Safe to wash engine?
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: Conifer CO
Re: Safe to wash engine? (emoshn)
You might be ok, but why take a chance. I have found that things like engine cleaner applied in the right places, simple green on a rag, and the foam tire cleaner on the hoses can do a good job without getting the wrong things wet. Good luck. :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 11,007
Likes: 1
From: Probably in the paint booth....
Re: Safe to wash engine? (Colorado Chuck)
While mine is apart I decide to closely examine the Opti & I also sealed the hell out of it. I HAVE got to find out if it makes a difference so I will be washing mine as soon as she is back together. There is a lot of difference between the two style Opti's. I personally think I will be OK but that is just an opinion until the coins drop into the slot.
Neal
Neal
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: St. Petersburg FL
Re: Safe to wash engine? (emoshn)
I've washed many engine compartments and have had no problems. First I check for vacum leaks and exposed wires to keep water out where it doesn't belong. Stay away from the distributor with the direct stream or cover it with a sandwich bag or freezer bag. I make sure the engine is at medium temp (not too hot but warm) to get the grease off the block easier and not to crack heads or block. Also leave the engine running while spraying it down with the pressure washer. :cheers:
[Modified by Brian Madderom, 7:33 PM 3/22/2002]
[Modified by Brian Madderom, 7:33 PM 3/22/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Safe to wash engine? (Brian Madderom)
Any tips on how to go about covering the Opti-spark unit with a bag? Because it looks hard to get to. I would think you wouldn't want the sensor circuits energized when spraying or while still wet for fear of shorting something and messing it up.
I've washed many engine compartments and have had no problems. First I check for vacum leaks and exposed wires to keep water out where it doesn't belong. Stay away from the distributor with the direct stream or cover it with a sandwich bag or freezer bag. I make sure the engine is at medium temp (not too hot but warm) to get the grease off the block easier and not to crack heads or block. Also leave the engine running while spraying it down with the pressure washer. :cheers:
[Modified by Brian Madderom, 7:33 PM 3/22/2002]
[Modified by Brian Madderom, 7:33 PM 3/22/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock,Austin, Texas
Re: Safe to wash engine? (emoshn)
If I were you I wouldnt wash it. Use handy wipes or something or just plain air like from a leaf blower. Its not worth 900 Bucks to wash the engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Safe to wash engine? (RadPolo96)
Your not going to get a bag in to cover the opti anyway that I can see.... I personally wouldn't do it or if I did, I wouldn't hit the front of the engine. Even when I spray off my upper fender wells I cover the top front of the motor with a towel.
Go Fast
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 91
From: Colorado Springs CO
Re: Safe to wash engine? (Springer's 95)
I've washed my LT1 many times. I would say not to spray the bottom front of the engine directly and you shoudl be in good shape. Once I did get the Opti wet and it ran like crap until it dried out.
B
[Modified by Bgreenard, 5:09 PM 3/22/2002]
B
[Modified by Bgreenard, 5:09 PM 3/22/2002]
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Go Fast
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 91
From: Colorado Springs CO
Re: Safe to wash engine? (Springer's 95)
I've washed my LT1 many times. I would say not to spray the bottom front of the engine directly and you should be in good shape. Once I did get the Opti wet and it ran like crap until it dried out.
B
B
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
Re: Safe to wash engine? (emoshn)
I've washed mine many times as well. I do cover the MAF (plastic sack), alternator (another plastic sack), Opti spark and TPS with a large rag stuffed on top of the opti and covering the TPS.
I use Gunk brand cleaner and haven't ever had a problem doing it this way-feels good to pop the hood and tell folks it has this many miles on it-clean!
:)
I use Gunk brand cleaner and haven't ever had a problem doing it this way-feels good to pop the hood and tell folks it has this many miles on it-clean!
:)
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Re: Safe to wash engine? (No Go)
I definetly would NOT spray the front of the motor. My opti went when I had the coolant changed and the shop that did it rinsed off the spilled antifreeze with a garden hose. I'm curious if my vented opti would now hold up. But I don't want to put on another one either!!!
