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Old 09-26-2014   #1
Billy Mild
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Kansas City, MO
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Default Cleaning Engine Bay

Would it be a bad idea to clean the engine bay? I would like to power wash it to get all the gunk off.
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Old 09-26-2014   #2
KILLSHOTS
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: AZ
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

Yeah, you're going to want to be VERY careful doing that. A couple months ago, I covered my engine and intake with towels and plastic and just went to town. Something got wet and my #1 circuit (courtesy lights, a/c control, radio antenna, etc.) was shot. I chased it for over 2 weeks and finally had to take it to an electrician.

I always thought that the engine was the only part that was sensitive to water but I learned otherwise. I'll never go under the hood with a hose again. Be careful!!
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Old 09-26-2014   #3
Billy Mild
 
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

I see guys who pull their plenum then cover up the ports to power wash the engine themselves.
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Old 09-26-2014   #4
We Gone
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

I do the engine by hand, to do the bay itself I cover the engine with a canvas tarp remove everything I can and wash away.


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Last edited by We Gone; 09-26-2014 at 12:52 PM.
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Old 09-26-2014   #5
Dime
 
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

Any recommendation on what cleaners/degreasers to use?
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Old 09-27-2014   #6
We Gone
 
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dime View Post
Any recommendation on what cleaners/degreasers to use?
I used 50% diluted greased-lightning and my pressure washer with a low pressure wide tip. Than rinsed very well many times with water to be sure no residue was left on or under the suspension or spring .
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1990 Steel Blue/Black #2355
1990 Red/Red #1473
1991 Quasar /Black #118 Sold
1991 Turquoise/Black #766 Parted Out
1993 Yellow/White #179 Sold
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Old 10-01-2014   #7
KILLSHOTS
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

Go ahead, spray it down. I hope you're an electrician.
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Old 10-02-2014   #8
GOLDCYLON
 
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

I would only introduce water to the engine bay if it was on a moist rag. One of the major reasons most of us have went to powder coating which is more durable than the original silver and black BBQ paint as it fades and stains over time. The only way to truly clean the engine is to pull it apart, rattle can it or spray it and clean as you go. Otherwise the results are not that great. Keep in mind our cars are getting longer in the tooth introducing water into the 25 year old wiring and into the underside of the galley if its plugged may cause all types of problems as Chris points out above
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Last edited by GOLDCYLON; 10-02-2014 at 09:09 AM.
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Old 10-02-2014   #9
mike100
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: San Marcos CA
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Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

I'm very careful not to introduce water under the plenum and of course the alternator. I cover those and avoid direct spray there. Once cleaned the first time, you won't need to wash the engine top again except by clean, damp rags etc.

1)always wash a cool engine- never after a long drive- you might crack the TPS sensor potentiometer.
2) on the black engine bay parts use diluted simple green if very greasy, but mainly I prefer car wash soap and an old sponge I use for engine bay cleaning. old towels also work for the rubdown too.

that's it.
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Old 11-12-2014   #10
5ABI VT
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 782
Default Re: Cleaning Engine Bay

I haven't done it to either of my c4s I don't feel there is a need. All the components can be wiped individually or reached etc with spray bottle and rags but I have done several cars in the recent years.

I use diluted simple green and water. Dishwashing brushes (various ones). On a cool/cold motor I just spray the stuff on and let it sit. Then I brush gently to loosen dirst. After that with a hose turned on for little flow and NO nozzle on it.. just let it spill over the motor taking the grime away. No pressure at all.

This was my old 01 z28 I picked up. It looked worse but it was raining and it got the front wet but it was all white with dirt/grime buildup too.


SImple green.. brushes.. Just start brushing away

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