DB11 Engine bay

[Simon T]

Anyone worked out how to keep the engine bay clean?

[pschlute]

Simon T said:

Anyone worked out how to keep the engine bay clean?

I don't find it any dirtier than the DB9 I had before.

[Willabeast1]

DB11 issues? You should fight the DBSS under-bonnet mess created by the ‘curlicue’ vents behind the wheels !

What a terrible design, as executed. I suppose that pressure must be ‘relieved’ at speeds over 150 mph, but why not have a movable shield of some sort so every trip to the grocery store at 30 mph doesn’t create a two hour engine bay clean up? Seems like it would be easy enough to have a carbon bit to keep dirty road water out of the engine bay. On the occasion I think I might be driving over 150 mph (never), then I could open up the full vent. Or something.

I thought it was a cool-looking design detail when I saw it on the showroom car, but no one ever explained what a mess it could make. Maybe Aston thought the car would only be driven on very clean, very dry roads?

[Simon T]

Willabeast1 said:

DB11 issues? You should fight the DBSS under-bonnet mess created by the ‘curlicue’ vents behind the wheels !

What a terrible design, as executed. I suppose that pressure must be ‘relieved’ at speeds over 150 mph, but why not have a movable shield of some sort so every trip to the grocery store at 30 mph doesn’t create a two hour engine bay clean up? Seems like it would be easy enough to have a carbon bit to keep dirty road water out of the engine bay. On the occasion I think I might be driving over 150 mph (never), then I could open up the full vent. Or something.

I thought it was a cool-looking design detail when I saw it on the showroom car, but no one ever explained what a mess it could make. Maybe Aston thought the car would only be driven on very clean, very dry roads?

Yep thats exactly the issue. in any form of wet weather engine bay gets filthy. Can anyone create an insert to cover the vent and form a lid to the open wheel arch?

[Jon39]

I can remember years ago when at the DB11 dealer presentation, realising that road dirt from the tyres might be able to enter the engine compartment. However, this may be the first occasion, that there have been comments about it on AM PH.

Could gaffer tape seal the curlicue and therefore keep road dirt out of the engine compartment? -
Perhaps not a good idea though, because Mr Reichman might suggest that your car will become unstable, if you wanted to cruise along the M25 at 150 mph!

Edited by Jon39 on Monday 1st April 20:17

[V8LM]

It's only really the two panels on the offside, underside of the bonnet that get dirty - if the rubber seal around the arch is doing its job. I clean by first brushing and then wiping with a damp cloth.

IMG_3776 by v8lemon, on Flickr

[V8LM]

If wondering why it looks yellow in the photo -

15:19
IMG_3738 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3741 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3742 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3746 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3751 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3752 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3758 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3764 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3769 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3772 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3776 (1) by v8lemon, on Flickr

21:31
IMG_3777 by v8lemon, on Flickr

Next day:
IMG_3803 by v8lemon, on Flickr
IMG_3808 by v8lemon, on Flickr

[M1AGM]

V8LM said:

It's only really the two panels on the offside, underside of the bonnet that get dirty - if the rubber seal around the arch is doing its job. I clean by first brushing and then wiping with a damp cloth.

IMG_3776 by v8lemon, on Flickr

That green

[skhannes]

No real problem keeping mine clean. Also, not something I spend much time on. The wheel openings have a rubber seal that should mate with the hood. Mine is a 2018 MY so, it's been around a while.

[Calinours]

skhannes said:

No real problem keeping mine clean. Also, not something I spend much time on. The wheel openings have a rubber seal that should mate with the hood. Mine is a 2018 MY so, it's been around a while.

Same here, it’s a non issue, not sure why anyone would post that it is, maybe they have a failed or missing seal? The only bit that gets cruddy is that part of the underside of the bonnet liner that is exposed to the wheel either side. and that is easily cleaned off with a carefully angled pressure washer. The seal does a great job of stopping anything getting into the engine bay.

[Simon T]

Well I would only post if it was an issue...dur. Perhaps some of you people only drive in the dry? Where I live atm the roads are wet and dirty

Seal appears to be there and intact

[V8LM]

Thankfully, I don't feel your pain - I try and avoid water like the plague, although the above cleaning was the weekend after a 900 mile trip to France. Possibly the rubber seal is not contacting the bonnet?

IMG_3668 by v8lemon, on Flickr

Edited by V8LM on Tuesday 2nd April 19:52