Cleaning your engine
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
Cleaning your engine
Ok, I was reading the owners manual and it warns about spraying water in the engine compartment due to the air filters. I used to wash my Z-28 engine bay and then spray it down when it was cold. The C6 engine gets very dirty very quick and I don't even drive in the rain. I'd like to keep the engine bay looking clean. How can I do this without getting the air filters wet. Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 921
Likes: 146
From: Fairfax VA
Originally Posted by 63C563
Why not just take the air filters out before cleaning?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 34,299
Likes: 1
From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by 63C563
Why not just take the air filters out before cleaning?
Then you would for sure get water in the intake. The idea is that the filter is uncovered & you will soak it, it will suck water into the engine. Spray the engine with a light mist, do not directly pressure wash anything on any vehicle.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,563
Likes: 2
From: Dallas Tx
Everything electrical.
I wouldn't spray with a hose. I know a lot of people do it and get away with it. But I've seen many times and postings where something gets screwed up hosing water in the engine compartment.
I just wipe down with a damp cloth. Then wipe most things with a little armor all or similar on a cloth. There is some pretty expensive electronics under there.
I wouldn't spray with a hose. I know a lot of people do it and get away with it. But I've seen many times and postings where something gets screwed up hosing water in the engine compartment.
I just wipe down with a damp cloth. Then wipe most things with a little armor all or similar on a cloth. There is some pretty expensive electronics under there.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Michrider
Everything electrical.
I wouldn't spray with a hose. I know a lot of people do it and get away with it. But I've seen many times and postings where something gets screwed up hosing water in the engine compartment.
I just wipe down with a damp cloth. Then wipe most things with a little armor all or similar on a cloth. There is some pretty expensive electronics under there.
I wouldn't spray with a hose. I know a lot of people do it and get away with it. But I've seen many times and postings where something gets screwed up hosing water in the engine compartment.
I just wipe down with a damp cloth. Then wipe most things with a little armor all or similar on a cloth. There is some pretty expensive electronics under there.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
I use a product called Corkay (spelling?) on the engine, also use a vaccum with a soft brush head.
If you have to spray water in the engine bay then take a small white garbage bag and wrap one around each filter and reinstall them. Just don't forget to take them out after your done.
If you have to spray water in the engine bay then take a small white garbage bag and wrap one around each filter and reinstall them. Just don't forget to take them out after your done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
Originally Posted by masihman
I suppose that would work. Does anyone else do this or am I the only one that cleans my engine. Based on some of the pics I've seen I'd think many of you guys do this. Is there anthing else in the engine bay I'd have to worry about.
In fact, today, I washed the underneath by spraying it with the hose from both the left and right sides while lying on my back along side of the car. I then dried it off with hand towels but mind you, don't wear nice shirts or shorts/pants. You're gonna lie in water so expect it. Start on one side behind the front wheel, sliding down the side of the car to the back end, do under the back end and then lie down behind the front or rear wheel, reaching under the car with one arm and a handtowel drying it off till you reach the back end. This i admit only do about every 2 months or when a big show is coming up. this way, it cleans up nicely and fast.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
On my other car I use Gunk that stuff smells good and it cleans but
if you do get the water where it doesn't belong you could end up with problems like a short. The Corvette is full of electronics so Gunk might not be a good thing for this.
