When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My engine bay is very dusty. What are the latest products that would be recommended to use to clean this up? Any precautions other than the air filter and alternator?
There are de greasers for very dirty, greasy engine bays. However for just general dust, dirt I use Simple Green. A similar product would work just fine. Spray it on the engine bay and let it sit for a few minutes and use a pressure washer to rinse it off. Do not get aggressive with the pressure washer, you could damage engine parts. I then use a air compressor to blow any excess water. No need to cover any parts in the engine bay. I have details car for many years and have had very good results using this method. Good Luck.
Be careful if you use a degreaser. Some will etch certain metals. Simple green type product and garden hose pressure is all I use. I avoid directly spraying into connectors, intakes and alternators.
I have a C7Z. I cover the alternator with a plastic bag.
I use a pressure washer to blast all the contaminants before I start spraying chemicals. My Kranzle puts out about 1000 psi and 2 gallons per minute. Staying under 1500 psi is crucial. I have a mosmatic gun attachment and a 4.0 40 degree orifice to keep the pressure steady and focused Trick is to keep it moving. Don’t hover over a section for more than 10 seconds.
next Superclean at 3:1 with an array of detailing brushes- boars hair and even speed master wheel barrel brushes. Careful not to poke around too much and loosen hoses and fittings. You can also use Optimum Powerclean and CarPro Multi-X anywhere from 3 or 5 to 1
blast off with pressure washer again to remove Superclean.
while wet douce the entire compartment with megs hyper dressing at 5 or 4 or 3 to 1 depending on the amount of gloss you want
shut the hood, don’t drive until the next morning. Wake up, pop the hood, admire your handy work.
shut the hood, don’t drive until the next morning. Wake up, pop the hood, admire your handy work.
I would NEVER do this. I couldn't wait to drive it. A nice clean and shiney car drives and handles better. I would at least go around the block in the evening.
McKee's 37 has a Engine Bay detail kit check it out. I have not tried it myself but most of their products are good and there is a video of the use of the kit at the link below.
I would NEVER do this. I couldn't wait to drive it. A nice clean and shiney car drives and handles better. I would at least go around the block in the evening.
I understand I get excited when I see it clean and shiny too. that waiting overnight step is done so that the hyper dressing can self level evenly and like glass. You’re free to do as you wish but then again YMMV
I used to wash my four C4 Corvettes engines regularly, the C6 occasionally, and the C7s, not at all as I only open the hood to let the dealer change my oil....
I used to wash my four C4 Corvettes engines regularly, the C6 occasionally, and the C7s, not at all as I only open the hood to let the dealer change my oil....
I find that they are more careful and neater when they open the hood and the engine is spotless. It only takes 15 - 20 minutes.
Last edited by BigBoyRon; Oct 4, 2020 at 07:56 PM.
I use old cotton sox, slipped onto my hand like a glove, and damp.
If I need some grease cutter, I put on a nitrile glove under the sock and spray some Birchwood Gun Scrubber (synthetic safe) onto a dry glove before wiping.
Low tech...
I find that they are more careful and neater when they open the hood and the engine is spotless. It only takes 15 - 20 minutes.
In January 2021 I will have been driving Corvettes for 31 years, amassing in that 31 years more than 900,000 miles - in my original post, which you quoted, I noted that I washed the engines in my four C4s regularly, occasionally in the C6, and never in the C7s. I have the same Corvette tech for all 31 of those years.... at age 79 I don't wash engines...
Last edited by 4thC4at60; Oct 5, 2020 at 01:10 AM.
Reason: syntax and spelling
Same as @Glock 23C a coat of Simple Green and light rinse is normally all it takes. Might need a damp cloth to remove anything that is caked on. I don't cover any of the parts as they water resistant, so as long as you don't force water into or under things you'll be fine. To dry I just start the car and let it idle, the heat will evaporate any remaining water. This is for your typical cleaning and not meant for that showroom level of perfection.
In January 2021 I will have been driving Corvettes for 31 years, amassing in that 31 years more than 900,000 miles - in my original post, which you quoted, I noted that I washed the engines in my four C4s regularly, occasionally in the C6, and never in the C7s. I have the same Corvette tech for all 31 of those years.... at age 79 I don't wash engines...
I was trying to add to your post not condemn it. I've never "washed" my engines at all. I do spend 10 - 15 minutes after applying spray wax on the car to wipe down the engine bay. I'm pretty positive that neither one of us have dirty engines. I do know the the service techs treat you car differently if your car is spotless. I can't match your Corvette history but I'm working on it.
Last edited by BigBoyRon; Oct 5, 2020 at 11:17 AM.
Engine Bay Wash...
