Detail Engine Bay
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 926
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From: chandler az
Detail Engine Bay
Does someone have instructions/ which products to use to detail the engine bay? My car looks great except for the engine bay is dirty (surface dirt/dust).
I know in the late C4s it was asking for trouble to wash down the engine bay. Is that problem gone?
I know in the late C4s it was asking for trouble to wash down the engine bay. Is that problem gone?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Well, your C5 does not have an "optispark" distributor. That was the big thing to worry about getting wet with a late C4 (LT1-LT4).
But even then, sometimes it is blown out of proportion. The '95 and '96 had upgraded optisparks that were better sealed.
But with anything electronic, if it gets wet it could cause problems.
That being said, even though this is the C5 section here is a picture of my LT4 detailing. YES, I washed it with soap and water. Then used about 3 rolls of paper towels and simple green to finish drying and cleaning. When completely dry, it was then sprayed with CD-2 Engine Detailer (available at AutoZone). Then you start the engine, and the heat will evaporate any leftover film.
But even then, sometimes it is blown out of proportion. The '95 and '96 had upgraded optisparks that were better sealed.
But with anything electronic, if it gets wet it could cause problems.
That being said, even though this is the C5 section here is a picture of my LT4 detailing. YES, I washed it with soap and water. Then used about 3 rolls of paper towels and simple green to finish drying and cleaning. When completely dry, it was then sprayed with CD-2 Engine Detailer (available at AutoZone). Then you start the engine, and the heat will evaporate any leftover film.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
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From: Sacramento CA
My car at 5:00pm last night:
My car at 5:30pm last night:
Used: dampened blue shop paper towels with 1/3 castrol superclean to "mat" the dirtiest areas.
drizzled water to clear it off
dried,
sprayed Adam's In and Out (supporting vendor!)
My car at 5:30pm last night:
Used: dampened blue shop paper towels with 1/3 castrol superclean to "mat" the dirtiest areas.
drizzled water to clear it off
dried,
sprayed Adam's In and Out (supporting vendor!)
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Use a little Simple Green if you have some oily areas, then just use low pressure water to rinse. Some compressed air or a leaf blower will help dry up the water (or you can just run the engine). Wipe down with an old chamios or Absorber and it should be clean.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,725
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From: Colesville MD
You should give this a shot.
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-58-in-out-spray.aspx
If you will be down in Ocean City on the 13th, you can buy it in person at a discounted price with no tax or shipping!
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-58-in-out-spray.aspx
If you will be down in Ocean City on the 13th, you can buy it in person at a discounted price with no tax or shipping!
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Uber Waxer
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Uber Waxer
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
You should give this a shot.
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-58-in-out-spray.aspx
If you will be down in Ocean City on the 13th, you can buy it in person at a discounted price with no tax or shipping!
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-58-in-out-spray.aspx
If you will be down in Ocean City on the 13th, you can buy it in person at a discounted price with no tax or shipping!
or this.....
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Rochester MN
Thanks
DAve
Uber Waxer
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
I use the In&Out for areas that are hard to reach and VRT for areas that can be applied with a applicator. The appearance of the product is almost the same. Both can be wiped from painted surfaces or glass with no residue. I just like to supplement the In&Out with VRT so it lasts longer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: hill billy hell
Get air compressor
The C-5 weak point when using water on the engine are the knock sensors. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...+DTC+P0332+Set I am guilty of just using running water a couple of times, but like stated I use an air hose with a fine tip nozzle to try to blow off as much water as possible before start up. I use my air compressor to blow debris off the engine every car wash
My .02
My .02
Uber Waxer
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Uber Waxer
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From: Hanover MD
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St. Jude Donor '08-'10
be careful, simple green will weaken dull aluminum unless you use the aircraft approved version.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
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Damn man...did u take it OFF-ROADING!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: hill billy hell
The intake,because water can channel down to the knock sensors and cause problems for the knock sensors
This is from a TSB
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...+DTC+P0332+Set
This is from a TSB
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.
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.
Last edited by jirasvet; Oct 4, 2007 at 02:21 PM.