pressure washing engine....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
pressure washing engine....
is it safe? pretty much all of the parts in the engine/compartment have a thick buildup of oil and muck. is there a problem with just pressure washing the H*II out of it? kinda everything below the valve covers, including steering assembly, frame, brackets, fuel pump, just about everything. thanks.... 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
I'd put a plastic shopping bag over the distributor and/or wash it w/ the motor running so the condensation doesn't build up and die. I've done it in the past w/ no problem on other cars.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i always go least aggressive way first and use a degreaser and hot water through a garden hose....the pressure washer is pretty dramatic...i'm sure it would though...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I would cover all electrical connections possible and large items like the alternator, starter and distributor. Spray the engine with degreaser first and use hot water to wash. While you're at it you may as well do the rest of the engine compartment. Just make sure you cover as many electrical parts as possible. It wouldn't hurt to disconnect the battery before you start spraying either. Let everything dry thoroughly before hooking up the battery again. If you have compressed air available blow water out of any electrical parts.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,686
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From: Scottsdale Arizona
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
I have been cleaning engines with high pressure water for years without adverse effects. I cover the distributor with a plastic bag and I let the engine cool down for a fair amount of time. I don't want to see steam coming off of the exhaust pipes. You don't need to cover the starter since it is so low it gets wet during every drive when there is water on the road.
Once the engine is cool, I spray a liberal dose of degreaser on the offending areas and let it sit, following the directions. Once it has soaked in a bit, I use my high pressure washer or a self-serve car wash on the "wash" mode.
Gary
Once the engine is cool, I spray a liberal dose of degreaser on the offending areas and let it sit, following the directions. Once it has soaked in a bit, I use my high pressure washer or a self-serve car wash on the "wash" mode.
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
I have been amazed at some of the things my Steamshark can clean. They are pretty amazing little tools.
Have you ever tried it on aluminum wheels and brake dust?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I'm more careful now with my pressure washer.
It seems that while pressure washing my rear wheel bearing
assemblies, the 2000psi was enough to force water through the
lip seals. Then it sat and rusted inside. If driving the engine
soon after, any water should evaporate out - should some find a way in.
It seems that while pressure washing my rear wheel bearing
assemblies, the 2000psi was enough to force water through the
lip seals. Then it sat and rusted inside. If driving the engine
soon after, any water should evaporate out - should some find a way in.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by CVT4ME
I have been amazed at some of the things my Steamshark can clean. They are pretty amazing little tools.
My wife bought one 2 years ago when I was going to rebuild my 350. It is a neat little steamer. She uses it to remove scum etc from the shower stall etc. She also accidenlty removed some paint from the wall too. It gets very hot.
I used it to clean the engine compartment right before I installed the 454. I found it worked best using some degreaser first and let it soak, then hit it with the steamer, working from top to bottom.
After some paint:
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
I have yet to use my steamshark on anything automotive plastic so I can't make specific comment to that. I'm was just speaking about it's abilities to blow scum off all sorts of stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on engine bay stuff but I would think about testing some piece of junk plastic before I deformed anything of importance on the Vette. For rims, I use aluminum polish, I hadn't thought about using the steamshark for that particular job.
