Gotta ask...

[JEFNLSA]

Although I have heard and am aware of the horror stories associated w/ washing down the engine on an opti equipped C4, I bought some "things" and I'm going to attempt to "git 'er done" anyway.

I'm going to try and cover the opti as best I can (and any other "red flag" parts), then spray her w/ a mild degreaser and folow that up w/ a very low pressure rinse from my "Mr Clean Spot-Free" gadget.

I can't imagine w/ that little bit of water I should have any problems. I plan to start her up right after the rinse (and removal of the covered areas) and wipe her down a bit and then spray her down w/ the CD2 Engine Detailer.

If this sounds completely insane, someone pls tell me now cuz that is my plan for this weekend.

I figure as long as I don't just HOSE DOWN the engine but instead do a more "selective area" light spraying I should be okay.

Anybody interested in giving me their .02 on this?

 

[vetteboy86]

Sounds like one heck of a plan, when you are done you can do mine I am not expert on the opti cars, but I cant imagine a selective wash like you mention would do any harm.

Craig

 

[Aurora40]

My only advice is in regards to the cleaner. How strong is it? Will it discolor aluminum, paint, or plastic if left to sit indefinitely? The Mr Clean spot free rinse is incredibly weak, and I wouldn't count on that completely rinsing away the cleaner.

If your goal is to spray the engine down (vs hand cleaning each part), I'd use a hose to rinse it first, and then the Mr Clean rinse to prevent water spotting. You don't have to use a hose on jet-blast, but it puts out a heck of a lot more water and will much more effectively remove the cleaner. Keep the hose and cleaner away from the opti-spark. Just my two cents.

 

[JEFNLSA]

Update

I've decided to wait until next weekend and see what other responses
I get to this throughout the week. I just don't want to jump into this blindly. I'm hopin' for a few C4 opti guys to give me their take.

My motor is not filthy by any means but no matter how well I clean it by hand, I still won't get the results that I am after w/o rinsing. I can only really get the top side if I do it by hand. I want to get the entire motor & surrounding parts (minus the opti of course).

Thx to Aurora40 & Craig for your .02's already.

 

[Vettelt193]

JFNLISA, sorry it took so long to get to this, It takes Sprint a full month to install a phone line and DSL where I live (really blows me a way) so I don't have internet on the weekends yet.

anyway:
I wouldn't touch this with a 10 foot stick

Even heavy moisture can mess with the opti.

The only washing that I ever do to the engine is on the take off parts. you can pull the 'corvette' covers off the top of the engine, and pull the whole air intake out, including the air-box.. remove the filter and MAF, and wash all that up nice. Then do the rest with simple green and a bunch of towels. with the covers off, and intake out, you can clean it up really easily

 

[Aurora40]

How hard is the opti-spark to remove? You could always take it out completely, cover up where it goes with plastic, and then clean the engine.

 

[Vettelt193]

How hard is the opti-spark to remove? You could always take it out completely, cover up where it goes with plastic, and then clean the engine.

you gotta take off the all the intake stuff.. that is easy... then the belt, waterpump, and crank pulley...

Let's just say it is no walk in the park. I do like that idea for the next time I change an opti though... you can wash it in the middle of the process

 

[sothpaw]

JFNLISA,

I personally would not risk even that. What I did was to clean the underhood stuff with simple green applied using a rag or sprayed on locally.

You can get it clean this way without ever getting moisture anywhere near the bottom part of the engine.

 

[Vette Dawg]

Mabey I'm just stupid, but what is an "opti" and why can't you put water on it?

 

[JEFNLSA]

Mabey I'm just stupid, but what is an "opti" and why can't you put water on it?

The "optispark" is the distributor setup that GM used on LT1/4 powered 'vettes.
It's "arch enemy" is water!
If it gets wet it usually takes a dump on you.

I'm just frustrated as hell since I am so used to washing down the motors in my cars w/ no ill effects and now I have my dream car and I can't clean the motor except by hand. I don't care how long I hand clean it I won't be able to get in there like I would w/ a spray/wash. ad

 

[Vette Dawg]

Oh, okay. Thankyou for the answer!