C7 General Discussion General C7 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Cleaning Engine area

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 25, 2013 | 11:23 PM
  #1  
bevo_87's Avatar
bevo_87
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 481
Likes: 3
From: Houston
Default Cleaning Engine area

I am new to getting a vette and this will be my first. Question i have is how in the heck do you guys keep the engine area looking brand new? Especially if it is a daily driver. I want to keep mine in great shape but almost feel like you need to clean it after every use....I just drove my cars and never thought about cleaning the engine. just curious cause i want mine looking nice like all of yours.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 12:34 AM
  #2  
fasttoys's Avatar
fasttoys
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 1,349
From: Big D Dallas TEXAS
Default

1st: DO NOT USE WATER & A HOSE & engine degreasers. Just wipe it down with a clean cloth (micro fiber). You can wipe it down but never use water since the car has a lot of electronics that could be harmed. Their are many products on the market that clean the surface and don't have harsh chemicals like (Sonus Trim & Motor Kote 16.9 oz). Remember many rubber hoses & parts can dry out so avoid silicones or products that harm plastic and rubber. Good luck

Last edited by fasttoys; Nov 26, 2013 at 04:21 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 12:46 AM
  #3  
-CM-'s Avatar
-CM-
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 66
From: . Wyoming .
Default

Clean often.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 12:51 AM
  #4  
jamesw95's Avatar
jamesw95
Pro
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 506
Likes: 8
From: Texas
Default

Compressed air. Blow the loose bits and dust off then damp cloth.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:33 AM
  #5  
RedRay's Avatar
RedRay
Instructor
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 46
Default

I wash it with the hose just like the outside of the car, never an issue. Everything is sealed. Do it every 3rd wash or so and it will look brand new. Do not overthink it, just do it on a cold engine.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:38 AM
  #6  
Racerdj's Avatar
Racerdj
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 286
Default

Compressed air and then a damp micro fiber cloth.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:38 AM
  #7  
robvuk's Avatar
robvuk
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
Default

Originally Posted by RedRay
I wash it with the hose just like the outside of the car, never an issue. Everything is sealed. Do it every 3rd wash or so and it will look brand new. Do not overthink it, just do it on a cold engine.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 08:04 AM
  #8  
66dreams's Avatar
66dreams
Pro
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 670
Likes: 2
Default

Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 09:28 AM
  #9  
Glen e's Avatar
Glen e
Race Director
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
Likes: 2,474
From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
Default

Originally Posted by RedRay
I wash it with the hose just like the outside of the car, never an issue. Everything is sealed. Do it every 3rd wash or so and it will look brand new. Do not overthink it, just do it on a cold engine.
yeah, about 20 cars later, never had any problem with water in the engine bay, but I don't full pressure dowse it either. My procedure:

1. fill a garden sprayer with 50/50 citrus degreaser/water - spray and let soak for a while
2. lightly mist the bay to rinse with a hose
3. apply a good vinyl and rubber protectant on plastic and rubber - I use Wolfgang.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 09:34 AM
  #10  
sandu002's Avatar
sandu002
Instructor
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 236
Likes: 7
From: Brookeville Md
Default

Use compressed air to blow off excess water then slightly damp chamois or microfiber towel. Just consider it part of drying the car off every time you wash it.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 10:18 AM
  #11  
adamsocb's Avatar
adamsocb
Melting Slicks
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 537
From: Upland CA
Default

I am not a fan of water on the engine. Repeated use of water tends to oxidize the bare aluminum parts. I suppose it would be OK if you dry it quickly with compressed air.

I use compressed air and a damp cloth to remove the dust and dirt, then I use the same vinyl/leather cleaner as used on the interior for the plastic/rubber parts. Stay away from products that leave a sticky film, it will attract more dust.

Here is a picture of my 2008 taken last Sunday after almost 64,000 miles:


Last edited by adamsocb; Nov 26, 2013 at 12:22 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 10:59 AM
  #12  
John Harry's Avatar
John Harry
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,278
Likes: 550
From: Pittsburgh PA
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Default

Putting a sweatsock over your hand makes it easier to wipe down hard-to-reach spots.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 11:19 AM
  #13  
carjo's Avatar
carjo
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 29
From: Lakewood Ranch Florida
Default

Have had good success with "303 Protectant" on engine covers, caps, hoses, and other exposed surfaces under the hood. Best way is to spray on rag and clean surfaces by hand. Am reluctant to use water or steam, especially under high pressure application. Other methods may be OK but I'm happy with my results, and not worried about any possible harm.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 06:23 PM
  #14  
budgreen3564's Avatar
budgreen3564
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 272
From: McKinney, texas DPD Sergeant
Default

Since the car does not have a conventional open grill like other cars, it just stays a lot cleaner. Never trashed out looking even when driven in rain.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2013 | 10:40 PM
  #15  
Rob4092xx's Avatar
Rob4092xx
Drifting
20 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,835
Likes: 295
From: Phoenix AZ
Default

You are all gonna think I am nuts but I use a "Swiffer" with an extended handle on my Ferrari. Engine compartment looks like brand new!!!!

This is what I use:

http://www.swiffer.com/products/swif...sters-extender
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2013 | 12:08 AM
  #16  
cb98coupe's Avatar
cb98coupe
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 974
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Rob4092xx
You are all gonna think I am nuts but I use a "Swiffer" with an extended handle on my Ferrari. Engine compartment looks like brand new!!!!

This is what I use:

http://www.swiffer.com/products/swif...sters-extender
Thats the best idea I have seen in a while . I will add this to my list . Awesome ..... :thumbs
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Cleaning Engine area





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:46 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE