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My '07 C6 coupe s in pristine condition and has but 36,000 miles. Overall, the car looks near perfect, but when I raise the hood it is far less than perfect. It's reasonable considering the age and use it's had, but what's the best way to clean the engine compartment without frying the electronics or getting harsh chemicals on the front fenders, etc.? Not to mention taking a pressure washer and blowing all the wires off?
I'm reluctant to use the local DIY car wash owing to the pressure and whatever "soap" is used. Taking a cloth and trying to get all the crud off by hand doesn't seem very effective owing to the many spaces I can't reach.
I'm not looking for a show-winning finish, just something that matches the condition and appearance of the rest of the car?
First of all...wipe everything under the hood down with a big damp towel, including the underside of the hood. Depending on how dirty it is it may take two damp towels to keep from just pushing all the dirt around. Then after it dries hit it with the detail spray of your choice. If it's pretty dirty and you just spray it with detail then your just moving all the dirt and dust around.....
While I understand the perception that one might destroy something under the hood with a pressure washer, I take one to my engine bay about once a year. I am very careful not to let the "pressure" directly hit certain more delicate elements (the direct pressure will take the color lettering off of your washer fluid and brake fluid caps). I don't mind if some of the wiring gets wet, but again, I won't attack any of the connectors or that stuff that looks like multiple wires wrapped in electricians tape (actually I don't "attack" anything). I also don't remove the plastic fuel rail covers (but the areas under them are typically pretty clean and easy to detail because they're right on top) and I'm also very careful not to attack the lettering on those with direct pressure either. I guess the point is...if you're going to use a pressure washer, back off and use a gentle hand...we're not taking gum off a sidewalk. A little Simple Green to address fluid spills or stains on the block (my power steering fluid seem to slosh out a bit...high G autocross turns I assume).
I've done this several times over the years. For ongoing maintenance, I do hit all the plastic and rubber under there with Quik Detailer every wash (this is the key to keeping everything sharp under there...takes just a few minutes every wash, and if you stay at it, it's never all that dirty to start with). My engine bay always looks nice and new (130K miles and tons of autocross laps).
Anyway...I know I may be criticized....but its been an easy solution for me!
Don't forget, the oil pan and bottom of the engine is exposed to the elements under the car. Quite a bit of water can splash up in there:
I'd second this video, or rather, third it. Chris Fix vids are great and this detail vid is top notch. It covers all your concerns and includes tips and tricks to boot!
While I understand the perception that one might destroy something under the hood with a pressure washer, I take one to my engine bay about once a year. I am very careful not to let the "pressure" directly hit certain more delicate elements (the direct pressure will take the color lettering off of your washer fluid and brake fluid caps). I don't mind if some of the wiring gets wet, but again, I won't attack any of the connectors or that stuff that looks like multiple wires wrapped in electricians tape (actually I don't "attack" anything). I also don't remove the plastic fuel rail covers (but the areas under them are typically pretty clean and easy to detail because they're right on top) and I'm also very careful not to attack the lettering on those with direct pressure either. I guess the point is...if you're going to use a pressure washer, back off and use a gentle hand...we're not taking gum off a sidewalk. A little Simple Green to address fluid spills or stains on the block (my power steering fluid seem to slosh out a bit...high G autocross turns I assume).
I've done this several times over the years. For ongoing maintenance, I do hit all the plastic and rubber under there with Quik Detailer every wash (this is the key to keeping everything sharp under there...takes just a few minutes every wash, and if you stay at it, it's never all that dirty to start with). My engine bay always looks nice and new (130K miles and tons of autocross laps).
Anyway...I know I may be criticized....but its been an easy solution for me!
Don't forget, the oil pan and bottom of the engine is exposed to the elements under the car. Quite a bit of water can splash up in there:
been using a pressure washer on all my vehicles, my04 silverado engine still looks new, so does my 09 Vette. Like you said no need for getting close up but backing off a bit on distance hasn't created any issues. They are made to get wet
Here's how I've done it on my C5 for 11 years of ownership (haven't detailed the new C6 yet). Cover the platic bags over the battery, and any fuses/electrical areas, alternator, etc.
Use the Gunk engine bright spary on the oily/grime areas. (I've also used Simple Green) Leave for 5 mintues (as instructed). Spray off with water - I use a garden hose with a spayer at the end; don't have a pressure washer yet). Use a towel to dry main areas, the rest air drys. Then use the interior plastic/detaill spary to polish off the surfaces - done.
04-25-2018, 05:24 PM
Cleaning/detailing Engine Bay
Chris Fix vids are great and this detail vid is top notch. It covers all your concerns and includes tips and tricks to boot!
been using a pressure washer on all my vehicles, my04 silverado engine still looks new, so does my 09 Vette. Like you said no need for getting close up but backing off a bit on distance hasn't created any issues. They are made to get wet 
