Cleaning the engine compartment
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix AZ
Cleaning the engine compartment
Can anyone offer any advice on cleaning the engine compartment? Anything I need to watch out for? Is it safe to go at it with a hose and a wash mitt? Seems to me I've read posts where water caused electrical problems...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The problem with hosing off your engine is that the KNOCK SENSORS (there are TWO) are located under the intake manifold. Each sensor sits inside a shallow well on the valve valley close out plate. The rubber seals that are suppose to seal the wells do NOT seal very well and those wells will get water in them. This will destroy the sensors and you will get Knock Sensor DTC's. 
I just wipe the engine down with simple green and a rag and then wipe the engine down with WD-40. It cleans up nicely!
BC
I just wipe the engine down with simple green and a rag and then wipe the engine down with WD-40. It cleans up nicely!
BC
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,911
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From: Simi Valley CA
I'm so sorry. I didn't realize dirt in an engine compartment is so totally different with different cars. My bad. Thanks for the correction. 
See, if you'd learn to read, you'd see that you don't use high pressure to wash off the engine therefore elevating (word to big for you?) the problems Bill is talking about.
See, if you'd learn to read, you'd see that you don't use high pressure to wash off the engine therefore elevating (word to big for you?) the problems Bill is talking about.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 2
From: hill billy hell
I'm so sorry. I didn't realize dirt in an engine compartment is so totally different with different cars. My bad. Thanks for the correction.
See, if you'd learn to read, you'd see that you don't use high pressure to wash off the engine therefore elevating (word to big for you?) the problems Bill is talking about.
See, if you'd learn to read, you'd see that you don't use high pressure to wash off the engine therefore elevating (word to big for you?) the problems Bill is talking about.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
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The least amount of harsh chemicals the better. Dont ever use gunk on your corvette......please. Chemicals will discolor everything and your motor wont look good unless you have a gallon of armor all on it. Use car wash soap and a rag then you can blow dry with a leaf blower so it doesnt water spot.
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