engine bay cleaning.. quick question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 265
From: Virginia
engine bay cleaning.. quick question
First off, before you guys slam me i did do a search and read up on it a little bit but I still wanted to get opinions. My engine bay is in bad need of a serious cleaning and I wanted to get some advice as far as spraying the engine down and what all to cover up, and how to cover it... I figured using a plastic bag or saran wrap would be best, but what all do I need to cover up? And has anyone had any major issues with spraying down the your engine bay with a garden hose? (using a light spray adapter of course)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 81
From: Fishin' Pole FL
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 265
From: Virginia
thought about doing that... is there any write-ups or anything on removing them? also, i dont have the cover over the battery compartment so should there be any concern with spraying that area?
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
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From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
I have use a good strong cleaner like simple green and then just lighty spray it down. Just don't "blast" anything and you will be fine. When you are finished take a leaf blower and blow it off.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 9
From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
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From: Helotes TEXAS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
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From: Columbia SC
For the plastics, I use No Touch Tire Cleaner. Spray it when plastics are dry and then hose it off after a couple of minutes. It leaves an original finish and should last for many months/year unless you drive in the rain. I like it for plastics and tires since it does not leave a "shiney finish" which I don't like. Never had a problem on many Corvettes I have done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
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From: Columbia SC
PS: If your plastics have any "graying", use Back To Black. It is a miracle product you would not believe until you use it. It is normally needed for external plastics exposed to sunlight. Even on external plastics it lasts for months. It needs to be wiped on, unless you put it in a spray bottle. It is amazing because it is a clear product that you would never believe works like it does.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
I wash mine. Clean Engine
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 312
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From: VA
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 6
From: Pittsburgh PA
I wash mine. Clean Engine
As far as the cover it back up deal...We wear clothes but still take a bath don't we?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 265
From: Virginia
good stuff guys thanks for the replies... so it seems like simple green is the most commonly used cleaner among the group... don't have at the moment but ill probably pick some up this week.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 719
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
If I was buying a car and opened the hood and it was dirty or looked like it was just cleaned to sell the car=no deal no mater how cheap. Don't keep your car clean under the hood, then I assume that you trash it...........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
Very true. A friend of mine is looking for a nice C5 Vert. He called me about a one owner 03 but said the engine was very dirty and had bird dropping stains in the paint. I told him to pass because the owner was neglecting it and probably not maintaining it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 265
From: Virginia
so i got around to washing the Z and cleaning the engine bay today... it was a success bc it looks much better now and more importantly the car cranked after i finished 
i used simple green for the cleaner and covered the alternator and a few connectors with plastic bags.. only thing i forgot to do was dilute the simple green with water :/ so i hope i didnt damage anything.... but anywhere here is a few pics. done have any before pics but it was pretty disgusting under the fuel rail covers!
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo16.jpg
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo15.jpg
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo14.jpg
i used simple green for the cleaner and covered the alternator and a few connectors with plastic bags.. only thing i forgot to do was dilute the simple green with water :/ so i hope i didnt damage anything.... but anywhere here is a few pics. done have any before pics but it was pretty disgusting under the fuel rail covers!http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo16.jpg
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo15.jpg
http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/...58/photo14.jpg
