Engine detailing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: San Luis Obispo CA
Engine detailing
I'm Going to be detailing my engine probably tomorrow and i was just wondering what needs to be protected from water what should i cover up and what should i use to cover it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Everything can get wet. It all gets wet when you drive in the rain. Try not to be over zealous with the hose around the electronics,battery, and alternator. Otherwise you should have no problems. I use a pressure washer on my motors.
But if you have an open air filter you will want to cover that with a plastic bag and a good rubber band.
But if you have an open air filter you will want to cover that with a plastic bag and a good rubber band.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville Florida
I'm no expert, you may want to post on the "General Corvette - Car Care" section to speak to one. But I have cleaned my engine bay. Two things that I do:
1 - Cover the battery area with plastic. I use a garbage bag.
2 - Keep the engine running when spraying down.
I blow the engine dry with a leaf blower and then wipe down. Hope this helps. I'll be reading along the thread should an expert provide other advice.
1 - Cover the battery area with plastic. I use a garbage bag.
2 - Keep the engine running when spraying down.
I blow the engine dry with a leaf blower and then wipe down. Hope this helps. I'll be reading along the thread should an expert provide other advice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
Likes: 2
From: East Peoria Illinois
Originally Posted by EatRice
Everything can get wet. It all gets wet when you drive in the rain. Try not to be over zealous with the hose around the electronics,battery, and alternator. Otherwise you should have no problems. I use a pressure washer on my motors.
But if you have an open air filter you will want to cover that with a plastic bag and a good rubber band.
But if you have an open air filter you will want to cover that with a plastic bag and a good rubber band.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 349
From: Layton Utah
Unless the engine is really dirty, I would try staying away from water. I've found that it is easier to keep it clean by cleaning it once a month then trying to detail it after it's built up with dirt.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 1
From: Oceanside CA
Originally Posted by rrichar2591
Unless the engine is really dirty, I would try staying away from water. I've found that it is easier to keep it clean by cleaning it once a month then trying to detail it after it's built up with dirt.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,071
Likes: 0
From: Hoover Alabama
Originally Posted by rrichar2591
Unless the engine is really dirty, I would try staying away from water. I've found that it is easier to keep it clean by cleaning it once a month then trying to detail it after it's built up with dirt.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
I take a little diluted Simple Green and just clean in any area I can get my hands into and then buff with a dry cloth. I also use Qtips and brushes to reach areas I can't my hand into. I'm more comfortable doing that then using the hose. You can also pick up some Meguires rubber and vinel conditioner and wipe down the hoses and other areas.
Good luck and let us know how project turns out.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
you can power-wash the engine compartment to remove heavy dirt and grime, and a spray of diluted simple green will make the task easire. just try not to put to much spray on the electronics and open air fillter housing. do not wash when the engine is hot. high pressure air is good to blow dry, but not mandatory. a clean engine looks great and runs cooler. i've cleaned my c3, c4 and c5 in this way with never a problem. ( the c4 with the optispark ditributor needs to be wrapped in plastic to avoid water- no such problem on the c5). go for it and enjoy the beauty of a clean LS1! 
Jim
Jim
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 18,682
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by RIJVETTES
you can power-wash the engine compartment to remove heavy dirt and grime, and a spray of diluted simple green will make the task easire. just try not to put to much spray on the electronics and open air fillter housing. do not wash when the engine is hot. high pressure air is good to blow dry, but not mandatory. a clean engine looks great and runs cooler. i've cleaned my c3, c4 and c5 in this way with never a problem. ( the c4 with the optispark ditributor needs to be wrapped in plastic to avoid water- no such problem on the c5). go for it and enjoy the beauty of a clean LS1! Jim
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Originally Posted by RIJVETTES
you can power-wash the engine compartment to remove heavy dirt and grime, and a spray of diluted simple green will make the task easire. just try not to put to much spray on the electronics and open air fillter housing. do not wash when the engine is hot. high pressure air is good to blow dry, but not mandatory. a clean engine looks great and runs cooler. i've cleaned my c3, c4 and c5 in this way with never a problem. ( the c4 with the optispark ditributor needs to be wrapped in plastic to avoid water- no such problem on the c5). go for it and enjoy the beauty of a clean LS1! Jim
Jim I've already done it twice on my 99.
