Engine Detailing
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Edmond, OK USA
Engine Detailing
Is there any safe way to detail the LT1 engine without trashing the opti-spark?
I know you can't get it wet, but what other way is there to clean the engine compartment?
Thanks
I know you can't get it wet, but what other way is there to clean the engine compartment?
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: Findlay OHIO
Re: Engine Detailing (MarkO959)
Mark The best way i found is to wash by hand. Takes a lot of work but safer. I took a pail of water with dawn in it and washed then wiped it. Worked for me good luck. :chevy
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Re: Engine Detailing (MarkO959)
Mark -
What year is your Vette? Your set up will be a bit different if you have a later C4. The Opti-Spark is located directly beneath the water pump, and you are correct when you state that it is sensitive to water/moisture. So, beneath the water pump just seems like the most logical place for it, doesn't it?
The Opti-spark is actually part of your iginition system. Never take a hose to the motor. :eek: When I detailed my engine a few months ago, I went through over 2000 medical swabs. These were great for reaching areas that were tight, however this is tedious and time consuming work.
I realize that many owners use cleaning solvents on the engine, but I don't. A cheaper microfiber towel and water is about as strong a cleaner as I use under the hood. Be cautious as well about accidentally damaging/removing factory stickers. I suppose this matters to some owners more than others.
If you mentally divide the engine into quadrants, and work your way through each quadrant, you may find it a bit easier to handle instead of looking at it as one large project. That is what I did, and it seemed to help. Not quite so overwhelming that way.
What year is your Vette? Your set up will be a bit different if you have a later C4. The Opti-Spark is located directly beneath the water pump, and you are correct when you state that it is sensitive to water/moisture. So, beneath the water pump just seems like the most logical place for it, doesn't it?
The Opti-spark is actually part of your iginition system. Never take a hose to the motor. :eek: When I detailed my engine a few months ago, I went through over 2000 medical swabs. These were great for reaching areas that were tight, however this is tedious and time consuming work.
I realize that many owners use cleaning solvents on the engine, but I don't. A cheaper microfiber towel and water is about as strong a cleaner as I use under the hood. Be cautious as well about accidentally damaging/removing factory stickers. I suppose this matters to some owners more than others.
If you mentally divide the engine into quadrants, and work your way through each quadrant, you may find it a bit easier to handle instead of looking at it as one large project. That is what I did, and it seemed to help. Not quite so overwhelming that way.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Edmond, OK USA
Re: Engine Detailing (rubyred93)
Thanks for the reply.
I have a 93 Ruby Red coupe. I decided not to actually do the detailing myself. I have hired someone to do it and am trying to get all the information I can for them.
By the way, I'm selling my Ruby after all of the detailing is done. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let me know. It has roughly 41,000 miles, is an auto trans with the 2:59 gears and has the blue tint top.
I'll be posting it in a week or so.
Thanks
I have a 93 Ruby Red coupe. I decided not to actually do the detailing myself. I have hired someone to do it and am trying to get all the information I can for them.
By the way, I'm selling my Ruby after all of the detailing is done. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let me know. It has roughly 41,000 miles, is an auto trans with the 2:59 gears and has the blue tint top.
I'll be posting it in a week or so.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Re: Engine Detailing (MarkO959)
Mark -
Have you considered listing the car with the 40th Registry as well? Can't say that I blame you for letting someone else do the work, it can be rather time consuming.
Have you considered listing the car with the 40th Registry as well? Can't say that I blame you for letting someone else do the work, it can be rather time consuming.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne IN
Re: Engine Detailing (rubyred93)
Get a couple spray bottles, couple buckets, big paint brush & lots of rags. Add some Zaino tire treatment (for the hoses), Eagle One metal polish for the aluminum, Simple Green cleaner/degreaser, Pledge and you'll be set.
Fill one bucket with a strong mix of Simple Green & water, fill the other bucket with water. Use the buckets to fill & refill the spray bottles with solution and/or water.
Do one small area at a time. Spray with the degreaser, let sit a minute, brush it with the paint brush to loosen everything, use spraybottle with plain water and wipe off with a rag.
Once everything is clean, polish up the aluminum & treat the hoses & weather stripping. Pledge the underside of the hood and the wheel wells.
It took me an afternoon to do it & it looks incredible.
Fill one bucket with a strong mix of Simple Green & water, fill the other bucket with water. Use the buckets to fill & refill the spray bottles with solution and/or water.
Do one small area at a time. Spray with the degreaser, let sit a minute, brush it with the paint brush to loosen everything, use spraybottle with plain water and wipe off with a rag.
Once everything is clean, polish up the aluminum & treat the hoses & weather stripping. Pledge the underside of the hood and the wheel wells.
It took me an afternoon to do it & it looks incredible.
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