[Z06] Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 44
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From: Westchester N.Y
Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment
I do alot of my driving up in the country. Some roads get pretty dusty. What do you guys use to keep the engine and compartment clean ? I dread washing it down with all the electrical components fearing damage. Any advice ? I am a fanatic about a clean car !! Thanks again Dawn 
[Modified by Dawn Z, 12:36 AM 6/29/2004]
[Modified by Dawn Z, 12:37 AM 6/29/2004]
[Modified by Dawn Z, 12:36 AM 6/29/2004]
[Modified by Dawn Z, 12:37 AM 6/29/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,799
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
Some do, but I will not spray my engine with water. Doesn't make sense to me to soak electrical connections and components. If the engine is dirty, take the time to clean it good by hand. I use a variety of rags and brushes to get where my hands won't go. Once it's good and clean, just wipe it down every time you wash your car to keep it looking good.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,695
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From: Long Island NY
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
Simple green and a bunch of rags works pretty well to clean the grime and dust off. The use some Zaino tire gloss diluted with water in a spray bottle to detail the plastic and vinyl pieces after its clean, and wipe with a clean rag - gives it a nice clean new look.
I find its easier to periodically wipe down the engine compartment with a rag and dust it - I'll do this about once a month. It doesn't take long, and it keeps the dirt and grime from building up.
I find its easier to periodically wipe down the engine compartment with a rag and dust it - I'll do this about once a month. It doesn't take long, and it keeps the dirt and grime from building up.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,036
Likes: 9,798
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (stingray454)
I wait until the engine cools and then using a spray bottle with a half/half mixture of Simple Green and water I completely soak the engine compartment. I do this from both sides of the car to make sure I get in all of the tight spots. After letting it sit for a couple minutes I use a hose to clean off all of the simple green. Once the soap is gone I start the car and let it run for a while to boil off the water. Once the water is mostly gone I use a towel with Armorall on it to wipe down the engine compartment. However, I make sure I do not get too close to the air cleaner with the towel since the silicone in the ArmorAll could get sucked through the engine and ruin an O2 sensor.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
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From: Swansea IL
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
I use a damp towel sprayed with some Simple Green and just wipe it down. I'm not about to spray water in the engine bay. Too many electrical connections.
Tom
Tom
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,246
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From: somewhere on a roadcourse
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Bill Dearborn)
I wait until the engine cools and then using a spray bottle with a half/half mixture of Simple Green and water I completely soak the engine compartment. I do this from both sides of the car to make sure I get in all of the tight spots. After letting it sit for a couple minutes I use a hose to clean off all of the simple green. Once the soap is gone I start the car and let it run for a while to boil off the water. Once the water is mostly gone I use a towel with Armorall on it to wipe down the engine compartment. However, I make sure I do not get too close to the air cleaner with the towel since the silicone in the ArmorAll could get sucked through the engine and ruin an O2 sensor.
Bill
Bill
I have carbon fiber engine covers on everything now so it makes it real easy to clean
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
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From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (levettegrl)
I did it for the first time this past week in Florida on my Aunt's '98 vert. The car hadn't ever been so much as wiped down underhood. It was aweful 
I soaked the motor w/ water and tried to avoid soaking the alternator and coil packs. Then I took a soapy rag and wiped everything I could. I let it sit for a few minutes then I rinced it all off, started it up, and let it run. I sprayed armor all all over the engine pay, avoiding the belts. Then I just let it run for 10 min to dry it. I swear when I popped the hood it lookd brand new! I should have taken pics. No ill effects either
I soaked the motor w/ water and tried to avoid soaking the alternator and coil packs. Then I took a soapy rag and wiped everything I could. I let it sit for a few minutes then I rinced it all off, started it up, and let it run. I sprayed armor all all over the engine pay, avoiding the belts. Then I just let it run for 10 min to dry it. I swear when I popped the hood it lookd brand new! I should have taken pics. No ill effects either
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,684
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From: Jacksonville Florida
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
I spray it down with simple green, rince thoroughly with water (avoid too much water near electrical components) - start the car and close the hood. Let it get good and warm, shut it down and wipe the motor with rags. Takes 10 minutes, looks nice, zero problems.
Les
Les
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,627
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From: Goodyear Az
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (JoeyNigs)
I just go to the local self-serve car wash and spray the engine bay using the spot free water setting, start the motor and go for a 10 minute drive. The spray is a probably around 1 gpm at a fairly high pressure. I keep the coil covers in place and even spray the alternator. I've done this dozens of times and have never had a problem.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: So Cal
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (AFVETTE)
I use a damp towel sprayed with some Simple Green and just wipe it down. I'm not about to spray water in the engine bay. Too many electrical connections.
Tom
Tom
(Not that you're stupid Tom. I just love that smiley).
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
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From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
The electrical connections and components are pretty water tight, I don't see why you can't use a hose if you're careful.
Now the older LT1 engines, those are engines that you never want to spray with water, unless you want to spend a weekend changing the optispark.
Now the older LT1 engines, those are engines that you never want to spray with water, unless you want to spend a weekend changing the optispark.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,036
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (nuke61)
When using the car wash spray be careful around the electrical connectors and components. I ruined the TPS on my 86 by hitting it with the high pressure spray. It forced water into the resistor elements and it had to be replaced. A garden hose will not cause that type of problem.
Bill
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 824
Likes: 5
From: Chicago Illinois
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (C5inNY)
Not saying this is superior to others...but Simple Green first, then 303 Protectant.
Here is a "How-To" on the subject that I did:
http://www.spdkilz.com/techtipcarcare.html
Carleton
Here is a "How-To" on the subject that I did:
http://www.spdkilz.com/techtipcarcare.html
Carleton
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 824
Likes: 5
From: Chicago Illinois
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (mikeo)
Thanks Mikeo 
In actuality, I am going to be a Junior next year...
I noticed in your profile you are an Attorney. I am currently set on going into law. Did you attend law school at Pepperdine? Any tips?
(sorry to highjack the thread)
In actuality, I am going to be a Junior next year...
I noticed in your profile you are an Attorney. I am currently set on going into law. Did you attend law school at Pepperdine? Any tips?
(sorry to highjack the thread)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 896
Likes: 34
From: Rockwell NC
Re: Best Method for Cleaning Engine/Compartment (Dawn Z)
Once you get it clean, it is fairly easy to keep it clean. After drying the exterior of the car after I wash it, I use the same damp towels to first wipe down all of the door jambs, then I open the trunk lid and wipe down everything there, then I open the hood and wipe down the hood, and everything else in the engine compartment.
I do this as part of every car wash. If you do this, you will always be ready to show off your engine compartment. Takes about ten minutes to wipe down all of these areas if you do it every time and don't have to deal with accumulated grime.
I do this as part of every car wash. If you do this, you will always be ready to show off your engine compartment. Takes about ten minutes to wipe down all of these areas if you do it every time and don't have to deal with accumulated grime.