cal45

I know this probably has been covered here but I need to ask.... After seeing pics of fellow members engines and how spic & span everything looks - just how do you keep that area so clean? I seem to remember reading that some folks spray the engine and surrounding area with Simple Green and gently hose off. Is it really that easy? Are there certian areas that should be avoided getting hit with the hose?

Thanks for any advice and if you can share a pic of your spotless engine, Id appreciate it

Mr.Bill

I use just dish soap and water, I used simple green once and it destroyed my alt and water pump finish, You have to delute it down before using it and besure to take it off right away. Soap and water works for me.
Mr.Bill

TN Vette

I usually take a damp rag and wipe everything down when it is just dust.

If there is oil or grease, I lightly spray with mild soap and then use a spray bottle with water to prevent getting too much water around the electronics.

I hose off the lower parts under the hood (frame, etc) and haven't had any issues.

It also helps to start with a clean engine bay and "touch up" often.

jol

Mr Bill is right again!
Be very careful with Simple Green since it quickly removes finishes and must be diluted. I know Adams makes a great product .He is a vendor here. A damp rag with a mild soap weekly should be sufficient after the engine is cleaned thoroughly. If you use a hose, turn the engine on immediately after and let it run. You might also use a leaf blower.

m6 c5

When ever I spray the engine bay down I keep the engine running while Im doing it and for a while after to dry it off.
Also to get the hood liner looking like new again just spray it down a few times, it does take a long time to dry though but sure looks great afterwords.

ZZ06

i use purple power on mine...used greased lightning before too. The very first thing i do is cover my alternator (being careful not to get in the way of the pully) with a rag. I will spray my COOL engine with either said cleaner. I usually take my fuel rail covers and clean them on the ground before i start the motor. Take everyones advice about not letting it sit! Afterwards immediately get the hose and GENTLEY spray the motor. IMO its best to have a multi use nozzle and select gentle spray going side to side in a brisk motion. I wipe the excess water off in areas i can reach and then start the car and let it run for about 10min with the hood up in the bright sun. I may use a lil armoral on the plastics for that extra shine.

0331MARINE

2 parts water and 1 part simple green in a spray bottle. I've been doing it for 3 years with no problem. I use it on all my cars/trucks.

Kale

I use Meguiars APC+ diluted depending on the job. 4:1 for tough, 10:1 for light to moderate.

dndrsn

Q-tips are for ears, Wash your engine.

mojo1

I use that too then spray with the Hyper dressing, let it sit for a while then wipe off the excess.


What do you call the deal around the battery and fuse box, mine is missing and I sure would like to replace it

tricep

I don't have this Vette anymore (wish I did)- but I had just stripped the factory coating off of the wheels and detailed the engine- both done with a can of spray (not the SAME spray, of course)

cal45

Appreciate all the great info and pics, folks!


TN Vette - this is the way I'll go as my engine bay is clean (just dusty) as I bought my 03 last yr w/just 4500 miles on her and now has 8600. As a matter of fact, just came in from going over with a damp rag and all looks great (to my eye anyway)

JPM

Need a new hood liner dont ya

TN Vette

I bought my 99 coupe with 38,000 miles this past February.
You could eat under the hood when I got it and I have "touched up" over the past 6 months and 6000 more miles several times and it still looks as good or better than when I bought it.

Mr.Bill

That was just some dust on it.

81c3

75k miles and stilll puuurty.....and this was before I did the cam and reeealy had a chance to clean things up! Now she has 82k on it and its still clean. I rinse and hand dry it a couple times a year.

Kale

Folex is magic on the hood liner.

Vetteman Jack

Luckily when I bought my car the engine bay was very clean. So all I have to do is wipe it down each time I detail the car. If there is some grease anywhere, I just use a rag and spray a little Simple Green on it and wipe the grease off.

qipman

Hi everyone, what do you use to degrease the part of the aluminum block that is visiible (below the rail covers on the sides? My bay looks great but there is some light grease buildup I would like to remove there..

Too-Fast

I use Purple Power, full strength and a stiff bristled tooth brush, then wipe with a dry rag. I have found Purple Power to cut through all grease, oil and dirt.