Engine bay - what to cover

[SunnySideUpII]

Hi all,

I want to give my engine bay a good wash after a few months of driving the car.

I know pretty much what the drill is. I've got a pressure washer which is not too strong, got the all purpose cleaner and the brush for agitation, etc . and I know the dressing is optional.

I just would like to know "specifically" which parts I need to cover on a ZL1 engine bay? I know as a general rule, air filter and electronics should be covered/isolated. My engine bay is so far completely stock, so my air filter is not exposed. Apart from that, I don't know which electrical parts I need to cover.

Can someone point me in the right direction please? If anyone has any photos of their engine bays prepared before a wash, that would be awesome.

Thanks a lot.

[rjs2010SS]

Honestly... I just took the hose and sprayed all around the engine bay, but nothing directly on the motor... just mainly hit it to knock the dust off.... then I took some detailer and a nice rag and went over everything..It looked good to go after that.

[Dimitrim]

Originally Posted by SunnySideUpII

Hi all,

I want to give my engine bay a good wash after a few months of driving the car.

I know pretty much what the drill is. I've got a pressure washer which is not too strong, got the all purpose cleaner and the brush for agitation, etc . and I know the dressing is optional.

I just would like to know "specifically" which parts I need to cover on a ZL1 engine bay? I know as a general rule, air filter and electronics should be covered/isolated. My engine bay is so far completely stock, so my air filter is not exposed. Apart from that, I don't know which electrical parts I need to cover.

Can someone point me in the right direction please? If anyone has any photos of their engine bays prepared before a wash, that would be awesome.

Thanks a lot.

Don't do it...Water is your worst enemy. Just wipe it down with some rags.

[revobasher]

^^^ agree.. I use a little Megs Quick Detailer and microfiber cloths

[2013 ZL1 #7860]

Engine bays are not weather tight... Just spray it off and whipe it down.

[nighttowl]

I don't cover anything.
just don't spray directly into any electronic stuff or wiring; just hit those with a quick once-over and you will be fine.

[CRF8]

"Engine bays are not weather tight"... well from the bottom they may handle water ok. However, the top of the engine is designed to have a hood and an engine cover over it.
There is NO way I would use a pressure washer or hose.

[SunnySideUpII]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[2013 ZL1 #7860]

Originally Posted by CRF8

"Engine bays are not weather tight"... well from the bottom they may handle water ok. However, the top of the engine is designed to have a hood and an engine cover over it.
There is NO way I would use a pressure washer or hose.

The hood is not sealed... Your engine is wet in heavy rain.

[SunnySideUpII]

Originally Posted by 2013 ZL1 #7860

The hood is not sealed... Your engine is wet in heavy rain.

You are right the hood is not sealed, but I guess the water goes into the engine bay only through the edges of the hood and the carbonfiber vents, and in all cases water is redirected through some dedicated lines/canals away from the engine. Even in heavy rain, the engine itself and the components would not get as wet as they would when you spray water directly on them.

I am more inclined to avoid using the pressure washer now, but I might do a quick light spray (mist).