C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Engine Wash

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 01:07 PM
  #1  
Bradley3's Avatar
Bradley3
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Millington mI
Default Engine Wash

I have a 92 (with the badly designed optispark) and I haven't sprayed down the engine since I bought her. Needless to say it's pretty filthy.

I need to wash the engine, but I don't really know how. I'm assuming I can either take off the optispark, or cover it up or something....

I'm sure many people know how to accomplish this and I'm hoping one or two will pass the knowledge on to me.

thanks!
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 01:41 PM
  #2  
Kale's Avatar
Kale
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

Damp Toothbrush.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:44 PM
  #3  
Bradley3's Avatar
Bradley3
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Millington mI
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

you're kidding me... I really have to do it by hand?
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:50 PM
  #4  
Kale's Avatar
Kale
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

you're kidding me... I really have to do it by hand?
Well, if you want to ruin your optispark you don't have to.
It's really not that bad. Enjoy yourself. Engine detailing is fun.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 03:49 PM
  #5  
Andy1983's Avatar
Andy1983
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 1
From: McKinney Texas
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

you're kidding me... I really have to do it by hand?
mm hmm. Use rag, spray bottle, toothbrush, Q-tip... all of this stuff will clean your engine. Use simple green, or a very strong degreaser, and then when you finish, put on some 303 Aerospace to keep it cleaner longer (or whatever rubber protectant you use). It is worth it to do it right the first time, and like smash said... engine detailing IS fun. Plus, when you lift your hood... everyone thinks its awesome underneath.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 03:59 PM
  #6  
rocketfinger's Avatar
rocketfinger
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter Florida
Default Re: Engine Wash (Smash)

Engine detailing is fun.
Especially when you can hornswoggle the ol' ball and chain into helping. You find a lot of stuff that way, too; loose clamps, bad connectors, dropped socket wrenches, etc.

That Opti-grab fiasco is inexcusable nonetheless...
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 03:59 PM
  #7  
Springer's LT4's Avatar
Springer's LT4
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Default Re: Engine Wash (Andy1983)

I've heard a person or two that has covered the optispark with a plastic bag and sprayed it down.. but even on my 95 with the better opti I wouldn't attempt it. Rags and simple green only.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 04:04 PM
  #8  
emoshn's Avatar
emoshn
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Default Re: Engine Wash (Springer's 95)

I just replaced my opti with a new one and vented it per "Corvette Fever Feb 01". It's pretty well sealed up now. Do you think (or would you gamble) a spray down?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 04:06 PM
  #9  
dexion's Avatar
dexion
Advanced
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: waterford mi
Default Re: Engine Wash (emoshn)

Hmm.. I have an lt4 would I have problems too?
dex
:confused:
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 04:10 PM
  #10  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,119
Likes: 1,725
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Engine Wash (emoshn)

I just replaced my opti with a new one and vented it per "Corvette Fever Feb 01". It's pretty well sealed up now. Do you think (or would you gamble) a spray down?
No, dont attempt it.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 04:11 PM
  #11  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,119
Likes: 1,725
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Engine Wash (dexion)

Hmm.. I have an lt4 would I have problems too?
dex
:confused:
you have a vented optispark, which means a drop or two wont hurt it, but DONT push your luck by trying to wash the engine, do like the other LT guys and get in there with a toothbrush. A new opti is $300-400
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 08:49 PM
  #12  
leego's Avatar
leego
Instructor
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 182
Likes: 4
From: Gardena CA
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

Don't push your luck...
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 08:59 PM
  #13  
rubyred93's Avatar
rubyred93
Drifting
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Default Re: Engine Wash (leego)

How do the words "Medical Swabs" sound to you? :lol: You're gonna need them, that's for sure.

Took me about 2,500 medical swabs to detail my engine. I still use them in order to maintain as well. Better get used to it. :nonod:

Opti-Crap = :smash: :bs
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 09:19 PM
  #14  
OcalaGuy's Avatar
OcalaGuy
Race Director
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 19,812
Likes: 0
From: Weirsdale (outside of Ocala) Florida
Default Re: Engine Wash (emoshn)

I just replaced my opti with a new one and vented it per "Corvette Fever Feb 01". It's pretty well sealed up now. Do you think (or would you gamble) a spray down?
One would have to ask, Did you replace the opti or did you have it done? Would you like to replace it again or pay someone again if water gets into it?

Now ask youself if you really want to spray the engine down with water.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 09:51 PM
  #15  
2-Vettes's Avatar
2-Vettes
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 0
From: Fl
Default Re: Engine Wash (Bradley3)

Got my opti spark once when washing the engine...learned my lesson. Now I wash the engine about every other time I wash the car if I'm washing it at home. I use a light spray from the hose on the upper part of the motor and on the under hood, but I stay away from the front of the motor. Then, like the others, I do it by hand. Once you get it clean it's not hard to keep up. I do all the metal pieces and A arms etc with the polish so it looks nice when I open the hood. Go ahead, clean it carefully, you'll be glad you took the time.
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 10:11 PM
  #16  
VetteNoob's Avatar
VetteNoob
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Default Re: Engine Wash (LT1)

Does this also apply to the Octi-Distributor on the L98s? Are those ok for a good soaking?

Sorry...got carried away reading 'opti spark'. I felt the need to come up with a catch phrase. Wont do it again..... :crazy:
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2002 | 10:32 PM
  #17  
dmalhi1's Avatar
dmalhi1
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,622
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Default Re: Engine Wash (VetteNoob)

Does this also apply to the Octi-Distributor on the L98s? Are those ok for a good soaking?

Sorry...got carried away reading 'opti spark'. I felt the need to come up with a catch phrase. Wont do it again..... :crazy:
:lol: WTH is a Opti-Distributor?? no opti's on the L98's and from what i've heard we can give the L98 a bath yeah :)
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Engine Wash

Old Feb 2, 2002 | 12:55 AM
  #18  
Torre's Avatar
Torre
Instructor
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Jefferson, GA, USA
Default Re: Engine Wash (Andy1983)

This is a question that I had as well.
I understand about the "Simple Green" and a toothbrush but then how do you rinse it? This is the real issue, washing is not the problem. I still don't know how to rinse it.

Mark
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2002 | 12:18 PM
  #19  
vader86's Avatar
vader86
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,119
Likes: 1,725
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Default Re: Engine Wash (VetteNoob)

Does this also apply to the Octi-Distributor on the L98s? Are those ok for a good soaking?
NO, L98s dont have optisparks that i know of, i thought they started with the LT1. L98s can take a bath, just have enough sense not to douse the distributor.


[Modified by vader86, 4:19 PM 2/2/2002]
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2002 | 12:37 PM
  #20  
GlockLT4's Avatar
GlockLT4
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Default Re: Engine Wash (rubyred93)

I just don't get water need rhe front of the engine.. only use it towards the back half. I do most everything by hand with simple green.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:45 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-1
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE