That's what I do. 
Cleaning the engine...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise Al
Cleaning the engine...
Greetings to all you forum members!
Q: I have some nice chrome in the engine area of my 2015 Stingray and will be getting more as soon as the $$$$ shows up. I occasionally take my car to local car shows and I needed your advice on cleaning the engine area. I know there are areas of the engine that seem to me you would have to be very careful with, what with all the electronics. Could you give me some advice on how "you" do it? I will be happy to hear from any of you and appreciate the advice! TIA, Paul.
Q: I have some nice chrome in the engine area of my 2015 Stingray and will be getting more as soon as the $$$$ shows up. I occasionally take my car to local car shows and I needed your advice on cleaning the engine area. I know there are areas of the engine that seem to me you would have to be very careful with, what with all the electronics. Could you give me some advice on how "you" do it? I will be happy to hear from any of you and appreciate the advice! TIA, Paul.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 1,700
From: Northern California
St. Jude Donor '15
I just wipe mine down with a damp mf towel. I use Adams VRT and In & Out Spray for the rubber, vinyl and plastic. I'd use a nicer microfiber on the chrome though to avoid scratching. I drive mine a lot, but I keep up on cleaning the engine so it doesn't get too bad.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Use the least aggressive cleaners. If just a microfiber cloth dampened with water cleans it up you are good. That is all I use on mine with my weekly general wash and the engine area is spotless.
Administrator
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I use a California Dash Duster to gently lift any dust off the underhood pieces, then follow up with a moist Absorber and microfiber towel to finish the detail. I've never used a hose to clean my engine bay. If there is some grease or oil present, some Simple Green on a rag takes it off.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
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From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I cover the fuse box and other electrical, spray some grease cleaner on it (cold engine) then LIGHT spray with pressure washer, blow dry, protectant on rubber and plastic parts.
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 124
From: Florida
I start with my shop vac and the crevice tool to get any dust or particles out of the cracks and hard to reach places. The then use the shop vac brush attachment to remove dust from the wire looms, electrical connectors, and other spots that a cloth cannot reach. I follow up with LG Polish on any smooth painted and metal parts. Last step is LG or 303 protectant on the plastic parts.
Periodically (about once every 6 months) I use S-100 Corrosion Protectant Spray on the fasteners and other metal parts that are subject to corrosion. Sprays on clear, wipe off excess and then proceed with the rest of the detail process.
I take these steps with the engine compartments in all my vehicles. They all look new.
Periodically (about once every 6 months) I use S-100 Corrosion Protectant Spray on the fasteners and other metal parts that are subject to corrosion. Sprays on clear, wipe off excess and then proceed with the rest of the detail process.
I take these steps with the engine compartments in all my vehicles. They all look new.
Last edited by BladeSilver2015; Jan 3, 2016 at 07:57 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
The engine compartment doesn't get to dirty. I dust the engine components with a slightly damp good grade of paper towel. The dirt that accumulates around hoses, wire bundles and in nooks is easily accessible using a damp paper towel clamped to the end of a small flexible shaft mechanical finger. Works for me!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 554
I use one of these engine bay cleaning guns spraying a fine mist of distilled water and high pressure air. Works very well and distilled water leaves no residue or spots.
It takes only a couple quarts of distilled water to do the whole job.
It takes only a couple quarts of distilled water to do the whole job.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 51
From: Tampa Florida
I use a stiff bristled 2" paint brush to loosen any debris and wipe in the hard to reach areas. I'll then blow the whole engine bay with an electric leaf blower and them wipe it down with detail spray and a mf towel. I do this every time I wash my car as to keep up on it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
I use a California Dash Duster to gently lift any dust off the underhood pieces, then follow up with a moist Absorber and microfiber towel to finish the detail. I've never used a hose to clean my engine bay. If there is some grease or oil present, some Simple Green on a rag takes it off.
same here.
