Engine wash
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 246
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Engine wash
I usually get the engine of my cars detailed bit with the optispark scare Im kinda hesitant on my new 95.
If properly covered along with the alternator, are there any issues having the engine shampooed?
If properly covered along with the alternator, are there any issues having the engine shampooed?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 1,312
From: LeClaire Iowa
I would think the odds of having a tech who knows how to completely cover and seal the optispark is very very small. Have you ever tried to cover one? It is not easy. You use the word shampoo and I hear pressure wash. I would not pressure wash a C4 with an optispark. Dan
Last edited by Whaleman; Feb 18, 2026 at 08:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 246
Likes: 89
I would think the odds of having a tech who knows how to completely cover and seal the optispark is very very small. Have you ever tried to cover one? It is not easy. You use the word shampoo and I hear pressure wash. I would not pressure was a C4 with an optispark. Dan
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: LeClaire Iowa
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2018
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Any major electrical components will not be touched.
Only hand cleaning .
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,277
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From: Melbourne, FL
i agree, washing an engine bay is stupid.
Put it this way. I toasted an optispark spraying water on the AC lines looking for leaks. You will absolutely destroy the optispark trying to do any sort of large scale cleaning in the engine bay like that. Steam all but guarantees a dead opti, because the wiring harness for it isn't sealed at all. Water wicks down the wiring, through the connector, and into the optical sensor destroying it.
The only way I would consider it is removing the opti entirely beforehand.then giving the engine bay a few days to a week to dry out before reinstalling it.
Put it this way. I toasted an optispark spraying water on the AC lines looking for leaks. You will absolutely destroy the optispark trying to do any sort of large scale cleaning in the engine bay like that. Steam all but guarantees a dead opti, because the wiring harness for it isn't sealed at all. Water wicks down the wiring, through the connector, and into the optical sensor destroying it.
The only way I would consider it is removing the opti entirely beforehand.then giving the engine bay a few days to a week to dry out before reinstalling it.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 92
From: Saginaw, MI
I've only just used a damp cloth and a soft bristle detailing brush to clean the engine/engine bay on my '92. No hose or spraying water. You will destroy the cloth hand cleaning like this, but that's what the bulk packs of microfiber towels are for 👍
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Mays Landing, NJ
While I'd be concerned about the opti getting screwed by water penetration I'd be equally worried about the 30 year old wiring and connectors in my 95. It's bad enough that the plastic clips on the connectors break off so easily when gently trying to disconnect them. Cleaning parts by hand is the only cleaning I ever do.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
HAND CLEAN ONLY, I use whatever cleaning product necessary sprayed or soaked into the rag Im using, followed by a damp cloth for "rinsing", then finally a clean dry cloth to finish. If you insist on water or steam, do yourself a favor and stay far from the Optispark unit.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
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From: Saginaw, MI
Exactly this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: Carterville Il
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This is the right answer
No way in hell, is steam or the dry ice method, or a hose set to mist getting any where near my engine. I don't have to worry about the Optispark, but still........
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 151
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From: Saginaw, MI
Automated wash is fine for my truck in the winter, but I go back to hand washing that too once the salt rinses off the roads.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Personally, I avoid automated car washes like the plague with my Vette. Hand wash only. It never gets driven in the rain so it doesn't get dirty per se, just dusty more than anything. I have a Griot's duster that I sweep over the car after every drive.
Automated wash is fine for my truck in the winter, but I go back to hand washing that too once the salt rinses off the roads.
Automated wash is fine for my truck in the winter, but I go back to hand washing that too once the salt rinses off the roads.
But thinking of ot logically, the car should be capable of going over water puddles without fear of electrical problems.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2024
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From: Saginaw, MI
yeah it seems like the vette is hand wash only no matter what. I won't drive mine in winter or rain so the only water it'll.see is when I HAND WASH!. LOL
But thinking of ot logically, the car should be capable of going over water puddles without fear of electrical problems.
But thinking of ot logically, the car should be capable of going over water puddles without fear of electrical problems.