washing/spraying the engine - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

George Maz · 02-28-2020

Many caution against this.
I wash once every spring, taking precautions... to cover the computer (ECM), both horns, take off the airbox, seal off the throttle body, make sure cowl drain ducts are clear, hood latch pockets have tiny drains that easily clog, wrap or remove secondary vaccum pump, airbag frame sensors can be taped off, disconnect battery, keep water away from alternator, starter etc.
I spray Platinum Dawn soap or PurplePower dilute solution, then gently agitate with a wheel wooley or brush. The spray down is a gentle quick shot across the plenum, I mean like 1 second max on each side. I prefer using pressurized paint sprayer filled with water, but a garden hose fine mist works too. Spray down the rest of the engine, suspension with the wheels off. Important to blow off all excess standing water with compressed air nozzle, or leaf blower.
$12 stylist sprayer, mist on Meguires HyperDressing or 303 protectant. Using a paintbrush, blend it all in till it looks nicey nice.

I do not rush this cleaning procedure. It's my zen period, and I make sure to enjoy it, taking breaks, thinking it through, taking everybody's advice not to make any costly mistakes. Results are like showroom new, keeping in mind my cars are driven regularly.

I wrap items in terrycloth towel, then plastic bag, use tape to hold... that way the towel will absorb any water that may penetrate.

02-28-2020	#2
George Maz Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 293	Re: washing/spraying the engine Many caution against this. I wash once every spring, taking precautions... to cover the computer (ECM), both horns, take off the airbox, seal off the throttle body, make sure cowl drain ducts are clear, hood latch pockets have tiny drains that easily clog, wrap or remove secondary vaccum pump, airbag frame sensors can be taped off, disconnect battery, keep water away from alternator, starter etc. I spray Platinum Dawn soap or PurplePower dilute solution, then gently agitate with a wheel wooley or brush. The spray down is a gentle quick shot across the plenum, I mean like 1 second max on each side. I prefer using pressurized paint sprayer filled with water, but a garden hose fine mist works too. Spray down the rest of the engine, suspension with the wheels off. Important to blow off all excess standing water with compressed air nozzle, or leaf blower. $12 stylist sprayer, mist on Meguires HyperDressing or 303 protectant. Using a paintbrush, blend it all in till it looks nicey nice. I do not rush this cleaning procedure. It's my zen period, and I make sure to enjoy it, taking breaks, thinking it through, taking everybody's advice not to make any costly mistakes. Results are like showroom new, keeping in mind my cars are driven regularly. I wrap items in terrycloth towel, then plastic bag, use tape to hold... that way the towel will absorb any water that may penetrate.