clean the engine bay

[kuattroo]

hey how do guys recommend cleaning the engine bay?

[Audibot]

Don't have a C7, but cleaning and detailing is cleaning and detailing. Not exact science, but here's my take.

I normally get the car warm (not hot) to help.

Remove the engine covers and rain tray cover (if applicable). Remove any debris that may possibly block the sunroof drains, etc.

Being that it is a C7, I'm surmising there isn't really any buildup of oil or grease. But if there was, spray that down with a degreaser and let it sit. Use warm/hot water (if you have access) to break it down and off (much easier than cold!).

After that, spray the bay down with your an engine cleaner (I use Griot's engine cleaner) and scrub with a paint brush to move/loosen dirt and grime. Rinse off, preferably again with warm or hot water. Spray down/through the radiator/intercooler back to front to remove debris.

If you have a blow dryer, use that to remove excess water. Otherwise, use a microfiber to soak up what you can, and run the engine to help dry.

While that is happening, I like to take of the rubber stripping to clean it and apply a rubber dressing, as well as clean under it. Clean the fender part in the bay, the underside of the hood, the grille area, rain tray, and engine covers. I like to use either Mother's Back to Black or Chemical Guys Black on Black on the rain tray, engine cover black parts, and any exposed hoses. Also do not forget the top of the grill.


Note: Before anyone talks about the electrics, modern car connectors are designed to prevent water intrusion. So unless you are directly spraying it with a pressure washer up close, you are going to be fine.

[kuattroo]

my concern is getting things wet that shouldn't get wet. If that is something to be concerned with.

[DGVR6]

If that's your concern , wrap anything electrical with plastic food wrap

[Audibot]

I don't think any connectors are going to be an issue. And the alternator will be fine too--I've NEVER wrapped connections or the alternator with wrap and have had no issues.

You don't want water to settle places (coil pack/spark plug bores, for instance) and anything that looks like insulation or noise reduction (such as on the lower side of the hood) should not be sprayed

[2wookies]

Check this out, lots of good tips.
http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/

[tenspeed]

my concern is getting things wet that shouldn't get wet. If that is something to be concerned with.

Don't use a hose on it if you're concerned. Spray an area and wipe it down with rags or paper towels. Your engine bay shouldn't be all that dirty.

[kuattroo]

thanks for the info guys, once I get some free time I'll try getting it done. I belive they were rodents staying there in the nights, I guess because it's warm in the engine bay. So it definitely needs to be clean.

[Calimus]

I have an air compressor so I generally blast the engine bay with that pretty well and then wipe things down by hand. Thankfully the engine bay tends not to get very dirty.