Cleaning Engine Bay - Advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
From: Valley Springs SD
Cleaning Engine Bay - Advice
I want to power wash my engine bay to clean it up a bit. I have a 1500psi electric power washer I was planning on using. Anything I need to be concerned or aware of before I start tomorrow?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
At the very least, think I'd wrap the distributor in some plastic. 1500 psi sounds like lots of pressure for this duty, and probably going to rip some engine compartment paint off. I usually do this when the motors out, then some Super Clean, a light brushing and garden hose rinse.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
I have never been happy with electric power washers. Went through 4 of them over the years. I've got a gas now. I think that 1500 rating is when you put the attachment on to really focus everything into a single stream. If you are using the 'fan' attachment you 'll have just enough pressure to blow any degreaser or soap off. Thats about it. I've never covered anything in my engine compartment , but I keep the jet away from the distributor.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,919
Likes: 3,333
From: NYC NY
I agree with Vette5.5
If you use the power washer you will most likely take too much off including lots of paint.
How bad is the engine compartment? I wouldn't start with the power washer. You can always resort to that if there are real trouble spots. Get a good degreaser (I have had great success with Greased Lightning) and soak everything. Give it some time to do it's job (you can always help things along with a brush in the really bad areas). Then rinse with a garden hose that has a good nozzle (being carefull of the carb and distributor). That should do it. Good luck with what ever you decide.
If you use the power washer you will most likely take too much off including lots of paint.
How bad is the engine compartment? I wouldn't start with the power washer. You can always resort to that if there are real trouble spots. Get a good degreaser (I have had great success with Greased Lightning) and soak everything. Give it some time to do it's job (you can always help things along with a brush in the really bad areas). Then rinse with a garden hose that has a good nozzle (being carefull of the carb and distributor). That should do it. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Last edited by 3JsVette; Jul 9, 2011 at 02:01 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 673
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne Victoria
When I was car detailing full time, I learnt to have the engine running whilst cleaning it (being very careful,of course). It's easier to keep it running than trying to start a wet engine. I also use a product called CT-18 degreaser(not sure if you guys have it, but it's here in Oz) Just my 2 cents.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,198
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 77,
Remember that rust will become a big problem as soon as you're finished because many of the metal parts are being protected now with some grease, oil, or dirt. Once they're clean, the rust will start overnight.
Do you have some plan in mind to deal with that?
Regards,
Alan
Remember that rust will become a big problem as soon as you're finished because many of the metal parts are being protected now with some grease, oil, or dirt. Once they're clean, the rust will start overnight.
Do you have some plan in mind to deal with that?
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
What no one wants to cover the alt ? ? I always cover Dist ,Carb,Alt,Jusst in case... and dont use a lot of water in those areas...Also if you cont want all the crap in your driveway, go toa local car wash early so no one can see you greasing up there carwash...lol
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