Motor wash tips

[Norwegianmopar]

Guys, do you have any good advice when it comes to washing and detailing the engine and engine compartment?

Anything that must be masked or sealed before soap and water? Any recommended products to use etc?

The ZR-1 is new to us and we wanna be sure before washing and detailing the engine compartment.

All input is highly appreciated.

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[Norwegianmopar]

Getting her ready for the summer's roadtrip.772077217722

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[rush91]

That is a super clean looking engine sir!! I wouldn't recommend anything other than a rag and water or soapy water........I've heard nightmare stories of spraying the engine down.

[We Gone]

I agree looks great now

[Vette73]

Agreed....Don't wash it....Wipe it down with water and a rag when it is cold.....No hose !!!!

[George Maz]

Advise not to use hose, powerwasher.

If it really needs it, then 2 seconds @ 2 feet distance for upper areas of engine is my method, lower areas get more. There's a few items wrapped in towel and covered in plastic to protect. Water will collect in pocket areas near Injector Housing near Heads, vacuum with wet/dry vac modified with skinny hose & duct tape.
Purple Power, SuperClean, Simple Green, or Green Tincture Soap ...diluted using distilled water in sprayer.
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29349
If I had to do it again I would raise the front of the car to facilitate water runoff rearward. And wrap the pump for the secondaries located below passenger side headlight next to coolant reservoir tank.

[Flyman 27]

I have been wiping my engine down with a soft rag and Isopropyl Alcohol.
It really cuts the dirt & oil, plus evaporates quickly.
Don't do it on a hot engine.
Wait a few minutes for everything to dry before starting.
Works extremely well without hurting anything.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

I have been wiping my engine down with a soft rag and Isopropyl Alcohol.
It really cuts the dirt & oil, plus evaporates quickly.
Don't do it on a hot engine.
Wait a few minutes for everything to dry before starting.
Works extremely well without hurting anything.



Definitely follow his two cautions without fail!


Now, I use a slightly different twist.
Based on the Lotus heritage, my ZR-1 responds far better to this cleaning method.
1- Ice bucket- full
2- Long stem Glasses
3- Tanqueray #10 (only number 10) (( Beefeater may be substituted))


Slowly pour 2.5 ounces into each glass with one cube
then slowly pour glass one over the plenum, while pouring the contents of the 2nd glass slowly into yourself.


Repeat, then repeat again, making sure not to start or drive the car for 2 hours for each glass that you consume.


Not sure if it really cleans any better than the isopropyl alcohol method, but it is far more of a pleasant activity, and by performing this each weekend during the summer, you will soon have the best looking power plant in your neighborhood.
With some dedication and discipline, you might just master this technique!
Post up how this works out for you!
Marty

[Norwegianmopar]

Definitely follow his two cautions without fail!


Now, I use a slightly different twist.
Based on the Lotus heritage, my ZR-1 responds far better to this cleaning method.
1- Ice bucket- full
2- Long stem Glasses
3- Tanqueray #10 (only number 10) (( Beefeater may be substituted))


Slowly pour 2.5 ounces into each glass with one cube
then slowly pour glass one over the plenum, while pouring the contents of the 2nd glass slowly into yourself.


Repeat, then repeat again, making sure not to start or drive the car for 2 hours for each glass that you consume.


Not sure if it really cleans any better than the isopropyl alcohol method, but it is far more of a pleasant activity, and by performing this each weekend during the summer, you will soon have the best looking power plant in your neighborhood.
With some dedication and discipline, you might just master this technique!
Post up how this works out for you!
MartyMarty,

Gotta try your method, especially the pouring into myself part. Agree on the Tanqueray recommendation. Btw, have you ever tried to replace the Tonic with Russian..?

Gonna use damp cloths and/or isopropyl and see how it turns out. Will also refresh all the black plastic like on the underside of the hood etc.

Really appreciate all the input and good advice in here - no doubt a great car family to be a part of! [emoji108]

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[Flyman 27]

Have you cleaned your engine yet? If so, which idea worked best for you?

[Norwegianmopar]

This is what the good mr Haibeck told me:

"We use liquid dish soap from the kitchen in a spray tank. We spray everything except the top of the engine with soap and rinse it with a soft spray of water like as if it was raining on the engine. The electrical seals are designed to keep rain out but not water under pressure. Never let water spray on top of the plenum. If more than two ounces of water goes between the runners it can damage the starter. Never rub on a hot engine. The heat softens the finish leading to scratches. Clean the top of the engine with a wet towel. After the cleaning is done, drive the car at least 20 minutes so that the heat will dry things out.

Best regards.

Marc"

[rkreigh]

you don't need much, I haven't tried alchohol and that works for most of my issues so that will be next


I typically just used clean damp towels and those little spongy sticks (thanks mom) for the tight areas


I just pulled my top end apart and was surprise how really dirty it is.,