Ugh. I just spent 4 to 5 hours cleaning my engine. I'm sore, i'm tired, but it was long overdue. Sure, I've cleaned the engine once or twice before, but the previous cleanings were basically just a wipedown with wet wipes. This time though, I brought out the simple green. I didn't expect it to work so well, but now i know why everyone swears by it. That stuff cuts right through the grease with ease. I wish I could take pics, but my digital camera is busted, so you guys will have to use your imaginations. lol.

The only question is, how long before I have to bring out the simple green again?

I'm guessing my engine has never had a thorough cleaning in 15 years, the car only had 45k miles when I got it 4 years ago, so i doubt the previous owner ever cleaned it. I'll probably do some more cleaning to it next weekend, but I hope this is maybe a once a year thing.

Simple green does rock and now that you bring it up imma going to have to get me some.

I took the vette to a drive through car wash the other day. Does that count?

Simple green is great stuff, though. I think if I ever decided to clean my engine bay, I would use that.

Matthew

ps - your engine bay is very clean in my imagination, but you missed a spot over there to the left.

I would say once or twice a year.

Just becareful with the water... if you have an LT1, the optispark will not like you.

Once it's clean, it's mostly wipe downs (if you have no oil leaks). The power steering reservior will always need an extra touch. I did mine once with SG 4 years ago and haven't done one since. I do wipe down once a month.

SG's great, I buy it by the gallon. Note: the engine degreesers out there will turn your hoses white, huge pain to get off.

If you want to wash a LT1, cover the opti with a plastic grocery bag, then put some towels on top of that and don't hit it direct with a hose. The opti will stay dry.

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And with an L98 or 383 the distributor,alternator, and electronics aren't too fond of water either. Use water sparingly.

I've never hosed down the engine on any of my cars, no matter how old. I guess I never felt the need. I just clean it with brake cleaner or foaming degreaser anytime I have it taken apart.

Simple Green works great. I use it on the engine of all of my cars. I find that if I wipe the engines down once a month and do a full cleaning/detailing about once every six months it's quick and easy to keep the engine compartment clean. I never use a hose. I just use rags, one spray bottle of SG and another spray bottle of water. Works great!

I know better than to hose down my LT1. I still wouldn't hose it even if i wrapped the opti. Not worth the risk imo. but I've had a couple of close calls with coolant hoses busting open in the past, i lucked out and it never drenched the opti. lol.

My engine was so grimy when I was cleaning it I must've filled and emptied out 8 or 9 buckets of dirty water. The engine even smells clean now. I felt like an idiot when I accidentally stepped into the bucket, but it was all in a days work. lol

Now that you have it all cleaned up spray it down with some Armor All Foaming Tire cleaner. You will be amazed at the results. Just spray it down and walk away.