Cleaning a C4 engine

[dq409]

88 C4
So I`ve heard that you don`t want to steam clean or pressure wash the engine as you can kill the Optispark.
So what is the best way to clean the engine?
I know not to use Simple Green or anything like it.

Also what years did they use Optispark,,, Thanks,

 

[dougelam]

88 C4
So I`ve heard that you don`t want to steam clean or pressure wash the engine as you can kill the Optispark.
So what is the best way to clean the engine?
I know not to use Simple Green or anything like it.

Also what years did they use Optispark,,, Thanks,

Not until the mid 90's
your only concern is the distributor cap getting water inside it. Sealing it is the hard part, buy a good engine degreaser and follow the instructions. They come nice and clean, may need to repaint some areas though.

 

[catbert]

The valve covers will almost certainly be stained and discolored, but OEM color paint is easily available, and the gaskets probably need to be replaced anyway. The good news is there is plenty of room to work.

 

[dq409]

Not until the mid 90's
your only concern is the distributor cap getting water inside it. Sealing it is the hard part, buy a good engine degreaser and follow the instructions. They come nice and clean, may need to repaint some areas though.

So no concern for the Optispark? I thought that if it got wet you could toast it.
The engine isn`t that dirty, no grease or oil but I like them clean !
Just a simple spray soap and water spray rinse is what she needs,,,

 

[Midnight 99]

The Optispark distributor is unique to the LT-1 engine installed in the Corvette from 1992 to 1996 and the Camaro Z28 from 1993 to 1997. The distributor is mounted on the front of the timing cover and drives directly off the cam. You should have a TPI small block and the distributor on your 88 should be on top of the engine at the rear. That said, you still do not want to spray high pressure water directly at your distributor. Cover it with a small plastic bag and tape it around the bottom. If you use Simple Green or Super clean be careful not to spray it on the painted surfaces of the car and be sure to wash it off of the aluminum parts quickly as it will discolor them.

 

[dq409]

Thanks Midnight 99 ! That answers that !!

 

[roger longman]

!!!!!!!!...Roger.

 

[Wegone]

Just went thru a 2 week clean-up on the 93 used greased lightning and scotch brite very fine on all the aluminum parts.

 

[dq409]

Just went thru a 2 week clean-up on the 93 used greased lightning and scotch brite very fine on all the aluminum parts.


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LOOKS GREAT !!!! Congrats !!