Engine bay cleaning tips?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Meguiars cleaning wipes. 
I don't recommend any running water in your engine bay. The LSx series of engines have a problem with water intrusion that will corrode you knock sensors. There is a TSB published on the issue.
I don't recommend any running water in your engine bay. The LSx series of engines have a problem with water intrusion that will corrode you knock sensors. There is a TSB published on the issue.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Wesley Chapel FL
Even if you're careful I'd be leery of using water too. Had some problems with my first car (non-Corvette) after cleaning with water, that I think were in part due to that. Might not happen over night, but why risk it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
But if you absolutely insist on using water in the engine bay here's a link to a video that has some good advice.http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I use a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water on a cold engine. Then I rinse with cold water, start the engine, close the hood and let the car idle for enough time to get hot enough to evaporate all of the water. Engine is clean, water doesn't cause corrosion because it isn't there long enough and it is easy to do. I have been doing this on all of my cars for years and haven't had any problems. They all get an engine bath twice a year.
I used to use Armor All to get everything shiny but it can damage the O2 sensors if it is sucked through the intake so I stopped using it.
Bill
I used to use Armor All to get everything shiny but it can damage the O2 sensors if it is sucked through the intake so I stopped using it.
Bill
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Dubai Mirdiff
The under side and engine get attacked with degreasing chemicals and then Jet sprayed off by the pleb at the car wash.
Dosnt seem to have any harmfull effects, imagine it runs better that way than with a ton of sand in it.
Dosnt seem to have any harmfull effects, imagine it runs better that way than with a ton of sand in it.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,340
Likes: 24,779
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I use an air compressor and blow the loose stuff off - then follow up with a wipe down using an old Absorber. For any greasy spots, Simple Green on a rag will do the trick. If you do this regularly, it keeps the engine bay looking nice and clean.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Simple Green in concentrated form and on hot aluminum is corrosive.
I use a 1 part Simple Green, 3 parts 1 water concentration.
I spray it on a cool engine, let it sit 5 minutes and then hit it with car wash soap from my powerwasher followed by a through rinse with my power washer.
I cover the battery and the alternator with grocery store plastic bags to keep them dry.
113 K miles and it looks cleaner than a lot of engine compartments with 13 K miles.
I use a 1 part Simple Green, 3 parts 1 water concentration.
I spray it on a cool engine, let it sit 5 minutes and then hit it with car wash soap from my powerwasher followed by a through rinse with my power washer.
I cover the battery and the alternator with grocery store plastic bags to keep them dry.
113 K miles and it looks cleaner than a lot of engine compartments with 13 K miles.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
I live in Florida and sand is an issue. I use a liquid fabric softener mixed with water. one part water 12 parts softener. I dip a paint brush in the solution and shake off all the excess. Then just brush or dab the loose dirt / sand. I have a couple various sizes of brushes. This is only good on loose stuff. I try not to let grease and grime accumulate. My C5 is the only car I own, so it gets driven alot.
I don't know where I originally read about this, heck it might have been here
Good Luck
I don't know where I originally read about this, heck it might have been here
Good Luck