Simple Green - Engine detailing?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 8
From: Ontario
Simple Green - Engine detailing?
Thinking about attempting to clean up the engine compartment on my IROC Z.
Using Simple Green a good idea? I have read some negative stuff about it?
Looking for any and all input/suggestions on doing this job.
Dave
Using Simple Green a good idea? I have read some negative stuff about it?
Looking for any and all input/suggestions on doing this job.
Dave
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
I've sprayed the engine compartment (when it's cold) of my daily drivers once per year. I let it sit for about 20 minutes then pressure washer it off with clear water. Then I use the air hose and concentrate mainly on the electrical since I don't cover them. Then leave the hood up for about 1/2 hr. in the hot sun while I vacuum the whole car. Then I close the hood and wash and wax for about another 2 hours after which I start the car and it's started every time.....touch wood.
I've had no problems with simple green so far and I haven't checked any of the feedback either.
What are the negative comments?
If anything dilute it if full strength causes a problem.
I've had no problems with simple green so far and I haven't checked any of the feedback either.
What are the negative comments?
If anything dilute it if full strength causes a problem.
Last edited by Maymyvetteliveforevr; Jun 3, 2011 at 11:57 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 28
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I have used it on my C6. I do the engine one to two times a year (365 days/yr DD).
I use a slightly different procedure than above. starting with a cold engine I wet the engine down with a garden hose, then liberally spray half the engine with Simple Green. Then I use a rag and wipe everything down that I can get to. Next I rinse that half of the engine with the garden hose.
Next I do the same procedure on the other side. Lastly, I dry everything off that I can reach and get to with an old micro-fiber towel. Since I do not have an air compressor I do not blow any other water off, but if I had one I would.
I usually let the car stand several hours before starting it, and have never had a problem . I did the same thing on my LS1 Firebird, which I had for 11 years and never had any problems.
I use a slightly different procedure than above. starting with a cold engine I wet the engine down with a garden hose, then liberally spray half the engine with Simple Green. Then I use a rag and wipe everything down that I can get to. Next I rinse that half of the engine with the garden hose.
Next I do the same procedure on the other side. Lastly, I dry everything off that I can reach and get to with an old micro-fiber towel. Since I do not have an air compressor I do not blow any other water off, but if I had one I would.
I usually let the car stand several hours before starting it, and have never had a problem . I did the same thing on my LS1 Firebird, which I had for 11 years and never had any problems.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,986
Likes: 393
From: Stoney Creek Ontario
I've used Simple Green, Multi Kleen, Multi Kleen Plus, and other similar cleaners, same procedures as above, no issues, I just rinse off with a garden hose after maybe brushing a few tough areas, blow it with compressed air, then apply some shine to it - either WD40 (not the best - gets rid of excess water but attracts dust)) or a high quality tire dressing - Works the best!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: Where CUPCAYKE lives Ontario
be very, very careful or you've turned a cheap clean into a expensive repair bill...
I use Simple Green for my annual "winter blahs, need some vette time moments" and works great. Only difference is, no water touches my engine bay, ever!.
Simple Green, toothbrush, q-tips, cloths and elbow grease work just fine.
At work, otherwise would post some pics of the results.
lauri
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
From: Woodbridge Ontario
id say as long as you bag the alternator and distributor/opti spark module you'll be fine. Soak those and you will have problems.
My method is sort of a combo of whats already been mentioned.
I start with a cold engine and bag the electrical stuff Im worried about like alternator.
Spray the entire engine down with cleaner ( i use gunk)
Let is sit for about 15 mins or so, take toothbrush to soiled areas
Start the engine then I hose it off before it gets a chance to warm up - I do this to help prevent the engine from potential non start due to water in the bay - its not necessary but its cheap ins for me. Puts my mind at ease.
Wipe down areas I can get too with a towel/chamois
Once the engine is warm and I satisfied that there is no water in areas I'm worried about I move on to the rest of the car and let the engine dry in the sun with the hood up
I come back and spray it down with matte finish tire dressing to make it look pretty not too crazy about the gloss look under the hood and then im done.
I hear silicone spray also seems to work good for detailing in engine bays. never tried tho.
My method is sort of a combo of whats already been mentioned.
I start with a cold engine and bag the electrical stuff Im worried about like alternator.
Spray the entire engine down with cleaner ( i use gunk)
Let is sit for about 15 mins or so, take toothbrush to soiled areas
Start the engine then I hose it off before it gets a chance to warm up - I do this to help prevent the engine from potential non start due to water in the bay - its not necessary but its cheap ins for me. Puts my mind at ease.
Wipe down areas I can get too with a towel/chamois
Once the engine is warm and I satisfied that there is no water in areas I'm worried about I move on to the rest of the car and let the engine dry in the sun with the hood up
I come back and spray it down with matte finish tire dressing to make it look pretty not too crazy about the gloss look under the hood and then im done.
I hear silicone spray also seems to work good for detailing in engine bays. never tried tho.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I only use a degreaser if there is heavy soiling, otherwise I just rinse with the garden hose. I use Gunk engine degreaser with no issues, but I don't recommend using a pressure washer, just the hose. Once rinsed, dry off by running the engine 15 minutes and top it off with Stoners Trim Shine, will look as good as new
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
Used it on my old winterbeater I think I have some before after pics.
Remove or cover battery/ alternator
Spray on an let soak
Use a bristle brush
Hose without a nozzle and light pressure Rinse it down very well
Done!
I used 1:1 mix
http://m.youtube.com/?client=mv-goog...?v=95pPgcMoOcM
Remove or cover battery/ alternator
Spray on an let soak
Use a bristle brush
Hose without a nozzle and light pressure Rinse it down very well
Done!
I used 1:1 mix
http://m.youtube.com/?client=mv-goog...?v=95pPgcMoOcM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,615
Likes: 142
From: Lake Simcoe..... Back in Black baby!!!
Toronto Events Coordinator
Using it for this purpose would be no issue, as it would have to be on aluminum for a long time to create any visible marks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,615
Likes: 142
From: Lake Simcoe..... Back in Black baby!!!
Toronto Events Coordinator
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 8
From: Ontario
Update.
I did attempt cleaning the engine.
Looks better than when I started.
Car actually started after I was finished.
Didn't look nearly as nice as I would like.
Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to do a great job of it.
Thanks for all the tips!
Dave
I did attempt cleaning the engine.
Looks better than when I started.
Car actually started after I was finished.
Didn't look nearly as nice as I would like.
Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to do a great job of it.
Thanks for all the tips!
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
you probably didn't use the Stoners trim shine?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 8
From: Ontario
You are correct, I didn't use the Stoners trim stuff.
I doubt it would make much difference.
I did use a tire foam on the hoses.
A 1988 Camaro engine bay is not a sea of black plastic like the C5 and C6 Corvettes.
Dave
I doubt it would make much difference.
I did use a tire foam on the hoses.
A 1988 Camaro engine bay is not a sea of black plastic like the C5 and C6 Corvettes.
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,548
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From: Location, Location QC,NY
Paul
