cleaning

[Sal R.]

I picked up a 86 roadster this week end a very nice car low mileage hopefully. Need to clean the engine compartment its not real bad. What would work best? Someone mentioned Simple Green What do you guys think.Thanks for the help
Sal

[Peter G.]

Re: cleaning

Sal,

I use Simple Green. I spray it on a "warm" not hot engine and let it set for about ten minutes. Then rinse off with the water hose.

I don't use a pressure washer on the engine compartment because it may move and unhook wires and vacuum hoses.

Also do not do over driveway as removed oil and grease could spot your driveway. I do it at the end of the driveway over the gutter of the street.

[Sal R.]

Re: cleaning

Thank you Peter just what I needed to know

[Stuart F.]

Re: cleaning

Is "Simply Green" environmentally safe? Hope it's not like Anti Freeze with it's effects on Animals. Usually if a product is worth it's salt as far as a cleaning agent goes, it is usually toxic. Never used or knew much about the stuff, so pardon my ignorance.

Stu Fox

[Stephen B.]

Re: cleaning

yes, I believe Simple Green is environmentally friendly. I have an '86 roadster also.

[Jeff A.]

Re: cleaning

Sal,

Also do not do over driveway as removed oil and grease could spot your driveway. I do it at the end of the driveway over the gutter of the street.

Probably not the most environmentally friendly way of getting rid of the gunk, but then again, Simple Green or not, there's no really 'green' way of safely washing an engine at home. After applying whatever solvent you choose, and before rinsing the engine, I would try to mop up as much of the residue as possible with paper towels and dispose of them properly. That would reduce the amount of grease going into the storm water system, which probably dumps into a local stream. Of course, so does everything that drips on the roads! It's a dilemma.

[Gary B.]

Re: cleaning

A great product is one that Motorcycle Shops use and sell. Can not think of the name at the moment.

[Sal R.]

Re: cleaning

Yes thats right It is called Bike Brite I am such a jerk I had a Harley before I got the Vette and used it to clean my motor works great but only on a cold motor

[Patrick H.]

Re: cleaning

If your valve covers still appear silver be very, VERY careful getting any type of cleaner on them. It is very easy to turn them brown with almost any cleaning agent.

Patrick

[Bill M.]

Re: cleaning

Castrol Super Clean is a heavy duty cleaner for grease build-up. Make sure you read the instructions. I recommend using warm water to rinse. I've had cold water cause condensation in my distributor...no start!

[Peter G.]

Re: cleaning

Probably not the most environmentally friendly way of getting rid of the gunk It's a dilemma.

Most Corvette engines are NOT very dirty or greasy. If I had a car I just purchased I would probably take it to a Self Service Car Wash to contain the grease and oil in their drainage system rather than down my neighborhood street.

[John F.]

Re: cleaning

Simple Green is biodegradable and works fine with a kitchen sponge with the scrubber on one side. You just have to squeeze your hands into tight places. I cleaned a lot of parts and fender wells,etc. with this stuff. Just keep rinsing out the sponge. I tossed the old water on my flower bed and everything is still growing fine.