canuck9

Anyone have some good technique's for cleaning the engine bay? Any product recommendations?

Thanks
Michael

Tact

There have been several threads on this topic. Have you tried the search method?

BWF07

If you cannot find a a previous topic on this, try using Simple Green cut 1/2 & 1/2 with water. Apply it and then rinse with a hose. Have the engine running whill you rinse it, and move the hose away it the engine stumbles. You shouldn't any problems.

Also take a look at this video http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/cleaning_motor.cfm from Adams Products.

EBMR02Z

I use Simple Green too but I do not have the engine running. Instead I spray it down real good (on a cold engine of course), let it sit for a couple of minutes (do not let it dry anywhere) and hose it down real good. Do not be afraid to hose down anything and everything real good and I stress real good. Once done, I use the leaf blower to dry it off since it will get the water out of all the nooks and crannies. FYI, the leaf blower is also a great way to dry your car off after washing it!!! Gets the water out of those areas where a towel can't get and minimizes those drips.

dontpntpool

electric or gas leaf blower?

Vetteman Jack

If it is not too dirty, some Simple Green on a rag will take the grease off. Then use a moist rag to get the dust off.

If real dirty, the the above methods work great.

RonJ

After you get it wiped down, a light hit with ArmourAll keeps things looking good. It doesn't take long to do, do it every second or third car wash and it'll always look good!!

RonJ ...

RainJ

or a final spray of Trim n Shine

HiLandR

This may sound stupid, but I just use Windex while the car is cold. It's the fastest easiest way for me. I never spray water on my motor!

Z28TOZO6

ive used both with no problem. I bought a small electric as its easier and not as noisy on a sunday morning.

Z28TOZO6

windex is an ammonia based product, I would be cautious around belts and hoses.

HiLandR

I don't clean the belts and hoses. The windex allows me to hit only what i want to hit!

ricks98vette

I use DOW Scrubbing bubbles on a cool engine. Dont' get it on the paint but for cleaning the engine and aluminum it will make your block and hoses look a million dollars. The tip I got it from was the owner who makes the motor city hood.... he found that the same chemicals used in a lot of the detail engine cleaner cans is the same product. I've used the scrubbing bubbles and it's worked like a charm, my engine compartment looks like a million!

RainJ

I cleaned the underside of the hood of our C4 with foaming tire cleaner.. did a GREAT job!

TheDVS1

Spray cold engine with Simple Green, get a soft wheel cleaning brush with nice soft bristles, and scrub. Hose crud off with water. Towel dry. Apply plastic-shiny-stuff of your choosing. You're done and she looks great!

DeeGee

I never use water. I try not to let it get dirty. Then just a wipe over with Son of A Gun and a microfiber towel.

rustyguns

i found out a long time ago windex is fantastic on chrome wheels and it help keep the brake dust from sticking !!!!!!!!!

windex rules the world !!!!!

NJ Vette Guy

Have you been watching "My big fat Greek Wedding" again?!?!?

talon90

Quite the contrary actually. This is a very bad idea on an LS1 engine. Water under pressure is about the worst thing you can do with a C5 engine compartment. To those that say they do it all the time. Good for you, but you are just biding your time.



1998-2002: Service Bulletin: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set Subject: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-023

Models: 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VIN G -- RPO LS1)

1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup and Utility Models (Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL) with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs V, T, Z, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4)

Condition:

Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.

Cause:

This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity.
This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.

Correction:

Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed below.

Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.

Remove the rear bank knock sensor.

Install the new rear bank knock sensor. Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).

Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.

Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.

From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).

Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Parts Information:

Part Number
Description
Qty

10456603
Sensor, Knock
1

Warranty Information:

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

J4437

(F-Car)
Sensor, Knock -- Replace
1.7 hrs

Add

(1998-1999 F-Car Only)
To Remove EGR
0.2 hr

J4437

(Y-Car)
Sensor, Knock -- Replace
1.6 hrs

J4437

(C/K-Truck)
Sensor, Knock -- Replace
1.5 hrs

Add

(C/K Truck Only)
With Three Piece Engine Covers
0.2 hr

Add

(All)
Diagnosis Time
0.3 hr

Add

(All)
To RTV Area Around Sensor and Remove Intake Manifold Seal
0.2 hr

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

MIKE-C5

Just make sure that if you use a Motor Leaf blower, the exhaust from the blower doesnt face the car because you will get oil spots from the exhaust all over the car. I like to use an electrical blower