jutammel

I'm thinking of using professional services to get my engine compartment cleaned up. However, is there anything special I could tell these guys about L98 engines pefore they start cleaning it?? They told me on the phone that they have cleaned other corvette engines too but they don't take responsibility is there's some electrical problems afterwards.... I know I can't do this by my self. I don't have the space or the equipment so this is my only change to get clean engine. What do you guys think??
:confused:

Blue88

I have cleaned mine myself and have not had any problems. If you don't have the space or equipment to do it then I would call around to find the most experienced people to do this. Have you contacted a dealership yet?

vettmech

Clean it yourself....... surely there's a car wash nearby if you can't do it at home........ I used Simple Green and just try to stay away from the tps and MAF and distributor......... cover stuff with baggies and you'll be fine..... I don't care much for the high pressure of a car wash though........ ya need to find a place to hook up a hose :seeya

vader86

wash it yourself, just dont get the distributor wet

scorp508

Don't saturate your distributor and you should be fine. I used to wash mine by just going the carwash and spraying it with degreaser and then a high pressure rinse.

If you do have someone else do it, let them know that the valve covers are magnesium under the paint and that cleaning products on the valve covers usually end up discoloring the paint to a rusty brown color over time with oxidation.

Blue88

I used Simple Green and used Gunk on the really heavy stuff and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then used high pressure from the garden hose to blast everything off using care not to spray the distributor and any sensor directly. After that I used my weed blower to get the water out of all the nooks and crannies and to dry off all of the electronics. Since I started blow drying the engine it no longer throws codes or misses until things dry out. Sounds stupid but it works.

Phil-tha-Rush

I agree with the clean it yourself theory.

Simple Green and a water hose is plenty.
If it is really dirty, use a long hanle, soft bristle brush to help you.
Dont soak the distributer, and cover the air cleaner if it is exposed.

I also use WD-40 to spray all my electrical connectors, to help move the water away.

With a C-4, this is a relatively easy thing to do

Steel Blue 91

I have had good luck in the "clean the engine yourself" department. As stated above, simple green, let it soak (this part is hard to do at the local car wash) for 15 to 20 min. Then spray it off. Make sure you stuff rags into the air lid if it's open and a plastic bag around the dist.

brdd

I have washed engines at the car wash for decades. I have washed my L98 half a dozen times since I got it this spring. Before washing, open the hood and look for areas to concentrate on. Any degreaser will work; I take along a can of gunk spray degreaser because that's what it is designed for. I blast away; no problems ever with the L98 and it is clean enough to eat off! Now, can anyone tell me how to wash the bottom side of the motor area? That's a tough one! :eek:

atotalnincompoop

i like to do everything myself usually, however i take them in now to a pro with a hoist and a steam washer, its well worth the couple bucks :cheers:

Greg Johnson

Clean it yourself. Winter is a good time. You get an excuse to play with itl.

Greg