Can the Forum please help me with some 996 C4 Cab engine bay cleaning tips? Maybe some "Do's" & "Don'ts", "cover this/cover that", "keep water away from this" sort of stuff?

I don't want to fry any electrics or put cleaner/water where it shouldn't go. But, I'm a tidy boy so like my interior, exterior & engine compartment neat & clean; makes me feel good and, of course, the car goes faster with 1) new oil & 2) clean engine!

Thx in advance for the help; the Forum is great. Bob in AZ/USA

 

Don't.

 

TT: Can you please elaborate why? Details? I notice in the receipts the previous owner paid a shop $300 back-when to detail the car including the engine. I just want to know what the shops does for that part of the overall detail charge.

Help a 996 Brutha? Thx much, Bob

 

Would more than likely be a steam clean of all the parts. Dont really see how you could actually clean all that much other than whats visible when you open the rear.

 

True, getting the whole engine is going to be difficult and even steam is water and pressure so it's going to get where you don't want it, regardless. With these cars, as with any exotic, there is so many things that can go wrong especially wiring, electronics, and coil packs if not handled properly. If you engine is excessively dirty then try to find out why. Also, unless your car is a show car no one is going to see it, but if it makes you feel good wipe it by hand after you wash it.


To me, it's not worth the risk.

 

I use my leaf blower to get all the dust off, then use 303on all the surfaces I can reach..maybe 1x a year I will spray with a window cleaner/all purpose cleaner then spritz off lightly with hose followed by blower.. looks new after 9 years.

 

Im all for a clean engine bay but flat996tt is right risk to reward on an older sports car is risky. You could cover all the electrics with plastic bags etc. Although if you're really wanting to clean I'd remove and clean the airbox as that's 80% of what you see. Use a slightly damp rag and get rid of most of the dust. I used a blower when I first got it the dirt was so old nothing really changed lol. Just remember it will get dirty again!

 

Thanks for the replies, everybody! Then it's settled; I'll chill out on the clean thing & wipe by hand & only what I can see. Appreciate the cautious approach & now I've learned a bit more about my car. Thx again to the Forum; great place.....

Bob in AZ/USA

 

There ya go! One thing to clean are the radiators, being so low they tend to collect a lot of junk.


Now get out there and drive it like you stole it! But keep the shiny side up.

 

TT: I've probably only got 300 or so miles on the car since purchased. But, last weekend found myself & wifey in the middle of a long-line pack of muscle, sports & exotic cars making their way northbound out of Phoenix to the low mountains & a nearby lake.

Trying to keep up with this lofty gang (including a beautiful PTurbo) at one point I looked down & saw 110mph on the speedo then promptly wimped out, shut it down & pulled over to the right lane to gather my thoughts. The car only felt like maybe 70-80mph so I really must get used to actually going faster than the car feels.

The good thing is this 13 yr old 996 C4 handled like no other I've ever owned & was a delight to drive. The engine is marvelous with such respectable mid/upper-range power that just kept pulling. Wow; nice!

Thanks again to all for the help! Bob in AZ/USA

 

Sweet...yes the engines purr. Also the C4 IMO will handle a little nicer because of the AWD, you'll notice the power to the wheels change.

 

Simple green, rag, and a corona. When I wash mine I get residual water through the deck lid so I'll just cleane the engine with that water and some degreaser.

 

Atrox, another basic newb question here because you bring up another question I had while washing car.... water just flows thru the vented deck lid & this is normal I know; that's the idea, airflow into engine bay but I've got a V-Flow intake kit installed. Doesn't rain, etc drench the air filter that's completely open?

 

Bob I'm enjoying your post and welcome

 

Whoa, there is nothing exotic in there. That's funny. Block the air inlet and have fun.