Hello everyone! I successfully replaced the coolant hose.

What I want to do next is clean out under the hood. I already got started, and it is looking very noticeably cleaner than before. But all I did was cover the engine in degreaser and hose it down just a little bit then wipe it off. Today I was thinking that may not be the best idea with the opti spark. After that I scrubbed the engine with a wire brush and WOW it looks so clean.

Then I started getting into the depths of the engine bay and eventually ruined both of my small wire brushes.

I should have taken some before pictures, I can still take some for some parts.

Anyway I want to clean it more wjth more brushes, and I think it could use a heavier duty degreaser. Is there a safe way to wash the engine without harming optispark. It's an 86.

Also I want to clean under the hood, literally the other side of the hood, it does not have the insulation like most cars so I figure degreaser could work

Any tips and suggestions are appreciated.

Side note- I should have FSM soon then I can learn how to properly get into places for other repairs such as the tachometer I was asking about and the check engine light not coming on etc. Also I will fill my profile out when I get to a computer. I don't own one I'll have to ask to use my brothers.


Thanks! Dan

 

86 does not have a opti clean away.

 

Thank you! Awesome I was not sure

 

More than one person has screwed their car up with getting moisture where it shouldn't be, especially if it has an opti. I'd go real slow and easy and do what you can by hand and what you can't -leave alone.

I'd rather drive mine than figure out why something isn't working any more,.

 

Almost all electrical connectors are "weather pack" connectors -they're water proof. Have at it. If you want it really clean, really easy;
*Hit it with a power washer to remove crud/build up
*Hit all the aluminum w/an etching aluminum product (like Eagle 1 etching wheel cleaner) and let sit for about a minute (see directions on product)
*Rinse w/high pressure hose.
*Dry with towel
*finish w/your preferred plastic "protectant"

20 minutes of effort and your engine will look better than brand new. FYI I've done this on my car which is an LT1 and has an "Opti". No issues, just a spic 'n span engine.


.

 

The key is being smart with where you direct the spray.
I wash my LT4 engine all the time, and have never had any issues.

I have never used a pressure washer though, only a garden hose with spray nozzle.

 

 

I have to admit I am a bit reluctant to use my pressure washer in the engine bay. Maybe before I do it I'll cover up all the electrical spots whether they are weather proof or not ide probably feel better

 

Cleaned the 91 with a pressure washer. Used plastic bags and aluminum foil.


Easy to tell the before and after pics

 

My 95 & 99 all the engine bay cleaning was done by hand little by little. No power washer. Simple Green, Chemical Guys Black on Black, rags, brushes and a lot of patience. The 99 is 100% OE and the 95 has a little bling added.

 

So beautiful! Amazing job. I figured I too would end up cleaning mine the same way. 15 minutes here, a half hour there, and don't go too crazy with the water.

 

I noticed your valve covers used to be brown too.
how did you clean those to get them looking so great?
I am just scraping mine, and degreasing, rinse repeat. they are going back to the silver color they once were. it will take time.

 

'86 valve covers came brown off the factory floor. They can be stripped, my PO did on mine.

 

Little simple green goes long way.

 

Some Awesome and a powerwasher once a year.
Plus Adam's In&Out Spray for some detail

 

I had my original rocker covers sandblasted and primered at a body shop. Then I used silver valve cover spray from Corvette Central. I pulled those off after a while and bought chrome valve covers from the same vendor.

 

Blast away with the power washer. Don't directly spray anything electrical, but don't worry about it as everything gets wet. Drive the car afterwards.

 

wrong

 

 

those edelbrock valve covers look very cool