C7 engine cover corrosion
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From: Miami FL
Last edited by mm2; Nov 15, 2019 at 12:05 PM.
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The only need to replace is because you don't like the looks of the cover. You can attempt to clean the cover to see if that will improve the looks.
I have cleaned the covers on two C5s and a C6 using this method (you ought to see the mess a power steering rack/pump failure makes on a cover). Mix a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water and put it in a spray bottle. Soak the cover with that solution. Since the solution will drip into the engine compartment that is a good time to spray down the complete engine compartment with the same mixture. Let the mixture soak a little in the engine compartment and then use a garden hose with a gentle spray (plant watering spray) and rinse down the engine compartment. Follow that by rinsing/soaking the cover to get all of the soap and as much dirt off the cover as you can. Take a rag and wipe down any bright work (IE; the top of the LT4 Supercharger lid or something similar if have an LT1), then close the hood, start the engine and let it idle for about a half hour to evaporate off the water.
You more than likely won't be able to remove the stains completely but they may look a lot better. That could save you the cost of a new cover while also getting the engine compartment really clean.
Bill
I have cleaned the covers on two C5s and a C6 using this method (you ought to see the mess a power steering rack/pump failure makes on a cover). Mix a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water and put it in a spray bottle. Soak the cover with that solution. Since the solution will drip into the engine compartment that is a good time to spray down the complete engine compartment with the same mixture. Let the mixture soak a little in the engine compartment and then use a garden hose with a gentle spray (plant watering spray) and rinse down the engine compartment. Follow that by rinsing/soaking the cover to get all of the soap and as much dirt off the cover as you can. Take a rag and wipe down any bright work (IE; the top of the LT4 Supercharger lid or something similar if have an LT1), then close the hood, start the engine and let it idle for about a half hour to evaporate off the water.
You more than likely won't be able to remove the stains completely but they may look a lot better. That could save you the cost of a new cover while also getting the engine compartment really clean.
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Nov 15, 2019 at 12:26 PM.
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Hope my feed back offers some considerations.
Bill
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I might offer a suggestion... Remove the plastic heat extractor, then remove the felt cover from the hood. That way you won't get the cleaner degreaser and water all over your engine compartment, unless it needs cleaning too... If you intend to clean it. Also this would allow you to hose it down outside and let it dry in the sun.
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I am not sure that stain on the hoodliner is salt - more like minerals or soap in the water that has come in through the heat extractor either through rain or perhaps car washes. Over time, most hoodliner on a car will show similar staining, although usually not quite that bad.
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soap and water deposits. Don't use high pressure sprays, it'll mess up the material. What you can do is this.... hook up a hose to your hot water heater, and spray it with hot water. It'll come out. Got this tip from Paul Koerner, one of, if not the top Corvette Mechanic in the country, that's what he said he does.
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I am not sure that stain on the hoodliner is salt - more like minerals or soap in the water that has come in through the heat extractor either through rain or perhaps car washes. Over time, most hoodliner on a car will show similar staining, although usually not quite that bad.
Bill
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soap and water deposits. Don't use high pressure sprays, it'll mess up the material. What you can do is this.... hook up a hose to your hot water heater, and spray it with hot water. It'll come out. Got this tip from Paul Koerner, one of, if not the top Corvette Mechanic in the country, that's what he said he does.
We started getting this on our 2017 before it saw any salt on the roads, just touchless car washes.
Occasionally I take a black terrycloth towel, wet it thoroughly, and rub the stains, not too vigorously.
Most of the stains come off after a couple of minutes.
I'd like to cover the engine with something and use the wash wand directly on the stains, but I fear it would damage the insulation.