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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 09:50 PM
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Default Engine cleaning

Maybe someone can steer me in the right direction

I noticed when I did my plugs & wires that under the rail covers was a bit dirty, no oil leaks but 18 years of road dust and all.

I want to clean my engine compartment, I know years ago on my 70 Camaro I used engine gunk and hosed it down after 15 minutes, I wouldn't dare to use that on a C5 Vette

What can I safely use on my Vette to gets this clean?
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 10:16 PM
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Originally Posted by pjdbm
Maybe someone can steer me in the right direction

I noticed when I did my plugs & wires that under the rail covers was a bit dirty, no oil leaks but 18 years of road dust and all.

I want to clean my engine compartment, I know years ago on my 70 Camaro I used engine gunk and hosed it down after 15 minutes, I wouldn't dare to use that on a C5 Vette

What can I safely use on my Vette to gets this clean?
Go to you tube "corvette engine cleaning and detailing using water and...by froggie." There are other vids there too. (I'd do the link for you but I'm a total computer luddite and don't know how. Sorry)
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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by glbeauchamp
Go to you tube "corvette engine cleaning and detailing using water and...by froggie." There are other vids there too. (I'd do the link for you but I'm a total computer luddite and don't know how. Sorry)

Thank you very much!

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Old Mar 25, 2017 | 11:55 PM
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Here's what I do to mine: use an air compressor to blow away any loose dust and dirt, then take a rag and moisten with some Simple Green. Then use the rag to wipe up any residue that may remain.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Here's what I do to mine: use an air compressor to blow away any loose dust and dirt, then take a rag and moisten with some Simple Green. Then use the rag to wipe up any residue that may remain.

thanks, Simple Green is good stuff
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 08:26 AM
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I mix Pine Sol and water in a sprayer. Remove fuel rail covers,. Wet the cold engine with the solution. Let set about 10 minutes. (I don't spray the alternator) Then power wash the engine followed by air blow off. Once the engine has been cleared of standing water in any pockets, I start the engine to let dry.

After the engine is dry, I spray with Trim Shine. In addition to spraying the engine with the Pine Sol solution, I spray the windshield cowl. It rinses crap out of there and freshens the HVAC air.

Last edited by 3sACROWD; Mar 26, 2017 at 08:30 AM.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by pjdbm
thanks, Simple Green is good stuff
Actually, its crap. Will turn bright aluminum a dull white. Wouldn't risk it on other stuff either.

Just being honest, you should do a search. Some great threads already out there on this. In 18 years of the corvetteforum, this topic has been covered in detail.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by ~Josh
Actually, its crap. Will turn bright aluminum a dull white. Wouldn't risk it on other stuff either.

Just being honest, you should do a search. Some great threads already out there on this. In 18 years of the corvetteforum, this topic has been covered in detail.
I have only used it on plastic panels, when we refurbish copy machines for resale.

thanks
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 12:19 PM
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Use some type of mild general degreaser or AP cleaner. Diluted Simple Green, Spray Nine, Adams AP. Once coated simply RINSE the engine off with a shower setting on your garden hose. No need to pressure wash the engine, I'm sure it's not that dirty. You'll aslo force water into electrical connectors if you get carried away with a pressure washer. Also watch how much water you get around the intake, it holds water down in the sides.

You don't need to get crazy with it.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
Here's what I do to mine: use an air compressor to blow away any loose dust and dirt, then take a rag and moisten with some Simple Green. Then use the rag to wipe up any residue that may remain.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 02:12 PM
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I remember many years ago a post from a guy who used a pressure washer to clean the engine of his 1991 Vette. The result was a plethora of electrical problems from water getting into connections. I would not use one myself.
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Old Mar 26, 2017 | 02:15 PM
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I use simple green thats watered down on everything. It works great, just don't use it on hot parts and don't let it dry. All my vehicles engine compartments are like brand new...
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