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

best way to clean lt1?

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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 05:34 PM
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Default best way to clean lt1?
So my motor is in need of a good cleaning. It has a msd opti on it. Im scared to take a power washer to this thing I dont want to mess anything up. Whats the best way to go about this?
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 07:07 PM
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simple green/degreaser and a rag is the safe way
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 07:11 PM
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^ +1 One.

Do not shove a hose under the hood and start spraying crap.
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Old Apr 1, 2013 | 09:25 PM
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Simple green on the block, brake cleaner on aluminum. WD40 works well for cleaning up plug wires.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 12:29 AM
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I just use soap/water and a rag for most things. Just keep up on it and it doesn't really become that big of a chore.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 01:17 AM
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If the above options are not enough.. break out some towels, plastic bags, and tape, and tape off and protect all of the electrical and the the opti... and even then dont directly shoot any of them....
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 05:06 AM
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pressure washed under hood with Delco optis plenty of times.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 08:08 AM
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When I had my opti on the engine, I used a pressure washer on it as well numerous ones with no issues .
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
pressure washed under hood with Delco optis plenty of times.
Me too. That's all I ever did when living in an apartment and was adamant on washing the car once or twice a week. Still have the stock alternator as well. Key is to never directly spray the opti.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 09:38 AM
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I used simple green and a roll of shop towels from the zone...
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
Me too. That's all I ever did when living in an apartment and was adamant on washing the car once or twice a week. Still have the stock alternator as well. Key is to never directly spray the opti.
The key is spraying at a 37-42* angle relative to the direction of the rotor position in no more than a 5mph head wind.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 10:45 AM
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Simple Green and power washer here, Just dont soak the Opti. Never had an isuue
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by sweetbmxrider
The key is spraying at a 37-42* angle relative to the direction of the rotor position in no more than a 5mph head wind.
Given the water pressure you would then be spraying a direct stream onto the opti.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 11:30 AM
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garden hose lol
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 12:34 PM
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Took my hawk to the car wash in the middle of winter to wash away any salt underneath and it idled high for a week. I'll never do that again.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 01:36 PM
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I use a garden hose with my thumb over it, some soapy water and a big and small plastic brush. Power washer is overkill. The electrical connectors are made to keep water out, but I could see a power washer overpowering the connector seal. When I was learning auto body repair, during the detailing portion we learned to clean engine bays good. My instructor had seen power washers bug out car electronics before.
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Old Apr 2, 2013 | 02:23 PM
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My engine bay was very dirty as I only cleaned it once, but simple green, some towels, and some elbow grease!
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 10:11 AM
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Originally Posted by SS RRR
Given the water pressure you would then be spraying a direct stream onto the opti.
How else would you keep it clean?
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 12:39 PM
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I use a paint-safe dereaser/all-purpose cleaner and a small electric pressure washer. I try not to spray the opti directly and have never had any problems. Mine has the vented opti though.

I also leave the engine running as well so everything dries faster.
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Old Apr 3, 2013 | 12:47 PM
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Maybe it should be specifically said that many degreasers are bad for aluminum, like simple green. If left too long they will etch aluminum. If used quickly they are often OK.

Having the engine running helps too in that it is easier to clean grease and oil if hot.
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