Be VERY careful washing the engine bay!
02-16-2008, 01:31 PM
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Be VERY careful washing the engine bay!
Its a beautiful 80 degree day here in Orlando so as usual, I went out and washed the car. Decided to hose down the engine since I havent done that in awhile. About an hour later (car all dried and sitting in the sun) the horn goes off and wont stop. I'm thinking its the panic button but the fob doesnt shut it off. I start the car and finally the horn stops. (Boy thats loud up close). I decide to drive around the block to get rid of any excess water and as soon as I hit the signal, the horn goes off again. I then notice my door button to get out isnt working. I shut the car off and proceed to disconnect the battery. In so doing the horn goes off intermittently so I decide to pull the horn fuse first (cause its giving me a headache). Pull it (#34) and go back to finishing taking off the +cord on the battery. The horn STILL beeps at me as I pull the battery lead. Now I'm sitting and hoping all will be well after a few hours....Time will tell!
02-16-2008, 01:46 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
While you're waiting for the fuse block to dry out you might want to check your air filters and see if you destroyed them with water.
02-16-2008, 02:54 PM
#9
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I wash my engine bay all the time with no problem - my only observation from your post is that you didn't let the engine run 10-15 minutes to dry off the engine compartment after rinsing it.
02-16-2008, 03:07 PM
#10
Team Owner
As I posted in a previous thread on this very topic:
The LSx series of engines is prone to damage from water intrusion. It is never a good idea to use water under pressure in the engine compartment. If you feel the need to wash/rinse your Corvette's engine bay be prepared for the possibilities. These cars have far too many sensors and computers that are designed to be dry and under normal driving conditions and weather conditions they would be. An open hose with water under pressure - all bets are off.
Here is some info from a TSB that dates back to the LS1 in the C5. While not related to your particular problems be advised that other issues may present later in the life of the car.
While the knock sensors location were changed on the LS2 there are still several ways to damage a car with water. The sensor are now side mounted instead of vertically mounted on the LS1 which allowed water to pool.
The LSx series of engines is prone to damage from water intrusion. It is never a good idea to use water under pressure in the engine compartment. If you feel the need to wash/rinse your Corvette's engine bay be prepared for the possibilities. These cars have far too many sensors and computers that are designed to be dry and under normal driving conditions and weather conditions they would be. An open hose with water under pressure - all bets are off.
Here is some info from a TSB that dates back to the LS1 in the C5. While not related to your particular problems be advised that other issues may present later in the life of the car.
1998-2002: Service Bulletin: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set
Subject: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-023
Models: 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VIN G -- RPO LS1)
1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup and Utility Models (Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL) with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs V, T, Z, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4)
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.
Cause:
This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity. This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.
Correction:
Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed below.
Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.
Remove the rear bank knock sensor.
Install the new rear bank knock sensor. Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).
Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.
Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.
From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).
Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
Subject: Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-023
Models: 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, 1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VIN G -- RPO LS1)
1999-2002 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup and Utility Models (Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Yukon Denali XL) with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine (VINs V, T, Z, N, U -- RPOs LR4, LM7, L59, LQ9, LQ4)
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.
Cause:
This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity. This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.
Correction:
Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed below.
Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.
Remove the rear bank knock sensor.
Install the new rear bank knock sensor. Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).
Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.
Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.
From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).
Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.
02-16-2008, 03:27 PM
#11
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I remember 10-odd years ago an idiot dealer deciding to steam-clean the engine bay in my TVR Griffith, resulting in gradual death of various gizmos starting with the oil pressure sender (seeing zero oil pressure is always a bit stressful!). From that day on I've left the engine bay in my cars to gather dirt, with a bonus being that when you come to sell all that dirt shows there's been no crash damage 
02-16-2008, 03:37 PM
#12
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I do it all the time. Just careful where the water goes, don't direct heavy spray, wipe a lot then start engine up immediately to dry water.
02-16-2008, 04:15 PM
#14
Safety Car
Used Simple Green and a light mist from the water hose on my C5 for years and never had any problems.
Never dried with towels and would sometimes start and run to help dry it.
Had a Blackwing and just made sure to not get too much mist on it.
Of course I haven't tried it on my '08 yet.
Never dried with towels and would sometimes start and run to help dry it.
Had a Blackwing and just made sure to not get too much mist on it.
Of course I haven't tried it on my '08 yet.
02-16-2008, 07:52 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
If you stay on top of it (don't let it get too dirty) you can use a damp rag, a little soapy water in a bucket to rinse and clean damp rag, and elbow grease. This method is proven to maintain that just brought home from the dealer look, without the honking. Ha Ha Ha 
02-16-2008, 07:56 PM
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02-16-2008, 08:56 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
I use a little simple green then rinse with distilled water in a spray bottle. Just enough to remove the dust, never had any electrical problems and the distilled water does not leave hard water spots on all the black plastic.
