Engine Bay Cleaning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
Engine Bay Cleaning
Ive read some past threads on this and there seems to be a difference of opinions.*
Some say to cover all and use gentle spray.*
Some say covering isn't necessary and to just use gentle spay.*
Others say they take to car wash and use high power (I will never do this)
Anyone have any horror stories from washing their engine?
I bought my vette in Feb and I don't think the previous owner ever cleaned the engine or at least not very often.*
I'm very nervous about cleaning it but it needs it.*
Some say to cover all and use gentle spray.*
Some say covering isn't necessary and to just use gentle spay.*
Others say they take to car wash and use high power (I will never do this)
Anyone have any horror stories from washing their engine?
I bought my vette in Feb and I don't think the previous owner ever cleaned the engine or at least not very often.*
I'm very nervous about cleaning it but it needs it.*
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 32
From: FL
Engine Bay Cleaning
I went to the local DollarTree and for a buck each, bought "Totally Awesome" spray cleaner (which will take grease off of anything) and a couple of the long yarn thread handle brushes. The brushes are great for cleaning behind the various items in the engine compartment (and the wheels too).
Removed the fuel rail covers, sprayed a light hose spray on the engine, sprayed the cleaner on, worked it around with the yarn brushes, then a light spray with hose water again.
No problems in starting but I did let it fully warm up to burn off any water. Light water spray only, no hard spray and certainly no power washing. Washed the rail covers separately.
Then did a detail with 303 protectant which I used on the interior plastics. Not shiny like ArmorAll.
Removed the fuel rail covers, sprayed a light hose spray on the engine, sprayed the cleaner on, worked it around with the yarn brushes, then a light spray with hose water again.
No problems in starting but I did let it fully warm up to burn off any water. Light water spray only, no hard spray and certainly no power washing. Washed the rail covers separately.
Then did a detail with 303 protectant which I used on the interior plastics. Not shiny like ArmorAll.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
I've used the soap spray at the coin-op car wash for years without a problem. I make sure the engine is at operating temperature, shut off the engine, open the hood and lay on a good layer of soap, keeping the tip of the nozzle a couple of feet from anything electrical. I then close the hood (not latched) and soap down the rest of the car, again keeping the nozzle a couple of feet from the paint (I only do this when I have a heavy layer of dust and I don't have time to do a thorough hand wash). I start the engine, open the hood and rinse the soap and dirt out of the engine compartment. With the engine still running, I close and latch the hood and rinse off the rest of the car. By the time I get home the engine is completely dry and the paint only needs a wipe down with a damp chamois. The whole deal, round-trip only takes about 30 minutes.
Okie
Okie
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Spritz lightly, young man!
I use either water or a mild solution of simple green and water in a spray bottle to spritz as many touchable surfaces as possible. You won't get every surface but that's okay.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
I did it and the car survived. I did cover the alt and some electric stuff to be safe.
I have simple green so diluted that and spritzed on and then used low pressure water to rinse along with a soft bristle brush. It was mainly just dusty.
I have simple green so diluted that and spritzed on and then used low pressure water to rinse along with a soft bristle brush. It was mainly just dusty.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: Santa Ynez Ca.
I just wipe mine down every time I wash it. When I open the hood water drops in on stuff so I just take the towel I use to wipe down the exterior and then wipe everything off. Later I use a vacuum cleaner and compressed air to blow out the grit that gets everywhere. I would never use a hose as with my luck it wouldn't ever start again!
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
Remove fuel rail covers, spray engine with a little 50/50 simple green/water solution and use gentle spray form the garden hose to rinse. Don't drown the alternator, electrical connectors, or battery enclosure. But a little water won't hurt anything. I use my Sthil blower to remove the majority of the water and then start it up and let her run for a few minutes. I have never had an issue doing this.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
I went to the local DollarTree and for a buck each, bought "Totally Awesome" spray cleaner (which will take grease off of anything) and a couple of the long yarn thread handle brushes. The brushes are great for cleaning behind the various items in the engine compartment (and the wheels too).
Removed the fuel rail covers, sprayed a light hose spray on the engine, sprayed the cleaner on, worked it around with the yarn brushes, then a light spray with hose water again.
No problems in starting but I did let it fully warm up to burn off any water. Light water spray only, no hard spray and certainly no power washing. Washed the rail covers separately.
Then did a detail with 303 protectant which I used on the interior plastics. Not shiny like ArmorAll.
Removed the fuel rail covers, sprayed a light hose spray on the engine, sprayed the cleaner on, worked it around with the yarn brushes, then a light spray with hose water again.
No problems in starting but I did let it fully warm up to burn off any water. Light water spray only, no hard spray and certainly no power washing. Washed the rail covers separately.
Then did a detail with 303 protectant which I used on the interior plastics. Not shiny like ArmorAll.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
I just wipe mine down every time I wash it. When I open the hood water drops in on stuff so I just take the towel I use to wipe down the exterior and then wipe everything off. Later I use a vacuum cleaner and compressed air to blow out the grit that gets everywhere. I would never use a hose as with my luck it wouldn't ever start again!
My vette is my daily. I need it to work lol
But I did it and it still starts yay!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 189
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
Once you get it clean it's easy to maintain it. Use an air hose to blow away any debris and then use you preferred cleaner to wipe everything down. I use Superior cover all tire and interior dressing. It's a good producet to use especially on your rubber hoses to help prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
What's a "DW"?
Dear Wife?
Designated Whoopi...supplier?
Didn't Want...to let me have the 'Vette?
Doesn't Work?
Does Whatever...she wants?
Does What...I say, when I say?
Disappeared With...my best friend?
Disappeared With...my 'Vette
Disappeared With...both?
Lot's of possibilities here.................
DSTURBD
Dear Wife?
Designated Whoopi...supplier?
Didn't Want...to let me have the 'Vette?
Doesn't Work?
Does Whatever...she wants?
Does What...I say, when I say?
Disappeared With...my best friend?
Disappeared With...my 'Vette
Disappeared With...both?
Lot's of possibilities here.................
DSTURBD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,408
Likes: 956
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
What's a "DW"?
Dear Wife?
Designated Whoopi...supplier?
Didn't Want...to let me have the 'Vette?
Doesn't Work?
Does Whatever...she wants?
Does What...I say, when I say?
Disappeared With...my best friend?
Disappeared With...my 'Vette
Disappeared With...both?
Lot's of possibilities here.................
Dear Wife?
Designated Whoopi...supplier?
Didn't Want...to let me have the 'Vette?
Doesn't Work?
Does Whatever...she wants?
Does What...I say, when I say?
Disappeared With...my best friend?
Disappeared With...my 'Vette
Disappeared With...both?
Lot's of possibilities here.................
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 48
From: Yuma CO
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Thank you sir!!!!! I actually figured it was something like that, however............
Your affirmation of my mental insufficiencies is actually quite comforting!!!!
Darling Wife, cool!! I missed that one!! Though I (in my own defense) did think of Dear Wife!!
Just having some fun, nothing personal was intended, sir. It was just an abbreviation I hadn't yet encountered. I sincerely do hope I didn't offend as that was never my intent!!
My twisted mind just saw an opportunity for a little levity.
DSTURBD
I actually figured it was something like that, however............Your affirmation of my mental insufficiencies is actually quite comforting!!!!
Darling Wife, cool!! I missed that one!! Though I (in my own defense) did think of Dear Wife!!
Just having some fun, nothing personal was intended, sir. It was just an abbreviation I hadn't yet encountered. I sincerely do hope I didn't offend as that was never my intent!!
My twisted mind just saw an opportunity for a little levity.
DSTURBD
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,408
Likes: 956
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Thank you sir!!!!! I actually figured it was something like that, however............
Your affirmation of my mental insufficiencies is actually quite comforting!!!!
Just having some fun, nothing personal was intended, sir. It was just an abbreviation I hadn't yet encountered. I sincerely do hope I didn't offend as that was never my intent!!
My twisted mind just saw an opportunity for a little levity.
DSTURBD
I actually figured it was something like that, however............Your affirmation of my mental insufficiencies is actually quite comforting!!!!
Just having some fun, nothing personal was intended, sir. It was just an abbreviation I hadn't yet encountered. I sincerely do hope I didn't offend as that was never my intent!!
My twisted mind just saw an opportunity for a little levity.
DSTURBD
