Another "How do I clean...." question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Bowling Green Kentucky
Another "How do I clean...." question
I just bought my first Corvette and am starting on its first engine cleaning process. The car has a ZZ4 based shortblock with Edelbrock heads, HEI distrib. and a TPiS Miniram.
Whats the best way to get everything clean and shiny without damaging anything? I can cover the distributor but what about the Miniram and injectors? What products?
Thanks guys!
Whats the best way to get everything clean and shiny without damaging anything? I can cover the distributor but what about the Miniram and injectors? What products?
Thanks guys!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: VetteTown-TwinCities MN
The top of mine is clean enough for a daily driver, so i started on the bottom.
As you can see mine had an oil leak at some point of its 144,000 miles.
Under others suggestions, I had looked for Simple Green, but right next to it was a "Super Automotive Degreaser Orange Power Spray Blast"- it was a buck and a half cheaper, but it worked fast!
I took 1 old scrub sponge out of the kitchen sink, and scrubbed the bottom side of the car, frame, oil pan, tranny, etc... What a MESS!
Then I gently sprayed it off with the hose and whalla!
(Dont mind the exhaust- it's VINTAGE!
)
Most say use simple green, dilute it, use a sponge and just be careful!
As you can see mine had an oil leak at some point of its 144,000 miles.
Under others suggestions, I had looked for Simple Green, but right next to it was a "Super Automotive Degreaser Orange Power Spray Blast"- it was a buck and a half cheaper, but it worked fast!
I took 1 old scrub sponge out of the kitchen sink, and scrubbed the bottom side of the car, frame, oil pan, tranny, etc... What a MESS!
Then I gently sprayed it off with the hose and whalla!
(Dont mind the exhaust- it's VINTAGE!
)Most say use simple green, dilute it, use a sponge and just be careful!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 1
From: Pearland Texas
Put "Simple Green" or whatever in a pump up bug sprayer. The long wand makes it easy to navigate around the engine compartment. Then refill the sprayer with water to rinse. The lower pressure of the sprayer won't knock off wires and damage delicate parts. Works great. 
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
If you’re looking to detail your engine I have found Simple Green works very well with an old tooth brush. I have also found spray detailer like “Mother’s spray detailer” works great after the engine has been cleaned. Just make sure the engine is cool when you start cleaning and what ever you do, do NOT use "Gunk engine cleaner" or "Gunk engine bright"! It will eat paint and oxidize any aluminum it comes in contact with.
PS, Simple Green is also about the best hand cleaner I have ever used!
PS, Simple Green is also about the best hand cleaner I have ever used!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Valencia Ca
Nothing like a new toy....!
You're guaranteed lots of fun with that motor, post some pic when you
get a chance. I've used Gunk clear back in '65 on my GTOs and never
had any issues except the odor for a few days. That smell lets you know it's clean....HAHA For the past few years I've used a
cleaner called USadvanage. The advantage is you can mix it depending
on what you have to clean. Strong for the engine block or weaker for
carpets/mats, garage floors etc.
Papa G
get a chance. I've used Gunk clear back in '65 on my GTOs and never
had any issues except the odor for a few days. That smell lets you know it's clean....HAHA
For the past few years I've used acleaner called USadvanage. The advantage is you can mix it depending
on what you have to clean. Strong for the engine block or weaker for
carpets/mats, garage floors etc.
Papa G
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
