Cleaning the Engine?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 4
From: Hanford CA
Cleaning the Engine?
So I've got a dusty engine on my C6. Last time I steam cleaned my C4 I ended up putting in a new MAF sensor. Is there a special technique required on a C6 for engine cleaning without damaging anything?
Advice appreciated......
Mike Saporetti
Advice appreciated......
Mike Saporetti
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 277
Most engines don't need cleaning. However, should you be so inclined, buy a can of cleaner and follow the instructions. I have cleaned many over the years (no, I don't know just why I did) and here some suggestions: keep the engine RUNNING whilst cleaning, DO NOT use a pressure washer, and (obviously (I hope!) don't direct the water spray into/onto anything that looks electrical or fuel involved.
Peace, out.
Peace, out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,251
Likes: 411
From: Mt. Sinai NY
The best way is to never let it get dusty,but if it does I found that a vacuum is OK. Just get up the loose stuff but use the upolstory attachments for the hard to get at places. The brush attachment works good on the flatter surfaces. use a paint brush to stir up the dust and sand and push it to the open hose end of the vacuum. its time consuming . Putting any type of water under the hood makes mud and undesirable water spots. If its grease and oil then thats another story. I use my shop vac. I hope this helps
Clif
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,891
Likes: 4,345
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Mike
The best way is to never let it get dusty,but if it does I found that a vacuum is OK. Just get up the loose stuff but use the upolstory attachments for the hard to get at places. The brush attachment works good on the flatter surfaces. use a paint brush to stir up the dust and sand and push it to the open hose end of the vacuum. its time consuming . Putting any type of water under the hood makes mud and undesirable water spots. If its grease and oil then thats another story. I use my shop vac. I hope this helps
Clif
The best way is to never let it get dusty,but if it does I found that a vacuum is OK. Just get up the loose stuff but use the upolstory attachments for the hard to get at places. The brush attachment works good on the flatter surfaces. use a paint brush to stir up the dust and sand and push it to the open hose end of the vacuum. its time consuming . Putting any type of water under the hood makes mud and undesirable water spots. If its grease and oil then thats another story. I use my shop vac. I hope this helps
Clif
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
I've never had a problem washing any engine with water and soap etc. The main thing is to NEVER use a pressure washer as it can force water into unwanted places. They say the same thing about motorcycles...never with a pressure washer. I gently get the engine wet, then spray with 409, let it sit for a couple of minutes and wash off. I do it when the engine is warm, not hot but just warm, like about an hour after driving it. Cover the alternator with a rag so it gets no direct spray.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I use a garden hose selectively, the key is to keep it clean on a regular basis so that it doesn't get too dirty at any given time. I shine it up with Stoners Trim Shine, the engine bay looks awesome. The manual says to stay clear of the air filters which I do.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 47
From: Mill Creek Washington
Your engine will get wet when you drive it in the rain. Water will not hurt it if yoru are sensible. Spray the whole thing down with Simple Green. let it sit for 5 minutes. Hose everything with light pressure and start the engine to help dry it faster. It will look almost new.
I've been cleaning LS based engines like this for nearly a decade with zero problems.
I've been cleaning LS based engines like this for nearly a decade with zero problems.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
I use Simple Green mixed 50/50 on the warm engine . . it's not pertroleum based so there's less to worry about and it'll still cut grease and road grime . . .hose it off gently - - stay away from obvious electrical hubs - - wrap them with plastic wrap or a baggie to be safe.
I use a towel to mop up any puddled water and wipe everything clean - -or you can use the leaf blower approach. Here in AZ, a couple hours in the sun and everything's bone dry.
I user Stoners trim shine or a tire foam product on the plastics and wiring - -but stay away from the serpentine belt. I use the same technique on the wheel wells a couple of times a year after getting it up in the air and pulling off the wheels . . .tire foam works great on plastics as well as metal suspension parts - - but stay away from the rotors!
Good luck-
I use a towel to mop up any puddled water and wipe everything clean - -or you can use the leaf blower approach. Here in AZ, a couple hours in the sun and everything's bone dry.
I user Stoners trim shine or a tire foam product on the plastics and wiring - -but stay away from the serpentine belt. I use the same technique on the wheel wells a couple of times a year after getting it up in the air and pulling off the wheels . . .tire foam works great on plastics as well as metal suspension parts - - but stay away from the rotors!
Good luck-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 181
From: Menifee (I.E.) CA
There's a few things you should also do:1. Cover with aluminum fold six spots where there is exposed wiring, including behind the battery on the fire wall
2. Cover with plastic the hood shield and tape down with blue tape (keeps it nice looking and water spot free)
3. Hose off lightly
4. Use electric blower to dry
5. Use chamois to get the rest.
I do this everytime I wash the car and as VET4LES says, our engines look as new as the day we bought them!!!
Edit: This only adds about 10-15 more minutes to your washing the car!
Edit Edit: Then Zaino every damn thing in the engine compartment after you've done the rest of the car!!!
Last edited by ufso; Mar 10, 2009 at 01:47 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 4
From: Hanford CA
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks guys.
The pressure sprayer apparently was my problem last time. I think I'll use the spray on Simple green and rinse with light hosing with a leave blower dry.
Again Thanks!
Mike Saporetti
The pressure sprayer apparently was my problem last time. I think I'll use the spray on Simple green and rinse with light hosing with a leave blower dry.
Again Thanks!
Mike Saporetti
