
> items.  I've tried dishsoap, soft scrub,
> laquer thinner, rubbing alcohol, and
> nothing as of yet has worked to get these
> things as clean as I would like (well, back
> to an unblemished yellow anyway).
>
> Anyone use something else that worked
> better???

By far the best solution to this problem (for me) has been common dishpan
cleanser like Ajax or Comet.  As a former Proctor & Gamble engineer and
current stockholder, I have to recommend the Comet over the Ajax.  It takes
just a few minutes with cleanser and scrub brush to get that cap bright
yellow again.  As some others have recommended, a spray with some plastic
preservative might make it a little easier to clean next time. A more
elegant and lasting solution might include clear spray paint.

My experience with this started when the dipstick on my then-new-to-me S4
arrived cracked at the o-ring groove.  Picked up a new one from the dealer
(before I discovered that 928 Int'l was only a few minutes further in the
other direction, didn't take two trips, offers instant gratification, lower
cost, etc...) and it looked a LOT brighter than the oil cap.  Scrub with
Dawn, it was OK,  with Comet it was perfect.  You might want to add another
dab of red QC paint to the tops of the handles to maintain the factory look,
too. Those were there on my '89 original parts, and they continue to the
replacements now.  AR?  Nahhhh!

Clean the sink when you are done too.  ;-)


Hope this helps!

dr bob