Okay do what you want with yours. I'll see another 1000 blasted without problems.
How to safely clean engine?
Le Mans Master
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From: Wisconsin
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Sunnyvale Texas
So here is a couple of visuals for you. I did this on my 1989 with the L98 engine, but you get the idea. I cleaned the engine, frame, radiator etc with no problems. The ole 89 popped immediately and I ran the engine till all the water was dry.
Mask and cover any exposed electrical. I sprayed on regular car wash soap, but the suggestions for Simple Green are spot on. I used a brush and towel to get in and around tight areas. I used hose to "trickle" water for a rinse and as mentioned NEVER blast your engine with high pressure.
I was super happy with the results. I did the same for my LS6 and it came out great.
Mask and cover any exposed electrical. I sprayed on regular car wash soap, but the suggestions for Simple Green are spot on. I used a brush and towel to get in and around tight areas. I used hose to "trickle" water for a rinse and as mentioned NEVER blast your engine with high pressure.
I was super happy with the results. I did the same for my LS6 and it came out great.
Last edited by Dark Sarcasm; Apr 30, 2018 at 06:01 PM.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Buffalo Texas
some of you should put a camera under the hood and drive thru a rain storm, Oh right some don't drive in the rain ??? I ask you with all the cars and trucks that drive thru rain why don't they have issues ????? (what do you think the fan does with rain entering the radiator ???)
:toe tap: (remember the engine is hot !!big key !!!)
:toe tap: (remember the engine is hot !!big key !!!)
Last edited by Pounder; Apr 30, 2018 at 06:08 PM.
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not to mention many of the sensor connectors have seals to keep water out
Last edited by StingrayRebel; Apr 30, 2018 at 06:57 PM.
Banned Scam/Spammer
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Pull the fuel rail covers on a car with just 7k miles since it was last cleaned. Would that be acceptable to sell? Or to repair if its getting engine surgery?
Do you think most C5s are cleaned every 7k miles or less??
Ha!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
1000, huh?
Of course not every engine compartment that gets power washed will have problems, but these cars are twenty years old and may not be so watertight anymore, so it does happen and the tow, troubleshoot and repair can be expensive. It's not worth the trouble.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Central Florida
I think one could be careful where you get water and be ok. I mean this thing is meant to keep hot oil and water inside of it. I would not soak it but these cars are designed to breath from the bottom even in the rain
so......
On a side note, op your motor looks kinda clean to me
so......On a side note, op your motor looks kinda clean to me
Last edited by Forcedvert; Apr 30, 2018 at 09:51 PM.
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Team Owner
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If this was a poll we’d be sitting at 50/50.
If/when your engine needs it (looks like an after pic, not before
)
A degreaser and high pressure hose (about 6-7 feet away) won’t hurt.
You get issues when having a high pressure hose 18” away from your engine blasting water in areas where no rain could ever get into.
From your pic, a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol would suffice
If/when your engine needs it (looks like an after pic, not before
)A degreaser and high pressure hose (about 6-7 feet away) won’t hurt.
You get issues when having a high pressure hose 18” away from your engine blasting water in areas where no rain could ever get into.
From your pic, a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol would suffice
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2014
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What's the best way to clean the key hole recessed into the drivers door? I'm afraid to spray it with the garden hose in case water gets in and ruins my door electrical components. I just don't trust that little flapper door that was developed decades ago. Another reason I won't drive it in the rain.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
I have pressure washed my engine compartments on my vehicles at self serve wash bays forever and not had any problems. I will admit I am hesitant to do so with my vette and I drive it in only good conditions so it really stays very clean, but I think if it got dirty enough I would do it, being careful at how I aimed the wand.
Le Mans Master
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From: Wisconsin
I am done here. You have not convinced me that it is smart to pressure wash a C5 engine bay. Not with what I have seen.
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if he would have dried the engine bay off first he most likely would not have had that issue, simple as that
hot engine drys very fast !!!!!!!!
Banned Scam/Spammer
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
He trucked the car for no reason.
Not only cars we are going to sell or repair, but also cars we simply do small stuff to and wash as a courtesy, yes we pull the FRCs and wash down the engine bay. Never once heard of a single issue. I've worked here for several years both now and before.
I said it already earlier:
Not only cars we are going to sell or repair, but also cars we simply do small stuff to and wash as a courtesy, yes we pull the FRCs and wash down the engine bay. Never once heard of a single issue. I've worked here for several years both now and before.
I said it already earlier:
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Queens NY
Agreed. Cars and motorcycles are built to be driven and ridden in the rain. As such they have to account for moisture getting into the engine bay, unless you're in one of those new hermetically sealed Lexus hybrids :P
Le Mans Master
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I've never had a problem with any of my vehicles after using water on the engine...I just use care on what I direct the stream at. I avoid spraying directly on electrical connectors as pressure washers can force water into those, even those with seals...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Truckee CA
We get so much dust/sand/salt-dust (this time of the year) from the roads in this area, every time I wash the car it gets a spray down in the engine compartment.
Mark.
Mark.
Last edited by Moto One; May 1, 2018 at 06:49 PM.