LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

how to clean the engine and engine bay of an lt1 trans am

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Old 02-24-2011, 07:22 PM
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Default how to clean the engine and engine bay of an lt1 trans am

I need to clean my engine. i live in the middle of now where and my driveway is dirt so i need to clean my engine. what would do the job the best without taking things apart
Old 02-24-2011, 07:44 PM
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It depends on how good a job you want to do. There's only so much you can do with Simple Green and a crap-ton of rags, but that's how I've always done it.

If you want to go all out, trust me when I tell you dropping the engine out the bottom makes cleaning 200% more thorough. Then again you'd have to be a nut like me to drop the engine, JUST to clean it.
Old 02-24-2011, 07:55 PM
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thank you. where can i get some simple green
Old 02-24-2011, 08:55 PM
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409 cleaner and a tooth brush does good to or power washer just be careful of electronics
Old 02-24-2011, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by LigHtEmUp01
409 cleaner and a tooth brush does good to or power washer just be careful of electronics
Awful, awful idea. I've seen so many "Washed engine bay now car won't start" threads it's crazy. It is impossible to avoid the electronics, especially when using a power washer. Only time I'd use a power washer is if the engine wasn't in the car.
Old 02-24-2011, 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by RamAir95TA
Awful, awful idea. I've seen so many "Washed engine bay now car won't start" threads it's crazy. It is impossible to avoid the electronics, especially when using a power washer. Only time I'd use a power washer is if the engine wasn't in the car.
lol i had to say that because i knew you would say somethin. but seriously dont power wash it. lol
Old 02-24-2011, 09:15 PM
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Do not pressure wash! If anything, use simple green and low pressure water hose. If you are going to use water, diaper the Opti with a plastic bag, and diaper the PCM as well. I have done this a couple of times without a problem, but be sure you run the motor quickly after rinsing to dry everything. Not recommended, but it is ONE way to clean it up.

Either way, I always spray a foam tire shine on black plastic and rubber in the engine bay after cleaning...leaves a nice shine!
Old 02-24-2011, 09:38 PM
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If you don't have a TON of oil everywhere and want something cheap to clean with just use water mixed with baking soda. It will also stop rust. You can also use it to clean your rims, tires, and pretty much everything that can be washed with water.
Old 02-24-2011, 10:30 PM
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fantastic then on the black plastic and rubber use pledge i found this out after pledgeing my wood top on my tool box i wiped an engine cover down looked like brand new and dirt doesnt stick to it.
Old 02-25-2011, 04:23 AM
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I need to clean mine too. How would Simple Green rinsed off with a high pressure steamer do? Would hot water steam be safe?
Old 02-25-2011, 06:20 AM
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cover the **** out of the optishit and the pcm. then use some simple green and a garden hose. you still have to be careful of the opti though.
Old 02-25-2011, 07:12 AM
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^x100000. (previous LT1 owner) When I cleaned mine, I used some simple green or purple power, a wheel brush, and a low pressure water hose. Walmart bag over the alternator and pcm, rig up something around the opti, and be careful where you spray water. Keep it away from electrical connections. The less water you use the better off you are.
Old 02-25-2011, 09:44 AM
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I guess I got lucky as my engine compartment didnt have any caked-on grime or mud... so I blew it off with an air hose (from a safe distance) and dusted every day for a week with an old 4in paint brush. Then a quick wipe down with a shop rag and Pledge. Looks good as new without being 'oily' or too shiny
Old 02-25-2011, 12:08 PM
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I just pop my hood at the automated carwash. Let everything get nice and soaked especially all electronic hard to get places. pretty easy.
Old 02-25-2011, 12:46 PM
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even if you do cover the opti and pcm i wouldnt chance it using a pressure washer, just use alot of rags and simple green.


Originally Posted by Badazz 97 TA
I just pop my hood at the automated carwash. Let everything get nice and soaked especially all electronic hard to get places. pretty easy.
or you could do this lmao
Old 02-25-2011, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Badazz 97 TA
I just pop my hood at the automated carwash. Let everything get nice and soaked especially all electronic hard to get places. pretty easy.
Old 02-25-2011, 12:58 PM
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I use simple green and power washer, I guess you just have to know what your doing
Old 02-25-2011, 02:23 PM
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armor all and wenol makes everything plastic and metal shiney
Old 02-25-2011, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Badazz 97 TA
I just pop my hood at the automated carwash. Let everything get nice and soaked especially all electronic hard to get places. pretty easy.
lmfao
Old 02-25-2011, 07:45 PM
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I wouldn't clean the engine at all...it's not like someone is gonna ask you to pop your hood cause they want to see your badass lt1 anytime soon.



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