Wax or Crud underneath the car???

[johncmng]

As I started to remove the motor from the car, I notice there were a coating of wax of some sort underneath the entire car and all over the tranny. Anybody know what this stuff is? Should I take it off? If so, what should I use to clean it? Will a power washer do?

85 Carrera

Thanks
John

[PPilot]

Sounds like somebody sprayed undercoating of some kind ..removal with an appropriate solvent will take a little research and careful experimentation...I would just leave it, probably put on in a northern clime to protect from salt!!!

[JasonAndreas]

Originally posted by johncmng
I notice there were a coating of wax of some sort underneath the entire car and all over the tranny.

The waxy substance is cosmoline, a rust preventative corrosion inhibitor sprayed on at the factory for the shipment across the Atlantic. It looks crappy but it works and it doesn't hurt anything.

[JGalt]

...And the cosmoline helps protect magnesium parts (like transmissions and some engine cases) from corrosion.

[azasadny]

Mine had dirt/oil combination that looked like a "wax" or coating of some kind. A brass-bristle brush, Simple Green and a power washer cleaned it all up but made a mess of me and my clothes! Wear goggles and protective clothing!

[elflamo]

Maybe this helps

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/cosmoline/index.asp