Frame Degreasing - Starter Vulnerable?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Frame Degreasing - Starter Vulnerable?
The frame on my 1974 is rust-free and very strong but covered with years of oily filth. I have purchased a degreasing product called Simple Green Max that promises to be non-toxic and biodegradable. I don't have a lift so the plan is reach underneath and spray the product on the oil pan, transmission and parts of the frame; leave 5-10 minutes and then hit with a garden hose. My Q. is whether the starter/solenoid will be affected by the garden hose rinse. Those parts seem well sealed so I am thinking no...but?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
The starter will be fine,but it won't likely be that simple.You will need a pressure washer to have any real effect on the baked on grime,if that's not available/practical,you will need to crawl underneath and scrub with a brush then rinse with a regular hose.Just one of those deals-you will have to get real dirty to get things clean.
Let us know how well that stuff works,I need to do the same job one of these days.
Let us know how well that stuff works,I need to do the same job one of these days.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 39
From: Beautiful East Texas
I've got the same issue with my recently purchase C3. The tail housing on the 400 turbo was slightly loose causing an atf leak for no telling how long.
I'm trying to figure out how to get the car up in the air high enough and have the bottom steam cleaned... not having a lot of luck thus far.
I'll need a good degreaser to pre-treat the whole underside of the car as well.
mardyn
I'm trying to figure out how to get the car up in the air high enough and have the bottom steam cleaned... not having a lot of luck thus far.
I'll need a good degreaser to pre-treat the whole underside of the car as well.
mardyn
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
The starter will be fine,but it won't likely be that simple.You will need a pressure washer to have any real effect on the baked on grime,if that's not available/practical,you will need to crawl underneath and scrub with a brush then rinse with a regular hose.Just one of those deals-you will have to get real dirty to get things clean.Let us know how well that stuff works,I need to do the same job one of these days.
Let us know how well that stuff works,I need to do the same job one of these days.http://canada.simplegreen.com/ca_products_ps_max_en.php
Last edited by Paul L; Apr 18, 2014 at 01:22 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 134
From: Blanco County, TX
You might consider Marine Clean as a degreaser. Also non-toxic and biodegradable. It's not really for baked on oil on the engine or exhaust, but I was shocked at how well it worked on the frame and transmission. While steam cleaners are great, a cheap power washer from HD or Lowes works pretty well.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,238
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From: ESCONDIDO CA
2025 C2 of the Year ('63 and '67) Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
When I detailed motors in the sixties, we sprayed them with a soapy power wash. It was a very effective method for cleaning. But, we always had to open the distributor, flip it upside down, pour in a little lacquer thinner, then light it to burn out the moisture.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
As well I am very concerned about the pooling of that Max chemical at the end of my driveway as my neighbours have some pretty fine dogs. I don't want them drinking that slop, the dogs that is. BTW, the 1974 is scheduled to be the C3 convertible rep at the Ernst & Young show on May 2-3 where the Club will feature all generations of the Corvette. So I am trying to make things as "right" as possible as can be and with 102,000 miles on the odometer.
Last edited by Paul L; Apr 18, 2014 at 04:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Ouch! I wouldn't try that. And I am not going on the top of the motor.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 193
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I always go to a self serve high pressure car was and spray degreaser there and use the high pressure soap and comes out clean. I have never had a problem starting after I clean the underneath
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I poked about a bit underneath today. I don't have a starter front brace (I have a new one). And no ground cable from the motor mount to the non-existant brace mount to block. So I don't know where the starter gets ground. But the car starts? Should be fun on Monday.
Tomorrow is a day of Thanks with a nice turkey dinner (after the hardtop) with extended Family. I make the dressing by hand and with fresh, shredded savoury. Strangely I enjoy cooking as much as setting the dwell. We should all give thanks this weekend for Family and also for those of us who drive these old gems, it is a bonus.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 4
From: West Michigan
I agree with coin op car wash.
Or you could rent a power washer with a "hot box". I used to work a a rental store and the guys with greasy industrial equipment to work on loved those. No chemicals. 180 degrees + 2000 psi. Safe and effective.
Or you could rent a power washer with a "hot box". I used to work a a rental store and the guys with greasy industrial equipment to work on loved those. No chemicals. 180 degrees + 2000 psi. Safe and effective.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
Hardtop came off today and into the basement. That was a treat after Easter lunch. But I have a 250-lb nephew with arms larger than my legs! The job is done. Soft top is back up with RaggTopp treatment already on.
Last edited by Paul L; Apr 20, 2014 at 09:08 PM.