Engine Cleaning
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Soddy Daisy (near Chattanooga) TN
Engine Cleaning
ok - what are the methods, - dos and don'ts - that you guys use to keep the engine compartments clean??? Just got the Vette and want it to stay nice - not to mention that we are in our first car show on the May 17th.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
Re: Engine Cleaning (mike85mph)
To clean..most will use Simple Green and mist ares that need rinsed with water hose, avoid eccessive water around your battery area, computer is located under there. If you have an air comppresor that is good for blowing off water and or dust, also good for the hoodliner..that should do it, you will find things or methods that you like best..maintain it, and it never really will get that dirty..a front hood seal keeps water from getting around your air breather when washing/ raining, they are inexpensive, but worth it! Now get busy!! :thumbs:
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Lloydminster AB
Re: Engine Cleaning (mike85mph)
I am no cleaning expert by any stretch. So FWIW.... I have had great results using a dry or slightly damp cloth to pick up the dust and bit of armoral to keep the rubber and plastic bits looking new.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Sussex, Wisconsin, USA, Earth
Re: Engine Cleaning (mike85mph)
**NOTE** When I say spray down the engine compartment with the hose, I'm talking about very gentle,
barely more than a spritz. The idea is to get the visible surfaces wet, not flood the electronics.
1. Start the car and let it idle for 5 minutes to warm it up and then shut it off.
2. Using a glass cleaner like Windex, amply spritz the beauty covers, radiator shroud, hoses, etc. The more the better.
3. Close the hood and go drink a beer.
4. Take your garden hose and wash off the glass cleaner. See note above.
5. Spray Armor-all or equiv. over those same surfaces.
6. Close the hood and wash the rest of the car. Keep the hood closed for at least 10 minutes.
7. Wipe off excess Armor-All
When you open up the hood it will look brand new, trust me.
I got this tip from a well-known detailer who has won enough shows to make a believer out of me.
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I don't know if this will work on really dirty engines. You have to keep up on the car for this to work.
I use very little water when I do it.
Peace
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Re: Engine Cleaning (mike85mph)
Thanks for the good tips.
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 568
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From: Orange Park FL
Re: Engine Cleaning (JDs00PewterCoupe)
Just a friendly reminder that Simple Green is a corrosive and needs to be thoroughly rinsed when used on the engine. I dilute Simple Green to about 25% Simple Green/75% water and rinse thoroughly. Keeps the engine looking great. :cheers:
[Modified by 98Pacecar, 6:08 AM 5/6/2003]
[Modified by 98Pacecar, 6:08 AM 5/6/2003]
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Swansea IL
Re: Engine Cleaning (mike85mph)
I use a wet towel with just a little Simple Green. I never point a loaded hose into the engine bay. If necessary I then follow up with another wet towel to remove any Simple Green residue.
Tom
Tom