koritz123

1991 Coupe

I'm trying to find a pictorial of areas to cover before washing an L98 engine. I've read that C5 knock sensors can be damaged by washing.

But what about C4's with the L98 engine.

Where are the sensors, electronics and other areas that should be covered?

Should the engine be turned on after washing. I read one post where the valve cover paint bubbled up after washing and starting the engine.

bac22

You don't want to Niagra Falls your engine with water. Just spray it down with Simple Green, let sit for a while and flush with water. Try to not directly flood the distributor or alternator...barring the L98 has a distributor, not familiar with that engine.

I use a leaf blower after to dry my engine and get rid of any standing water. And then I will start it and let it run for a little bit to help evaporate remaining water.

Never heard of paint bubbling up after starting...sounds like a poor paint job to me!

skullandbones

If the engine is extremely greasy, I would put a good degreaser on after the engine reaches operating temp. Let it stand 10 to 15 minutes and then restart. If you are pressure washing, don't direct into the alternator holes as mentioned but you can get fairly close without drenching and flooding the distributor. Use good judgment. This process usually gets me close enough to do more detailed hand work later. It really makes it easier to quickly find if you have a valve cover leak. BTW: I have heard not to direct spray directly at knock sensor but I can't see that being an issue personally.

Good luck,

WEK.

billschroeder5842

Disconnect the battery and then use tin foil to "form fit" any of your electrical. You can mold around distributor alternator and other connections you are concerned about.

As above, use simple green all over then gently rinse off. Fire her up and let heat do the trick.

HAD2HAV2

Never washed a computer operated engine. What about the starter, is that a no go zone or can something be laid on top?

pologreen1

Not a good idea to try can get water in things, but they are made to get wet and handle it to a point, submerged is another thing. Part of cars or any consumer products being sold is proving before hand they can be used reliably. That is what engineers are for and standards are made for them to meet.

Starters are on the bottom of the engine and if it's raining they are getting wet when driving and driving through water puddles they are even submerged sometimes.