Cleaning Engine

[Huntingbigun]

What does the gurus use to clean the engine so not to hurt the paint on the engine , I use Zep eng degreaser at the shop but do not really want to use water with all the electronics & the starter being buried.

[ZR1Vette]

Stating the obvious...do not 'clean' plenum area (including areas under plenum) by flooding (washing with hose etc)... big no no. Next use only the mildest cleaner on any of the powder coated parts... dish soap works but never engine cleaner, simple green, solvents etc. You can use windex on the areas such as radiator, wheel wells, around engine areas etc...spray on a let sit a while then wash off... also if need can work a bit with a brush. Have a electric blower or compressed air available to blow off excess and then it is plain ol 'elbow grease'. Spray black parts (hoses, cowling etc.) with Stoners Trim Shine and that really makes the engine bay pop! I would say the LT5 is one of the most challenging engines to clean but considering the results is most satisfying .

[xlr8nflorida]

Originally Posted by Huntingbigun

What does the gurus use to clean the engine so not to hurt the paint on the engine , I use Zep eng degreaser at the shop but do not really want to use water with all the electronics & the starter being buried.

If your engine is in nice shape then water, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Clean it like you are brushing your teeth. Don't brush aggressively.

Do small sections at a time and make sure to get all toothpaste off with wet towel, then dry with dry towel and use leaf blower on it or you will get permanent water spots.

Anything else will change the finish of the motor.

Your LT-5 will smell minty fresh

If your engine is in tough shape, you need to use more aggressive measures. Just keep in mind that the LT-5 will turn dark gray (very similar to higher mileage LT5's) if you start cleaning the paint and/or waxing it. Sometimes you have no choice as it looks better then a dingy motor.

[gbmidyear66]

I also had good success this weekend using liquid "scratch remover" and a toothbrush, followed by a clean cloth - i expect it has quite similar properties/result to toothpaste

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Huntingbigun

What does the gurus use to clean the engine so not to hurt the paint on the engine , I use Zep eng degreaser at the shop but do not really want to use water with all the electronics & the starter being buried.

ah just get under and blow air up through the drain pipe.
Then run the engine and get it hot.
Now you can use tooth brushes, mild soap and water just fine.
The stuff drains and once done the heat of the engine will evaporate the remaining water.