C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Engine Cleaning

Old Jan 22, 2003 | 09:44 PM
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Default Engine Cleaning

Whats the best way to clean the engine? Simple Green and a hose? I'm worried about getting water on the fuel injector pods. :banghead:
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 10:00 PM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

If you have a 92-96, don't dump water over it. You will kill the optispark, which is below the water pump.
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Old Jan 22, 2003 | 11:10 PM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

Youve got a 91? Just dont get the distributor wet, otherwise you can hose it down. I would be kinda careful with any exposed electrical though.

Just let it dry out a little before you crank it, and then let it finish drying once you do.
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Old Jan 23, 2003 | 11:28 AM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

I cover the dist. with a plastic bag and use some type og degreaser and pressure washer. I'm just a little careful not to soak any ares too much.
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Old Jan 23, 2003 | 11:42 AM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TA)

If you don't have opti spark get your quarters out and pressure wash it. I spray with simple green first.
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Old Jan 23, 2003 | 02:08 PM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

Simple green and lots of towels for me.
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Old Jan 23, 2003 | 03:56 PM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

Simple Green and towels. No water if you have the opti. Simple Green works beautifully.
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Old Jan 23, 2003 | 08:30 PM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TA)

I have a 1991 Convertible - I guess I don't have to worry about the opti-spark stuff???
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Old Jan 25, 2003 | 09:11 AM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

Since joining the Forum about a year ago, I have learned that there are many ways to do some tasks. Here is something I learned last year while atttending a car detailing event:
1. With engine COLD, spray Gunk engine cleaner on the entire engine and compartment. Cover any major electrical parts like distributor with Saran wrap or aluminum foil.
2. Let the car sit for about 15 minutes and then hose off the entire area with low pressure water (per directions on the can).
3. Using a towel, remove excess water where you can reach.
4. Spray a can of WD40 on the entire engine and compartment. Allow the spray to dry and you will have a clean engine and the metal parts will have some protection.
Regards, Sam :yesnod:
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Old Jan 25, 2003 | 09:27 AM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (TowerMan)

I have a 1991 Convertible - I guess I don't have to worry about the opti-spark stuff???
Correct..if your distributor is located in back of the engine. Just cover it. On the other hand, if all your plug wires are running forward and disappear under the water pump...then you have the opti and stay away from direct water. :thumbs:


[Modified by ittlfly, 6:28 AM 1/25/2003]
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Old Jan 25, 2003 | 10:35 AM
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Default Re: Engine Cleaning (ittlfly)

I am very aggressive when washing my engine. I wash it hot at the car wash with different types of degreasers and chemicals. On a warm day I have had no problems. It was very dirty when I got the car a year ago. I have been washing engines this way for over thirty years. After about 5 trips the motor and area are about 95 percent spotless. Now if I could just put her on a rotisserie so I could get at that underside............ :D


[Modified by brdd, 9:37 AM 1/25/2003]
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