Is the LS1 engine washable?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 12
From: Rutherfordton NC
St. Jude Donor '10
Is the LS1 engine washable?
I am going to clean up a friends 04 vert next week and the engine desperately needs washed, the entire underhood is nasty.
I know I washed my LT1 a few years ago and it cost me over $1000 to get it running again.
Is the LS1 a washable engine? If so, can I pressure wash it or just hand wash and hose it off.
Any tips or ideas are welcomed.
I know I washed my LT1 a few years ago and it cost me over $1000 to get it running again.
Is the LS1 a washable engine? If so, can I pressure wash it or just hand wash and hose it off.
Any tips or ideas are welcomed.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Denver Colorado
Race Director
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have washed mine a couple of times, What I did was spray a mixture of water and simple green where needed and then I used a slow water stream to rinse it off and used a rag when needed. Never had an issue.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,095
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From: Pewaukee WI
I don't see you will have a problem, cover delicate electrical's to stop water ingress. Don't hit electrical's with direct high pressure water, or even a direct hose. Try not to flood an electrical area's.
Have washed many an engine in my day, never had a problem.
If I don't have compressed air and these days I don't have compressed air. After I rinse the area soak up any water in pooled areas around electrical components the start engine and let the engine warmth dry the engine bay. Then as it dry's I take a cloth and dry all areas prior to using 303 spray or equivalent on all plastic components. My painted components I treat as the external paintwork - wash, dry, polish & seal, or detail spray.
Good luck, take it easy it isn't difficult. Sorry you had such a costly experience before.
Have washed many an engine in my day, never had a problem.
If I don't have compressed air and these days I don't have compressed air. After I rinse the area soak up any water in pooled areas around electrical components the start engine and let the engine warmth dry the engine bay. Then as it dry's I take a cloth and dry all areas prior to using 303 spray or equivalent on all plastic components. My painted components I treat as the external paintwork - wash, dry, polish & seal, or detail spray.
Good luck, take it easy it isn't difficult. Sorry you had such a costly experience before.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
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Do a SEARCH-MANY have had issues power washing-I would not do it.
The real problem is the Knock sensors sit in wells under the intake manifold, water can easily get in to them and "F" them up. There is a bulliten out about building silicone dams around the plugs on these wells to keep water out.
Simple Green and a garden hose set on very MILD spray would be the most I would do.
The real problem is the Knock sensors sit in wells under the intake manifold, water can easily get in to them and "F" them up. There is a bulliten out about building silicone dams around the plugs on these wells to keep water out.
Simple Green and a garden hose set on very MILD spray would be the most I would do.
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From: Sacramento CA
There are career russian roulette players too, but you'll never catch me playing. 
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
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From: Arden NC
There are career russian roulette players too, but you'll never catch me playing.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,899
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
There are career russian roulette players too, but you'll never catch me playing.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
just gotta know what your doing....
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There are career russian roulette players too, but you'll never catch me playing.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Also, be sure to use an ALUMINUM and RUBBER safe degreaser...
I use diluted Megs 103 and agitate with a brush. Then I gently pour water over the areas.
Then, I dry the engine bay before starting the car. Usually with a leaf blower, but an air compressor works too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
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From: Hillsboro Oregon
I have washed mine many times both using a degreaser on a warm engine followed by a 1000psi power washer and other times with some simple green and a regular hose. No problems and I don't cover electrics at all. I always start her right up and let it dry running.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I have washed my engine a few times with excellent results. I've used a product called S100, which is made for washing motorcycles. Just follow directions and use the hose on low pressure, also cover the alternator. The engine compartment looks brand new. It's easy to use and I've had no problems with the engine running afterward. You can find it at motorcycle dealers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
A little simple green and some water is all you need.
Before:
After:
I've since gone back and used some water and simple green on the balancer, it isn't rusty anymore
Before:
After:
I've since gone back and used some water and simple green on the balancer, it isn't rusty anymore
Last edited by Mike94ZLT1; Feb 13, 2011 at 10:43 AM.
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Le Mans Master
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From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
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From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
I take mine to the $2.50 power wash several times a year and wash it down with soap and high pressure water.
Been doing this since 1998 when it was new and never had any problem yet!
Just don't spray inside the alt. or intake tract and you'll be fine, I've been washing engines like this since I was 16 and I'm a few years older now!
Been doing this since 1998 when it was new and never had any problem yet!
Just don't spray inside the alt. or intake tract and you'll be fine, I've been washing engines like this since I was 16 and I'm a few years older now!