Engine Bay Detaiing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 258
Likes: 35
From: Boring Green, Kentucky
Engine Bay Detaiing
Title---I meant "Detailing."
Ok guys and gals, what method and products do you prefer? I was also told hosing down with water can cause issues, electrical I presume.
Thanks!
Ok guys and gals, what method and products do you prefer? I was also told hosing down with water can cause issues, electrical I presume.
Thanks!
Last edited by zztopo; Jun 20, 2022 at 01:06 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 920
Likes: 190
From: Stoneham, MA
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
For initial treatment, I use a wash mitt/glove and regular car wash soap and do the best I can to wash everything. For the areas I cant get at I uses a dish washing "wand" and then gently rinse with water avoiding (the best you can) electrical connections.
Once, I've done a base cleaning, a house duster will usually keep things clean.
Once, I've done a base cleaning, a house duster will usually keep things clean.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,563
Likes: 3,304
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I use hot water and dawn to dampen a cloth, and then start scrubbing. It is labor intensive, but will get everything clean without damaging anything. Be extra careful not to get water in the alternator. I then wipe with another damp cloth with water only, and wipe dry. Once you've done this once, it is much faster and easier to maintain it.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,684
Likes: 425
From: Indiana Cornfield
Lol! I might get the ban hammer for this but I use the original Gunk and a hose. Just rinse it gently. Then I dry it off. After this I put Tire Shine on the whole engine bay. It looks great. It also collects a bit more dust from the tire shine application. I can live with that as I just get out the hose again.
I've always washed my engines this way. Be they points, MSD, or whatever. I used to cover my distributors with a towel. You could cover the alternator if you're nervous. I don't.
Just don't fire that hose at the motor with a vengeance. Be gentle. This doesn't have to be hard. It should be dust you're removing. Not grease and grime. These motors don't leak.
I've always washed my engines this way. Be they points, MSD, or whatever. I used to cover my distributors with a towel. You could cover the alternator if you're nervous. I don't.
Just don't fire that hose at the motor with a vengeance. Be gentle. This doesn't have to be hard. It should be dust you're removing. Not grease and grime. These motors don't leak.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
I use hot water and dawn to dampen a cloth, and then start scrubbing. It is labor intensive, but will get everything clean without damaging anything. Be extra careful not to get water in the alternator. I then wipe with another damp cloth with water only, and wipe dry. Once you've done this once, it is much faster and easier to maintain it.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,006
Likes: 1,425
From: New Jersey
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C5 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '25
I desperately need to clean my engine bay, thinking I will just get it done when the rest of the car is detailed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,462
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
A spray bottle of simple green and a parts wash detail brush do the trick for me. Rinse softly with the hose, or wipe off with a wet towel near electrical items. Then dry with a towel where there’s access.
Squeaky clean!
A little Armor All on the black plastic parts and she’s good to go.
Oh, BTW, a small stainless or brass wire brush will clean off corrosion from the alternator or other cast aluminum parts. Use caution/common sense around the open sections of the alternator and lightly blow those out.
Squeaky clean!
A little Armor All on the black plastic parts and she’s good to go.
Oh, BTW, a small stainless or brass wire brush will clean off corrosion from the alternator or other cast aluminum parts. Use caution/common sense around the open sections of the alternator and lightly blow those out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I use hot water and dawn to dampen a cloth, and then start scrubbing. It is labor intensive, but will get everything clean without damaging anything. Be extra careful not to get water in the alternator. I then wipe with another damp cloth with water only, and wipe dry. Once you've done this once, it is much faster and easier to maintain it.
That is what I do annually.
That is what I do annually.
Last edited by rrwirsi; Jun 21, 2022 at 02:54 PM. Reason: added info
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,947
Likes: 24,705
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I use hot water and dawn to dampen a cloth, and then start scrubbing. It is labor intensive, but will get everything clean without damaging anything. Be extra careful not to get water in the alternator. I then wipe with another damp cloth with water only, and wipe dry. Once you've done this once, it is much faster and easier to maintain it.
That is what I do annually.
That is what I do annually.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,462
Likes: 4,305
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified