Engine Detailing/Cleaning

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May 4, 2002 | 07:30 PM

Vetteman36

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Orlando FL

Engine Detailing/Cleaning

I am looking at detailing/cleaning my engine. Any ideas? What I should use. What I should do/not do?

May 4, 2002 | 07:36 PM

vader86

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From: Athens AL

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Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (Vetteman36)

dont get the optispark wet and youll be ok, even though yours is vented its still a risk

May 11, 2002 | 12:07 AM

rats87

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From: Quakertown PA

Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (vader86)

I just bought my '87 2 days ago so please excuse my ignorance when I ask what an optispark is? Is it a bad idea to use one of those spray on engine cleaners?

May 11, 2002 | 12:22 AM

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From: Phila., PA burbs

Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (rats87)

Quote:

I just bought my '87 2 days ago so please excuse my ignorance when I ask what an optispark is? Is it a bad idea to use one of those spray on engine cleaners?

With the TPI motor you don't have an optispark. I cleaned my L98 today.......just cover the distributor cap and air cleaner lid (especially if you have a cut lid) with plastic bags, spray on some type of de-greaser and pressure wash away the grime. Follow this up with some type of a silicone dressing, rub it in to all hoses etc. and stand back and admire. :cheers:

May 11, 2002 | 05:21 PM

~~Tin Man~~

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From: Dundas Ontario

Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (TA)

WOW ! you really made that sound easy TA. :seeya

May 12, 2002 | 01:51 AM

92TripleBlack

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Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (~~Tin Man~~)

Read these links. Do not put silicone on anything. Its practically irreversable and about the worst thing you could possibly do to rubber and plastic. Dry them out, magnifys UV rays, attracts dirt and dust. The list goes on. Get a non silicone rubber dressing. Meguires makes one for example.
p.s. Keep it off your interior and tires too. https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=114&TopicID=2
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=296103

[Modified by 92TripleBlack, 12:59 AM 5/12/2002]

May 12, 2002 | 10:26 AM

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From: Phila., PA burbs

Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (92TripleBlack)

I too would never put any type of silicone dressing on the interior of my car. Warm water and a little bit of dish soap is enough to clean anything on the interior and some type of leather conditioner on the seats and you are done. Under the hood however I don't thing it's going to be a problem. True it will attract dust faster, but as long as you keep on top of it (just give it a little wipe down when you wash the car) you'll be fine. I really don't think UV rays are much of an issue under the hood, unless you spend extended time parked in the sun with your hood up. In the past I worked at a detail shop for many years and I've used silicone dressings under the hood, and on the tires of all my cars (not to mention many customer's cars) and have never had any problems........even after years of this process. Now if your car goes in for paint work you could have problems due to the silicone (ie. fisheyes and the like), but other than that I don't think you'll have a problem. BTW I wouldn't touch Armor-All with 10 foot pole............but their are many other quality products out there. Just MHO, based on years of experience. :blueangel:

May 12, 2002 | 11:47 AM

Fuzzy Dice

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From: Melbourne Florida

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Re: Engine Detailing/Cleaning (Vetteman36)

If you are goimg to use one of those engine cleaner/degreaser sprays here is the best advice I have ever gotten...make sure your engine is at ambient temperature(same as outside)...even backing the car out of the garage can cause problems..I park my car the night before where I'm going to clean the engine and do it the next day without so much as starting the engine for a second... good luck...

[Modified by golfboy1, 10:49 AM 5/12/2002]