rel3rd

iTrader: (43)

I picked up a 2000 SS and while the interior and exterior are clean, the underhood needs some attention. The car has 110,000 highway miles, and previous owner lived in a tree lined area, so all I have had nerve enough to do so far is vacuum leaves from the nooks and crannies near the firewall...

How can I clean the dirty, grimy spots safely, without damaging any electrical items and whatnot?

Valve covers are hideous, as are the strut towers and intake. I know I don't want to start pressure washing anything, but have no clue what to use, or exactly hot to go about making the area look better...

Any tips, tricks or advice is appreciated.

p.s. I tried searching but found no real answers to my concerns.

bjamick

iTrader: (31)

I used engine brite degreaser that comes in a can.. I sprayed it all over the engine bay.. Oh but 1st put bags over the electronics.. Let the engine brite stay on there for about 15 min then come back and hose it all off with low pressure, and make sure to hose it off very well.

Then i used a tooth brush to fine detail everything. Then i got the tire dressing that makes your tires shine and put it on all my hoses and all around the rubber at the bottom of the windshield.. Made it look very good.

CAMAROZ28SS

iTrader: (5)

Bags over the PCM. what about the coils?? what else should be covered?

fast01z28

iTrader: (6)

i usually cover the alternator, battery and fuse box as well, but i hear thats not necessary.

Brian2006

iTrader: (42)

Anytime I use degreaser I just take a squirt bottle to spray it off. I'm too afraid of rust parts underneath the intake manifold

rel3rd

iTrader: (43)

Thanks for the ideas so far...anyone else?

kaos_

iTrader: (12)

what if i want to clean the pcm and electronics? EVERYTHING under my hood is layered in dirt and sediment!

bsf

iTrader: (7)

I know you have read the sticky. Just in case, here is the link.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/159036-proper-cleaning-lsx-engine-bay.html

rel3rd

iTrader: (43)

Actually, I didn't see that. Thanks for the link.

The one question I didn't see an answer for, and is my biggest worry, was should I do anything to protect the coil packs?

bsf

iTrader: (7)

YMMV.

If your valve covers are so dirty that the current condition is unacceptable, I would just Simple Green them, let them soak for a couple minutes, and then blast them with a hose. If that does not do it, I would step up to a Simple Green & a high pressure washer and be careful. I carefully spray my 02 S10 engine bay out with a high pressure washer ~6 times a year. I have never had a problem.

If the engine bay is trashed, you are going to have to do something. Clean the whole thing with a toothbrush and dawn if you want. I am not that patient.

iggys11secz

i have never covered any items under the hood and i've used powerwashers, engine degreaser, etc. under the hood. maybe i've just been lucky but i've had mine for about 7 years now and still no problems. basically, just my opinion, if the alt shouldn't get wet, why would it be positioned at the bottom of the engine. just my .02 though. coils should be fine though if that's what you're worried about, just don't go crazy.

Cobra2WS6

iTrader: (22)

I also have just hosed off the entire engine without covering anything, and car starts up fine every time

2002ssls1

iTrader: (3)

Me too, did it at the do it yourself car wash.

CashMoney

iTrader: (2)

I too wash without covering anything. If you use simple green make sure you rinse it off very well as with all soap and degreasers.

rel3rd

iTrader: (43)

Thanks for all the tips and advice!

unSStoppable

iTrader: (1)

i just wash out the engine bay like the others were talking about then after drying i use quick wax(spray on cheat wax) to shine it up.

CAMAROZ28SS

iTrader: (5)

ill have to wash mine now. ill post before and after pics

fast01z28

iTrader: (6)

my camaro has always had a clean engine bay, and with low miles it easy.

my older car had 130k miles on it, but i used engine bright and power washer about 3 or 4 times a year. heres pics of both...

camaro


grand am:

rel3rd

iTrader: (43)

Thanks for all the tips guys.

I did mine today and it made a big difference. I still need one more cleaning for it to look presentable, but no problems whatsoever today...I was nervous for nothing, lol...

FWIW, I used a 50-50 mix of water and Castrol SuperClean...sprayed it on and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then started the engine and hosed her off thoroughly for about 5 minutes. I also washed the car just in case I got any of the cleaner on the exterior...

Thanks again for the tips and advice.

slowponystreetracer

I soak it in wheel acid from napa then i spray the hell out of it with the water hose, comes really clean.