Engine compartment
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Engine compartment
I was curious as to whether you do any type of cursory or detailed cleaning of the engine when you wash and detail your cars exterior? Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Tucson AZ
I wipe it down with a micro-fiber towel protectant. I use a plastic/rubber product from Griot's Garage, but any of them will work fairly well. I like a nice, clean look, but not too much shine. It only takes a few minutes, but it is worth an additional 20 HP. 
Last edited by carpe dm; Dec 16, 2015 at 05:01 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Opelousas, Lousiana
CI 6-7 & 9 Veteran
Mine is not a DD so it does not get really dirty, so I normally wipe it clean and maybe use a little detail spray on some of the plastic. It is never spotless, but you have to look pretty hard to see any dirt or grease. As the car gets some age on it, I tend to use a little water with engine cleaner, but I apply it very carefully to avoid contacting the computer stuff.
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
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From: Chicago IL
Absolutely. It's like any other part of the vehicle. If you wipe things down with a micro fiber cloth and dry any water that may have gotten into the engine compartment things will stay looking showroom new.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: cookeville tennessee
Damp rag here also go over every thing, Also once a month are about that put the car up on the 4 post lift and do the same on the under side also. That is if I get it out much but here for the last 2 plus months only got it out one time.. Robert
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Safety Car
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Mine is not a DD so it does not get really dirty, so I normally wipe it clean and maybe use a little detail spray on some of the plastic. It is never spotless, but you have to look pretty hard to see any dirt or grease. As the car gets some age on it, I tend to use a little water with engine cleaner, but I apply it very carefully to avoid contacting the computer stuff.
I think the replies above constitute a trend for many C7 owners.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: st paul minnesota
The replies are about the same for my C7 'clean engine' program. The compartments are not like the earlier models with ignition shielding and polished valve covers to keep looking good. There's really not a lot to see unless you've added some mods. My '84 gets a lot more cleaning/detailing attention since with the clamshell hood open there are suspension components exposed as well as much more engine related parts that are visible. The C7's are pretty low maintenance in this respect.
Le Mans Master
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From: Northern California
St. Jude Donor '15
I do a wipe down, then for the hoses, trim and such I tried a few different things but this Adams VRT was by far the best stuff I found:
http://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-supe....html?___SID=U
A little on a sponge and it works great.
http://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-supe....html?___SID=U
A little on a sponge and it works great.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Thanks for all your great input. Now I'm on the right track. It's brand new one so I don't want the maintenance to get away from me. 2016 C7 Long Beach Red.
Last edited by joemessman; Dec 16, 2015 at 08:14 PM.
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I wipe the dust off the engine bay each time I detail my car. Doesn't take long and prevents the need for a much more involved cleaning later on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Central Florida
One advantage to a nice clean engine, if you have a problem with leaks it is very easy to spot and see the origination of the leak.
Another advantage, keeps any excessive dust from entering inside the car through air vents, while keeping your air filter (for the air flow into the interior) cleaner and lasting longer.
Finally from appearance value, shows the owner as take the time to take car of all of the car.
I even clean underneath the car, at least two or three times a year.....
Another advantage, keeps any excessive dust from entering inside the car through air vents, while keeping your air filter (for the air flow into the interior) cleaner and lasting longer.
Finally from appearance value, shows the owner as take the time to take car of all of the car.
I even clean underneath the car, at least two or three times a year.....
Team Owner
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Same here.
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After spending so much money on this engine bay, it will NOT get dirty! LOL
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From: And then it was said... "let there be blue Corvettes and yellow Camaros" Ft Worth Texas
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St. Jude Donor '09
Just a little detailing after every few drives keeps mine clean. Here is a picture of my 2006 C6's engine bay the day I sold it last year. It was 9 years old and had 40K miles. The new C7's is just as clean.
