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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 03:51 PM
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Default engine cleaning question

hey guyz, whats the safest way to clean all the dirt and dust out of my engine?
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 03:58 PM
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I spray it down with Simple Green and then wash it without pressure and use a leaf blower to dry. I hit the hard to reach areas/parts with Armor All.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 03:59 PM
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If you just have dust, then air will work fine. If you have some light dirt or grease, then some diluted simple green will work great. Spray a good amount on, let it sit for a few and hose it off. Simple green is safe and won't discolor the plastic.

DO NOT pressure wash or steam
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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Leaf blower works awesome
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 06:38 PM
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thanx! should i do it with my engine runnin or? and its OK to get some electrical parts wet?
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 06:42 PM
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If you do not use pressure there is no need to cover electrical parts or run the engine. I never have.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by screw991le
If you do not use pressure there is no need to cover electrical parts or run the engine. I never have.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by mickey_7106
thanx! should i do it with my engine runnin or? and its OK to get some electrical parts wet?
wash her down with the engine running . . . if it starts to sputter then stop immediately . . . it probably will not sputter but it does no harm in having it running . . . i would put a plastic bag on the alternator
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by screw991le
If you just have dust, then air will work fine. If you have some light dirt or grease, then some diluted simple green will work great. Spray a good amount on, let it sit for a few and hose it off. Simple green is safe and won't discolor the plastic.

DO NOT pressure wash or steam
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:28 AM
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Does anybody use GUNK spray on their engine??
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:29 AM
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I just use Son of a Gun on the plastic parts and Back to Black on the side pods.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:34 AM
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Originally Posted by T VETTE
Does anybody use GUNK spray on their engine??
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:36 AM
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means......................
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:45 AM
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Originally Posted by T VETTE
means......................
lurk
To lie in wait, as in ambush.
To move furtively; sneak.
To exist unobserved or unsuspected: danger lurking around every bend.
To read but not contribute to the discussion in a newsgroup, chatroom, or other online forum.

Last edited by Rodster21; Apr 1, 2007 at 01:47 AM.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:49 AM
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Gunk is corrosive to aluminium (sp?) and it leaves funky white stains on your rubber hoses. I'd stay away from it, Simple Green has been able to take off any oil or grease I've had...

Last edited by tstar; Apr 1, 2007 at 02:09 AM.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Rodster21
lurk
To lie in wait, as in ambush.
To move furtively; sneak.
To exist unobserved or unsuspected: danger lurking around every bend.
To read but not contribute to the discussion in a newsgroup, chatroom, or other online forum.

Or to stand in the background, Tall, Dark, and Ugly... Oh no that was Lurch!

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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 02:05 AM
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No hosing or pressure washing unless you want barnacles on your knock sensors which can lead to codes and false knock. Gunk faded the paint in my engine bay. I use Simple Green, wipe it off immediately and never let it dry.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 10:31 AM
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Gunk is a solvent (ie strips wax and paint and eats plastic), simple green is all natural and non-toxic.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 10:50 AM
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While opinions may vary the simple fact is that you never want to wash your engine with a pressure washer. If you must use running water at all use a garden hose with light pressure and no nozzle. This combined with (insert favorite cleaner here) and some elbow grease will get the most of it done. Once the major cleaning is complete a simple wipedown each time you wash the car should keep it looking great. Use of things like diluted simple green, lestoil and some of the armorall wipes make less work of it. Here is a service bulliten on damage that can result from liberal use of a pressure washer on the LS1 engine couresy of Patches.

1998-2002: Service Bulletin: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set

Subject: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-023

Models: 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VIN G -- RPO LS1)

1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup and Utility Models (Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL) with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs V, T, Z, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4)

Condition:

Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.

Cause:

This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity. This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.

Correction:

Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed below.

Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.

Remove the rear bank knock sensor.

Install the new rear bank knock sensor. Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).

Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.

Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.

From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).

Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
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Old Apr 8, 2007 | 11:05 PM
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Default Aluminum intake cleaning

This aftermarket manifold is OLD; early 70's and grimey and I need some advice on how to get it cleaned up. Mostly just dull no real staining since I've used some Brakecleen and WD-40 over the past year. Now I want to get it fresher but these aluminum cleaners/polishers out there seem to create alot of black when using- --something I want to stay away from........would Nevr-Dull wadding help or hurt?
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