BigMacNYC

How many of you clean your engine? I starting to get dirt/ dust in the cracks and creaves that drives me crazy. Anybody power wash? Use degreaser? Water? If so what parts of the engine do you cover up or protect from water? or any cleaning product suggestions??

Thanks in advance...

Richin Chicago

Not a real good idea to wash an engine on a C5. Too many vulnerable connection points like the knock sensor buried under the intake manifold.

Corvette SSX

I agree, but I know there are many people on the forum that do wash their engines. I compare it to, "would I wash down my computer's keyboard to get rid of fingerprints and dust?" I don't think so for the same reasons I wouldn't wash the engine. Even though they are made to be spill proof, there are still just too many electrical connections that could get wet.

mojo1

I sprayed mine down yesterday with Simple green the wiped it off ,but I have misted it with the hose before with no problems but I would not do it very often.

Cajun99

I've sprayed mine countless times over the past five years with Simple Green and water misted it for a rinse and I have yet to have a problem. No signs of corrosion either.

Mine's a daily driver and gets too dirty to just wipe off. Maybe if it were a garage queen I could get away with just dusting it.

BigMacNYC

when I bought mine last November the dealer detailed it so perfectly there wasnt a spec of dirt..

I was thinking of removing the plastic side rails (black that say corvette) and thoughly washing these. Do you guys do this?

jimmymc

i have put 3000 miles on my 98 when i bought it it had 90k now i see a little oil getting on the fuel rail from the fill cap will wash it off today, hope this is normal
jimmy

BigJoe

I just take a damp rag to everything visible in the engine compartment every time I wash the car. Keeps it looking presentable... but probably not show quality.

98Pacecar

I wash the engines on all of my cars on a regular basis, and have for a bunch of years. I have NEVER had a problem caused by washing the engine. In Iceland (where I just came back from) many of the interior roads go through rivers, which we did on a regular basis.

Once again, never had a problem due to water in the engine bay. If you think about it, there's always the potential to get water in the engine bay when you drive through a heavy thunderstorm, and other than the occasional hydrolock you don't see problems associated with this.

I take 25% Simple Green and 75% water (Simple Green is a corrosive), spray it on a wet engine, let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse it off. If there are excessively dirty areas I'll wash these with a mit or brush. I then rinse thoroughly, close the hood, start the car and wash/dry the rest of the car. I then shut off the engine, raise the hood, dry off any remaining water and spray liberal amounts of ArmorAll on everything. I let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then come back and wipe everything down. Keeps engines looking better than new.

boatboatboat

Have any of you ever had an engine bay steam cleaned. I believe a local detailer offers this service. I have heard they charge 25 dollars. If that works, it seems like a bargin IMO.

Deluxe

I wash mine from time-to-time. Last time I took the rail covers off and washed them separately, but the engine is mostly water resistant (like most watches)... don't over-do it but a little water on a cool engine isn't going to break it. Keeps it looking new.

SnowyATX

[QUOTE=Cajun99]I've sprayed mine countless times over the past five years with Simple Green and water misted it for a rinse and I have yet to have a problem. No signs of corrosion either. [QUOTE]

Richin Chicago

[QUOTE=PewterC5][QUOTE=Cajun99]I've sprayed mine countless times over the past five years with Simple Green and water misted it for a rinse and I have yet to have a problem. No signs of corrosion either. Engine Controls - Spark Knock/MIL ON/ DTC P0332 Set

File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

Bulletin No.: 02-06-04-023A

Date: June, 2002

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Audible Spark Knock (Detonation), MIL Illuminated, DTC P0332 Set (Replace Rear Bank Knock Sensor and RTV Area Around Sensor)

Models:
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette
1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7L Engine (VIN G - RPO LS1)
1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2002 Chevrolet Avalance
1999-2002 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2002 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
with 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L Engine
(VINs V, T, Z, N, U - RPOS LR4, LM7, L59, L09, L04)

This bulletin is being revised to add Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade EXT to the Models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-023 (Section 6 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration and/or an illuminated MIL. Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0332 set.

Cause

This condition may be the result of corrosion of the rear bank knock sensor due to water intrusion into the sensor cavity. This condition is more apparent on vehicles in which customers frequently wash the engine compartment.

Correction

Replace the rear bank knock sensor and build a dam (wall) around the sensor using RTV to divert water away from the sensor. Use the procedure and part number listed.

1. Remove the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.






2. Remove the wiring harness assembly from the knock sensor.






3. Remove the rear bank knock sensor.

4. Install the new rear bank knock sensor.

Tighten

Tighten the knock sensor to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

5. Install the wiring harness assembly to the knock sensor.






6. Apply a bead of RTV silicone sealant approximately 9 mm (3/8 in) wide and 6 mm (1/4 in) high along the outside edge of the ridge on the engine block valley cover around the rear bank knock sensor. DO NOT form a complete circle. Leave the rear section open as shown.

7. From the underside of the intake manifold, completely remove the rear intake manifold seal (foam material).

8. Install the intake manifold. Refer to the Intake Manifold Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the appropriate Service Manual.

tmcclaff

I will use regurlar car wash and a mit to get to dirty places and then mist it off. Finish with armoral or something similar maybe twice a year on all my cars

Dark-Knight

I'm with Big Joe, I just keep it presentable.

gillettij

That's the problem with the daily driver........you have to worry about things like that! With mine, I just wipe it off after using it, then a light mist with WD40 so that when I start it up next time it smells new.

6 speed Sid

I never spray any water under the hood. I always tell a dealer if they detail under the hood, the deal is off. Sid.

Blueyednd

I have "carefully washed" the engine before, but if it's just dusty, I use my air compressor and blow the dust/loose stuff off...

johnlovescar

I wash my very carefully. If need to, I will power wash it to remove the dirt and grease. Even under the hood. My cars look like new even with 100,000 miles. I have done this for years in all my cars. NO PROBLEMS.

NoelsTorchredZ

Mines not a daily drive so I just mist it down from time to time and when I start getting that Florida sand on the engine I just use my air hose and blow it off, then coat everything with some Mequires vinyl treatment. Keeps it looking like brand new. I used to do that regulary with my daily driver 97 and people couldn't believe how new it looked under the hood. Just have to be carefull around the battery and electrical stuff.