I wouldn't power wash. Just a regular hose with a cleaner and lots of muscle and rags.
questions on cleaning engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Brookhaven Mississippi
questions on cleaning engine
The engine compartment in my 85 is a little dusty, not a lot of oil, but I'd like to clean it to let it look like the rest of the car. I need to repaint my valve covers and tpi, but first I'd like to degrease and pressure wash it. Any recommendations on which cleaner to use? I'm familiar with what to cover, etc., when pressure washing, but any advice would be appreciated. The car only has 28K miles, and I don't want to permanently change any of the finishes with an overly strong detergent.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,726
Likes: 710
From: Bergen County, NJ
I wouldn't use a pressure washer, no need for it, and you will probably knock something loose.
What I would do: Cover what needs to be covered. Lightly wet the rest, spray 'Simple Green Automotive' over the soiled parts. Let it stay for 5 minutes, and lightly wash off with a garden hose.
If there is any stubborn grease, use Castrol degreaser.
Or, you could do it by hand.
What I would do: Cover what needs to be covered. Lightly wet the rest, spray 'Simple Green Automotive' over the soiled parts. Let it stay for 5 minutes, and lightly wash off with a garden hose.
If there is any stubborn grease, use Castrol degreaser.
Or, you could do it by hand.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 15
From: Northern California
Water won't damage your "85" with the L98 engine. It's the "92" and up Vette's with the Optispark that water can damage.
Simple Green is a great cleaner. It'll discolor the valve covers but, you're going to paint them anyways.
Simple Green is a great cleaner. It'll discolor the valve covers but, you're going to paint them anyways.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,807
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From: Somewherein Pa
But there are alot of old wires, connectors and such that won't like "pressure washing", just my .02
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Brookhaven Mississippi
Thanks guys! I'll go with simple green and the hose, then I'll just do the rest by hand. My knuckles have been looking kinda girly anyway, a few scrapes will do me good.
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Race Director
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From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 102
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From: mesquite tx
i just power washed my buddys 94 i used engine degreaser the first time followed up with a heavy coat of simple green no issues but i used a wide spray tip on the washer, but it had a bunch of what looked like oil and shine polish crap all over it, with no problems
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
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From: Phila., PA burbs
I've pressure washed my L98 many times without a problem (as well as 100s of other motors). Just cover anything you don't want to get wet with plastic bags (distributor, etc). I normally spray a bit of water on a cold engine just to get everything a bit wet. I then spray the degreaser of my choice on the dirty areas. I then use a brush to work the degeaser into problem areas and finally use the pressure washer to knock the crap off. Just be careful around areas that you don't want to get too wet and be sure to keep any painted areas wet so the degreaser doesn't stain anything. 