Cleaning engine
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 90
Likes: 7
From: West Haverstraw New York
Cleaning engine
Hi,
Does anyone have recommendations for cleaning my engine. I have a 2016 Z06. Don't know whether I should use a degreaser or just a steam cleaner. Also, recommendations on degreasers and steam cleaners that are out on the market for a do it yourselfer. Thanks!
Does anyone have recommendations for cleaning my engine. I have a 2016 Z06. Don't know whether I should use a degreaser or just a steam cleaner. Also, recommendations on degreasers and steam cleaners that are out on the market for a do it yourselfer. Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
A mixture of 50% water and 50% Simple Green works well. I have used that for years on my Vette engines. The only issue I have seen on the LT4 is a tendency to water spot the clear shiny sections of the top of the S/C. When I do it the next time I will use some saran wrap to cover those spots. Basically, I soak the entire engine compartment with this mixture and then wait a few minutes to start loosening the grime. Once that happens I use a hose with a gentle spray to wash down ever section of the engine compartment to get all of the simple green off the engine. Once that is done I start the engine, close the hood and wash the car while the engine heats up and evaporates the water in the engine compartment. Then if I am going to do a show I will take a rag with Armorall on it and wipe down the hoses so they have a very light sheen. Not shiny but clean looking with just that slight sheen. With the Z06 that is also a good time to check the oil level since the Oil temp will definitely be over 176 degrees which is the minimum temp for the reading.
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 90
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From: West Haverstraw New York
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 8,729
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From: Redmond WA
We'll be old men by the time your 2016 Z gets greasy: The LS motors really should never leak, as they use o-rings and not the old cork gasket system. So you should -never- have to degrease it (or steam clean it), I wouldn't think.
If you're diligent just wiping it down periodically is all it takes to keep mine looking like new.
On my son's Silverado it was pretty dirty (not greasy though) from lots of dusty mileage so I put a bag over the ECM and pressure washed carefully, and that got the bulk of it, such that I could finish it up by wiping down the detail areas.
If you're diligent just wiping it down periodically is all it takes to keep mine looking like new.
On my son's Silverado it was pretty dirty (not greasy though) from lots of dusty mileage so I put a bag over the ECM and pressure washed carefully, and that got the bulk of it, such that I could finish it up by wiping down the detail areas.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: chicago
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13,283
Likes: 2,509
From: Bluffton SC via Canton Oh
A mixture of 50% water and 50% Simple Green works well. I have used that for years on my Vette engines. The only issue I have seen on the LT4 is a tendency to water spot the clear shiny sections of the top of the S/C. When I do it the next time I will use some saran wrap to cover those spots. Basically, I soak the entire engine compartment with this mixture and then wait a few minutes to start loosening the grime. Once that happens I use a hose with a gentle spray to wash down ever section of the engine compartment to get all of the simple green off the engine. Once that is done I start the engine, close the hood and wash the car while the engine heats up and evaporates the water in the engine compartment. Then if I am going to do a show I will take a rag with Armorall on it and wipe down the hoses so they have a very light sheen. Not shiny but clean looking with just that slight sheen. With the Z06 that is also a good time to check the oil level since the Oil temp will definitely be over 176 degrees which is the minimum temp for the reading.
Bill
Bill
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 254
From: Folsom CA
One circumstance that required an engine cleaning was a Lake Tahoe car show where the airborne pollen was so heavy that it would not blow off with even compressed air and a washing was required. A coin operated car wash works well as the pressurized water (don't hold the nozzle too close) with a mild detergent (will not oxidize/stain the aluminum SC cover) and then the wax cycle. The drive home drys the engine and only a light wiping in the nooks and crannies is all that is needed. Even on practically new cars there is excess lube around the hood latches and crud that has accumulated down around the frame area. The coin op joint works well and re-cycles the water too. Just a thought
Racer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 445
Likes: 284
From: Leawood Kansas
My 2015 with 6,000 miles has required little engine cleaning. I have taken a damp towel to the surfaces I can easily reach and engine bay still looks good as new. Granted, it has never been on a gravel road, but there just isn't much that gets dirty under there! Imagine a light power washing followed by dry towels or leaf blower wouldn't hurt anything however!