How to wash engine?
 

I am going to wash engine and engine bay using pressure washer.
Did any one did that before what electrical components should I isolate/protect and how? Any ideas?

I didn't. I used some Armorall cleaning wipes ("Safe for all surfaces!") that did the job, followed by those Shop Rags on a roll to get the cleaner off. Works great, and I dinna have to werry about water.

Pressure washing is just... not my idea of the way to do an engine compartment. Probably because the '66 Tbird I had didn't even like it when it was humid. Besides, the wipes get stuff even the pressure wash can't.. or better yet, shouldn't.

In any event, the electrical connectors are fairly well protected from water... you just need to make sure you let the car sit about with the hood up in the sun for at least an hour before you go trying to run it.

I keep my engine bay clean by just wiping it down with a clean towel and some 303 for the plastic and rubber parts. My car is a daily driver with some extra hood scoups that suck in everything. People at shows are amazed at how clean it is for a DD.

Only reason to use pressure washer is to get off baked on oil and thick grime, something reserved for a 10 to 15 year old car or older that has been neglected. Hope that is not yours... just spend some time wiping it down.

I would not get any of those coils above the sparkys wet they tend to short out cause a miss fire etc I would NEVER SPRAY hand wipe only there has to be some horror stories here some where ?

Ok guys thanks so I will wipe it out with some towels - BTW I have ale winter for that :grin:

Moved to the car care section. You will also find other posts in this section on how others have been cleaning their engine bays.

I would seriously advise against using a pressure washer, just use the regular hose. bag off your air filter if it's exposed, as well as your alternator. avoid anything obviously electrical. I've never done it because I dont want to take a chance on screwing something up, so if you can find someone to do it, I'd have them do it, and then just use armor all or something there after, that's what i do, and my engine bay is a clean as a DD with 130k miles gets

After 2 years I finally had to clean the engine bay and I used Simple Green. Light toothbrush scub on the cam covers and then rinsed it off. Used shop vac to get most of the water off the obvious places, let it dry for a couple of hours and it looks like the day I bought her without any kind of Armour All or dressing, could not believe how good it looks!!!

I am with Dave. I do mine about every oil change since I only drive mine maybe 6 days a month lately.

I just go to a professional carwash to do those stuff together with change oil and vacuum.

I've experienced no problems with a pressure washer. Avoid getting too close, though, and try to dry it off with some rags or towels.

No pressure wash.. just go at it with a spray bottle of Simple Green (can dilute with water) and different size nylon brushes and rags.

Finish up with a wipedown with detail spray on everything and you're ready to show! :nice:

Here's a little video on engine cleaning:

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-Videos_DVD5_5.aspx

I've never used a pressure washer in the engine bay in the 22 years I've owned cars. Only way I'd consider it is on a newly purchased used car that had serious dirt and grime built up from years of neglect, but then again, I probably wouldn't buy a used car that was in that condition. I just use mild chemicals appropriate to the surfaces I'm cleaning and lots of elbow grease and towels.

the way i clean my engine and engine bay is simple. with the engine off and dry/cool i will use wd-40 two big cans and spray the engine and bay, spray it down baby, this will let the dried on stuff dirt and grime to debond from the engine and other parts. coat top to bottom side to side. this will recondition the plastic and rubber hoses and will make the engine look great!. also it will protect the electrical components for the wash down. after the wd-40 has worked on all surfaces use a garden hose with a hand sprayer and gently spray off the wd-40. when you are done using the hose maybe 5 minuets start engine and take it for a ride. for maybe 5 miles.
come home and open your hood. the engine should be dry. apply a 2 coat of wd-40 and let it stay on your engine for about 3-4 days drive it around it wont hurt anything. after a few days on top of the wd-40 you have applied already spry one more can wd-40 let sit 20 min and wash. no soap under the hood EVER. then detail with a soft cotton towel and it will look better than new. I have done this with every car I have ever owned. never had a problem with andthing. and lots of compliments from every one. it's the best way and it reconditions rubber, seals, hoses, belts, everything, and it wont dry anything out. try it you'll be happy

wd-40
 

my baby. :)

why do the pic's never come out the way I want them. cheep phone. mabe i got wd-40 on it.

I used simple green and my sister's toothbrush. :jester:

pics?










....of sister. :jester:

Never.