engine bathing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 423
Likes: 48
From: winchester Virginia
engine bathing
Hi All, Washing, particularly power washing, the engine compartment was an absolute no-no for my old C4. It can kill the optispark. What about C6's; who washes their engine compartment and what do you avoid other than the air intake? Mine is clean, but I would like to get rid of a little dust and gravel.
Thanks, E-fish
Thanks, E-fish
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 1
From: hamilton nj "Life's tough......It's even tougher if you're stupid."-John Wayne
I rinsed the accumulated dirt on my C5’s engine as needed, I guess about 30 times in the 5 yrs I had it. I've had my 09 C6 for just over a year, I’ve washed it down four times so far. When done, I always blow the compartment dry with a leaf blower and run the engine for awhile to dry any remaining water. I never had any trouble with either car. I do the same on my F150 and my wife’s MKS. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
I would never use a power washer...more pressure than is needed and can force water into undesireable places. I cover the air filters and alternator, then with the engine just barely warm, I wet it with a hose, then spray with 409, let it sit 3-5 minutes and then hose off. I use a nozzle and compressor and blow the excess water off and leave the hood open overnight to dry. This is only what I do...everyone has a different regimen. I have never had any problems with mine.
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 1
From: Torrance CA
I haven't yet...tried it before on my old supra and had to blow water out of the spark plug valley, not good.
On my c6 and dd focus I just clean it by hand after each oil change...a rag with some water and light simple green. Alot of work but it looks great after and is pretty rewarding. Just haven't had the guts to wash down an engine bay after my past experience...but perhaps I could reconsider given that I spend 30 min to an hour wiping down the engine bay on each car.
On my c6 and dd focus I just clean it by hand after each oil change...a rag with some water and light simple green. Alot of work but it looks great after and is pretty rewarding. Just haven't had the guts to wash down an engine bay after my past experience...but perhaps I could reconsider given that I spend 30 min to an hour wiping down the engine bay on each car.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
2005 owner's manual, page 5-79.
If you are cleaning your vehicle with the hood open,
take care not to spray water directly into either end of
the air cleaner/filter housing as this could damage
your vehicle’s engine. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-19 for more information.
take care not to spray water directly into either end of
the air cleaner/filter housing as this could damage
your vehicle’s engine. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 5-19 for more information.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
There's a small ledge just forward of the fuse block... that's one place where a very small gravel accumulates. How it gets there is a mystery to me.
About once a year I vacuum around the engine. And every time I wash the car I wipe off everything underhood with a clean cotton towel. Good enough -- I've never tried washing an engine.
Anyway, definitely do NOT run the engine while you're washing it!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I've power washed ($.25 carwash that now is $1.50) mine a couple of times. Only covered the alternator and didn't spray directly into the Vararam intake. I run with the FRCs off and it didn't phase the engine at all. Started it right after wiping down the exterior and drove away.
I was either rather careful where I sprayed, or just lucky.
I was either rather careful where I sprayed, or just lucky.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,289
Likes: 129
From: Providence Forge, VA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I use my air compressor to blow all the dust and other grit that has accumulated in the nooks and crannies and then wipe it down with a damp cloth or mild cleaner. Just like on my C5 though I am amazed at how clean these engine bays seem to stay on their own.