Washing the engine bay

[SStothebone]

Is it safe to spray down the engine with the engine cover off?

[CamaroDreams07]

As long as you cover the alternator and fuse box you should be okay. Make sure it's cool first though.

[GEEo]

I do it all the time. In fact everytime I wash my car.

Just Cover the alternator and make sure the engine is cool to the touch when you start spraying on it.

happy cleaning

[CamaroDreams07]

Personally, no matter how safe it is, it makes me nervous. I just keep mine clean by wiping it down every time I wash the car. No need to ever really "wash" the engine bay when you keep up on it like that.

[GEEo]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Personally, no matter how safe it is, it makes me nervous. I just keep mine clean by wiping it down every time I wash the car. No need to ever really "wash" the engine bay when you keep up on it like that.

Lol I was scared too when I first tried it!

My friend mike (Mike2ss) gave me the courage!

[Silver ice SS]

I guess those of us that have CAI's should be really careful!

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by Silver ice SS

I guess those of us that have CAI's should be really careful!

Oh yeah, forgot about that...cover that too lol.

I guess to me I just don't see the point. Prevention is the best medicine, if you keep it clean, it can't get dirty enough to need a wash like that. Of course, if you've never touched it, then it's probably pretty filthy and needs to be washed thoroughly.

[GEEo]

Originally Posted by Silver ice SS

I guess those of us that have CAI's should be really careful!

I have a CAI on I have no problems with it.

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Oh yeah, forgot about that...cover that too lol.

I guess to me I just don't see the point. Prevention is the best medicine, if you keep it clean, it can't get dirty enough to need a wash like that. Of course, if you've never touched it, then it's probably pretty filthy and needs to be washed thoroughly.

If you have a black engine bay it gets really bad!!

It turns into brownish tan. lol

[CGM2010]

I've been washing the engine compartments of my vehicles for years. I have never covered the fuse panel or alternator, but I do try to keep any direct spray off of them and have never had any trouble. After all, they are exposed to moisture under the hood while driving in the rain. Once the engine has dried, give the entire engine compartment a light coating of good quality silicone (keep it off of the belts and avoid overspray on the windshield). This will make all of the plastic shine, especially black and help protect the electric connections from future moisture penetration.

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by CGM2010

I've been washing the engine compartments of my vehicles for years. I have never covered the fuse panel or alternator, but I do try to keep any direct spray off of them and have never had any trouble. After all, they are exposed to moisture under the hood while driving in the rain. Once the engine has dried, give the entire engine compartment a light coating of good quality silicone (keep it off of the belts and avoid overspray on the windshield). This will make all of the plastic shine, especially black and help protect the electric connections from future moisture penetration.

Hmm interesting. Where would one purchase this can of spray on silicone?

[1BADLS3]

I haven't cleaned the engine bay in my SS yet, but on all my previous cars, I'd spray down everything that doesn't move with Simple Green. Then, I'd take a wash mitt (not to be used on any other part of the car) and some soapy water and wash up the underside of the hood, the front area by the radiator, the aprons, and any plastic fairings/engine covers. With a plastic brush (not too stiff) I'd get all the complex areas. Then, I'd get out the high pressure sprayer and get it in all the tight spots, rinse it down.

I'd stay away from a silicone spray, personally. I'd let the bay dry out, and I'd hand-dry under the hood with a towel as well. If any pieces needed a bit of dressing, they'd get it, but I'd never spray down all the plastic and lines. Silicone is supposed to dry out plastic and rubber anyhow.

[66olds442]

Dylan from Adams polishes posted a really good video of cleaning a camaro's engine bay. Also the other Adams videos on cleaning the engine bay are really good as well.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109089

[Adam's Polishes]

Originally Posted by 66olds442

Dylan from Adams polishes posted a really good video of cleaning a camaro's engine bay. Also the other Adams videos on cleaning the engine bay are really good as well.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109089

Thanks!



I've washed probably somewhere in the range of thousands of engine bays in my time on all conceivable manner of cars. The only ones to really worry about are highly modified/custom setups or pre 1995-ish OEM setups (particular european cars like Mercedes, Range Rover, or BMW's etc) On a car like the new Camaro its not even a remote concern.

I recommend covering open element filters for obvious reasons, the alternator is optional, its better if you do but not absolutely imperative, battery terminals should be avoided on all cars simply to avoid corrosion.

Just don't use a high pressure blast. A gentle spray indirectly in there and you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

[66olds442]

Originally Posted by Dylan@Adams

Thanks!

No Problem, I've been so impressed with the quality of the instructional videos I decided to place my first Adam's order today.

Also thanks for answering the optional covering of the alternator as I didn't see that in the video.