Cleaning the Engine Compartment Advice
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 107
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From: Savannah GA
Cleaning the Engine Compartment Advice
I have had my C5 for almost a year now and I still haven't gotten around to cleaning up the engine compartment. It def. needs to be cleaned to bring it up to my standards. The part that scares me is all of the grounds and electrical connections.... What advice can you give me for this??? I'd love to be able to spray some degreaser and then pressure wash it.... Do I have to wrap the connectors or what?
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 501
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From: Aurora Colorado
I saw this article on the main forum page the other day. Has some good tips for cleaning and detailing the engine compartment.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...-engine-368416
https://www.corvetteforum.com/how-to...-engine-368416
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Burning Brakes
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From: Rockwall TX
I always use a degreaser and power washer. I' m 61 and never had an issue with any car, but always use caution around certain electronic areas. I would not waste my time with a garden hose, but that's my own opinion and don't mean any insults here. To each their own.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Pewaukee WI
I agree with this, then again I have washed more engines than I can remember.If you haven't done many with lots of electric's read up, search the forum first....... Vetteman Jack's words are wise. Last thing you want to do is is fry anything!
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From: Puyallup WA
I used to wash the engine on my previous car frequently, but I have been a chicken when it comes to the engine bay of my vette. That is about to change. 
It was a great excuse to place another autogeek order.
It was a great excuse to place another autogeek order.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Savannah GA
I've done many engines with a pressure washer, but I would always use low pressure around electronics and connectors.... yet, after reading many posts about post engine cleanings on vettes and problems, I want to stand clear of problems!!! I saw one person said they used simple green. I've never used simple green before...but I've heard of it. I've used GUNK Engine Degreaser foaming spray in the past...but I have found that it can change the color in paint if it sits a bit too long, yet, I might be willing to try it again. I've also used some purple power with some side effects to paint as well. Does anyone have a suggested de-greaser with minimal side effects? I'm starting to think about just trying to use dawn dish soap with some water in a squirt bottle and a low pressure hose after covering all of the connectors and grounds.
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From: Circle Pines MN
I've done many engines with a pressure washer, but I would always use low pressure around electronics and connectors.... yet, after reading many posts about post engine cleanings on vettes and problems, I want to stand clear of problems!!! I saw one person said they used simple green. I've never used simple green before...but I've heard of it. I've used GUNK Engine Degreaser foaming spray in the past...but I have found that it can change the color in paint if it sits a bit too long, yet, I might be willing to try it again. I've also used some purple power with some side effects to paint as well. Does anyone have a suggested de-greaser with minimal side effects? I'm starting to think about just trying to use dawn dish soap with some water in a squirt bottle and a low pressure hose after covering all of the connectors and grounds.
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