Is the LS1 engine washable?
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Piketon Ohio
I've washed mine several times ,but for some reason the air does not work for a couple of days after I've washed it .seems that what ever that gets wet has to dry out before the air will work agin .anyone know what might be the cause of this ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 1,057
From: Chester County Pennsylvania
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I lived in Palm Harbor, FL (near Tampa) for seven years and used the same methods.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 0
From: Qualicum Beach British Columbia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I've pressure washed my motor once because it had a lot of coolant all over the place after I had an overflow issue. However, since that day I've kept it up really easily with some good trim polish. No need to pressure wash it if you keep it maintained.
Do the pressure wash, but take the warnings into consideration. Don't take the fuel rail covers off while pressure washing. When you're done, pull the fuel rails off and wash them separately with either simple green or actual car wash soap. While the covers are off, use a damp rag to wipe down the intake manifold and cross bar.
I use trip polish on the fuel rail covers, intake manifold, reservoir covers, radiator shroud, brake booster, window wipers and the trim piece that goes below the windshield that the wiper blades rest on.
As you can see, the engine bay looks as clean as it would have brand new from the dealer (with the exception of the upper radiator hose - in this pic. LOL) Also, notice the trim piece below the windshield looks brand new. Normally this looks dulled or grey. They often have oxidation on them. This one does not because I use trim polish. I'll take a better shot if you'd like. But this is a VERY clean engine bay and believe me, this car is driven more than 1000 miles a month.
Flash on the camera turned on:
Do the pressure wash, but take the warnings into consideration. Don't take the fuel rail covers off while pressure washing. When you're done, pull the fuel rails off and wash them separately with either simple green or actual car wash soap. While the covers are off, use a damp rag to wipe down the intake manifold and cross bar.
I use trip polish on the fuel rail covers, intake manifold, reservoir covers, radiator shroud, brake booster, window wipers and the trim piece that goes below the windshield that the wiper blades rest on.
As you can see, the engine bay looks as clean as it would have brand new from the dealer (with the exception of the upper radiator hose - in this pic. LOL) Also, notice the trim piece below the windshield looks brand new. Normally this looks dulled or grey. They often have oxidation on them. This one does not because I use trim polish. I'll take a better shot if you'd like. But this is a VERY clean engine bay and believe me, this car is driven more than 1000 miles a month.
Flash on the camera turned on:
Last edited by SCM_Crash; Feb 17, 2011 at 04:23 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 7
From: Bristol raceway area
I've pressure washed my motor once because it had a lot of coolant all over the place after I had an overflow issue. However, since that day I've kept it up really easily with some good trim polish. No need to pressure wash it if you keep it maintained.
Do the pressure wash, but take the warnings into consideration. Don't take the fuel rail covers off while pressure washing. When you're done, pull the fuel rails off and wash them separately with either simple green or actual car wash soap. While the covers are off, use a damp rag to wipe down the intake manifold and cross bar.
I use trip polish on the fuel rail covers, intake manifold, reservoir covers, radiator shroud, brake booster, window wipers and the trim piece that goes below the windshield that the wiper blades rest on.
As you can see, the engine bay looks as clean as it would have brand new from the dealer (with the exception of the upper radiator hose - in this pic. LOL) Also, notice the trim piece below the windshield looks brand new. Normally this looks dulled or grey. They often have oxidation on them. This one does not because I use trim polish. I'll take a better shot if you'd like. But this is a VERY clean engine bay and believe me, this car is driven more than 1000 miles a month.
Flash on the camera turned on:
Do the pressure wash, but take the warnings into consideration. Don't take the fuel rail covers off while pressure washing. When you're done, pull the fuel rails off and wash them separately with either simple green or actual car wash soap. While the covers are off, use a damp rag to wipe down the intake manifold and cross bar.
I use trip polish on the fuel rail covers, intake manifold, reservoir covers, radiator shroud, brake booster, window wipers and the trim piece that goes below the windshield that the wiper blades rest on.
As you can see, the engine bay looks as clean as it would have brand new from the dealer (with the exception of the upper radiator hose - in this pic. LOL) Also, notice the trim piece below the windshield looks brand new. Normally this looks dulled or grey. They often have oxidation on them. This one does not because I use trim polish. I'll take a better shot if you'd like. But this is a VERY clean engine bay and believe me, this car is driven more than 1000 miles a month.
Flash on the camera turned on:
How in the world did you get the alternator/brackets to look so new? Also what is trim polish?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I use Meguiars "Ultimate Protectant: Dash and Trim Restorer" as the trim polish, but there's lots of them out there. No greasy residue or film left behind too! I don't use this stuff on my dash, though. In fact the only interior component I used it on was the trunk hatch (FRC) to get the the oxidation off, which worked perfectly. But I don't put this on any interior pieces, especially ones that are vinyl or anything that sees the light of the sun.
I use a lightly damp cloth to dust my interior.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Not sure if this is what happened to the OP's LT1 engine, but the Opti-Spark optical distributors were very susceptible to water -- especially the '92 and '93 models. If you fried one, the unit itself was fairly expensive and required quite a bit of labor to replace.
Yes, the opti spark distributor on the early C4's was the problem with water intrusion and no place for it to go. I had a 93 and frequently washed the engine compartment, but carefully wrapped plastic bags around the opti spark and electrical. Never had a problem. For the C5, I do about the same, with Simple Green and a hose and rag. However the engine compartment is better sealed and seems to stay cleaner than the C4.
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