QuestionI have an '03 pontiac sunfire that was driven every day, but since last September, only driven about three times (nothing wrong with it, was going to sell it). When I changed the oil filter, I noticed the valve cover is corroding. I wanted to know if there is a way to clean the corrosion, or if I am going to have to start replacing parts (which will probably get pricy) If there is a way to clean them, is there something I can use to prevent this from happening again? Also I heard that ethanol in fuel can corrode parts faster, is this true, and would it affect my specific car as it is not that old?
Thank You for Your Time
Reba
AnswerHi Reba,
Clean-aluminum parts do tend to oxidize if left in the elements untouched. By using the vehicle, the engine warms up on a regular basis which doesn't allow condensation or anything else to bond to the surfaces.
Cleaning oxidation from aluminum is pretty easy and the process does other, more productive things for the engine and engine compartment also.
Purchase TWO 12oz or larger cans of WD-40 from almost any local department store or local new auto parts supplier. With the engine COLD, open the hood and start spraying all the ELECTRICAL wires and components that are visible. Spray the oxidized spots on the valve cover pretty good also as well as the spark-plug wires and plug boots if visible. You can't 'over-do' the spraying so have no fear, SPRAY EVERYTHING!
DRIVE the vehicle to a local self-serve car wash if available or you can use your garden hose although it will not be nearly powerful enough to blast the oxidation, but will reduce the amount of it regardless. Driving it is important even if you don't drive to a car wash as you need to completely warm the engine and idling in your back yard just won't allow it to heat-up as fast as it needs to for this operation to work.
When you arrive at the car wash you may see some smoke/vapor coming out from under the hood. This is normal and will not continue after you blast the engine clean with the pressure washer. Don't be afraid of the pressure washer, spray full power, standing at least three-foot from the engine compartment, and wash everything good, from firewall to radiator. Don't worry about the vehicle not starting after you douse it with thirty gallons of water, that's part of the benefit of using WD-40 first, it will water-proof all of the electrical components. Drive the car back home or let it idle in your yard for about twenty minutes so it can completely dry. The engine and engine compartment need to be absolutely dry before performing the next step so let it sit overnight if need-be.
With the second 12oz or larger can of WD-40. Open the hood and start emptying the can on all the metal, rubber and plastic parts and pieces under the hood from the firewall all the way to the radiator. Empty the can. Spray everything with the exception of the accessory drive belt on the front of the motor. You can hit it with the spray accidentally as it won't harm the belt, but if the engine is going to sit un-used again for any amount of time, the WD-40 may crystallize on the belt causing it to squeal when it is started which wouldn't sound good to potential buyers if you go ahead with your plans to try and sell it but the good news is the spray will make the engine compartment look like NEW again which is a huge selling point for cars, good maintenance.
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
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