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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 01:29 AM
  #1  
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Default Engine Cleaning

I've got the day off tomorrow and I think I'm just gonna spend most of it detailing my C5. I would appreciate any input on engine detailing. I want it shining by the end of the day. I'm all ears.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 01:39 AM
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Check over in the Car Care Discussion section of the Forum. There have been any number of threads on this topic there. Too, several very knowlegeable people and a few professional detailers hang out in that section.

Good luck.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 02:14 AM
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This is a link to great site for car care

Autopia.org

Check the bottom of this post, pretty good ideas on dressing up the engine bay..
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 05:39 AM
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Me contrary to what everyone says not to do, I use high pressure hot water with soap. Then I spray it down with some Meguiers Trim Detailer. Here is a pic of my 99,200 mile beauty:

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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by dixonk
Me contrary to what everyone says not to do, I use high pressure hot water with soap. Then I spray it down with some Meguiers Trim Detailer. Here is a pic of my 99,200 mile beauty:

Do ya leave it running while you spray it off? Looks KILLER!
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 07:51 AM
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i clean by hand - each area/part (with plastic cleaner), and mothers mag polish for any exposed metals.




((since the photo i hac=ve gotten the cowl back to full black as well....))
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 10:37 AM
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Some Simple Green and low flow water will do wonders on the engine bay. Then you can always go in and do whatever touchup is needed.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by WAGONGUY
Do ya leave it running while you spray it off? Looks KILLER!
Nah. Just usually give it a good power washing then hit it with air to blow off the water as much as possible. Once I am done washing the car it is completely dry and I crank it up.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Some Simple Green and low flow water will do wonders on the engine bay. Then you can always go in and do whatever touchup is needed.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 12:00 PM
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simple green, garden hose....works fine if you do it regularly.


if not, gunk gel then garden hose.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 09:44 PM
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Oh no, don't spray that motor! You may have trouble with your knock sensors!!!! They are under the manifold recessed in the valley cover. Get water in there and they will rust!
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 09:53 PM
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Simple Green.......great results.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by 01vetter
Oh no, don't spray that motor! You may have trouble with your knock sensors!!!! They are under the manifold recessed in the valley cover. Get water in there and they will rust!
The TSB to replace water damaged knock sensors has a step to build a "dam" with RTV to prevent future problems.
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Old Jan 13, 2009 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by c5BlackBeauty
Simple Green.......great results.
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 02:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 01vetter
Oh no, don't spray that motor! You may have trouble with your knock sensors!!!! They are under the manifold recessed in the valley cover. Get water in there and they will rust!
I pulled my knock sensors last week for my motor build and they still looked new.
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 03:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 01vetter
Oh no, don't spray that motor! You may have trouble with your knock sensors!!!! They are under the manifold recessed in the valley cover. Get water in there and they will rust!

The TSB to replace water damaged knock sensors has a step to build a "dam" with RTV to prevent future problems.

Been there done that
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 11:55 AM
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If you do spray it down and you have an open element air filter be sure and cover it up .
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 03:33 PM
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Its your car . . .

But I wouldnt spray water on this engine. Guys may do it and more power to them if they avoid a problem. But...with the corrosion problems with bad grounds what they are on this car, bleh . . .

I usualy just do each area seperately with a spray cleaner and maybe a small stiff brush and the shop vac. But then again, mines not a show car so some people may need more detail than that.

Also, try the (front) hood seal. Its a cheap solution and since I added it I do notice the engine bay stays a lot cleaner.
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