Wet engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
From: So.Cal. Central Coast Ca.
Wet engine
I have tried the SEARCH and can't find a reference to washing an engine except the guy that puts a shower cap on the alternator and towels on the intake.
I have an '89, what is the issue with getting the engine wet? Won't it get wet in the rain?
New owner and not sure what the issue is.
I have an '89, what is the issue with getting the engine wet? Won't it get wet in the rain?
New owner and not sure what the issue is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
The most important reason to not wash the engine is those Corvette's with the Opti, not the standard distributor. The Opti is very prone to un-repairable damage from moisture.
I would still shy away from spraying a degreaser on the engine and spraying down your engine with water. There are too many electrical sensors and electrical connections under your hood. I would suggest that you use Simple Green and lots of rags and brushes for those difficult areas.
If you short something out, it may be very difficult to figure out what it is.
I would still shy away from spraying a degreaser on the engine and spraying down your engine with water. There are too many electrical sensors and electrical connections under your hood. I would suggest that you use Simple Green and lots of rags and brushes for those difficult areas.
If you short something out, it may be very difficult to figure out what it is.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 509
Likes: 8
From: Livonia Michigan
I have tried the SEARCH and can't find a reference to washing an engine except the guy that puts a shower cap on the alternator and towels on the intake.
I have an '89, what is the issue with getting the engine wet? Won't it get wet in the rain?
New owner and not sure what the issue is.
I have an '89, what is the issue with getting the engine wet? Won't it get wet in the rain?
New owner and not sure what the issue is.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
FINE TO WASH. all "sensors" are well sealed and the distributor is not at all prone to issues from water. No, it doesn't get wet in the rain, but it can handle wet just fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
There were comments concerning the Opti which is why I indicated Corvette's with the Opti. I know the 89 has a distributor....but as I indicated, I would still shy away from hosing it down. Simple Green and rags.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Huh. I didn't see anything that said "Opti" prior to your post.
At any rate, the word "Opti" doesn't apply to the OP or this thread, and I've heavily doused the old style distributor countless times. Even w/high powered pressure washers...all with nary an issue.
If the parts are in proper condition, they should be very able to handle a hosing down. Nothing to fear, here. Really.
At any rate, the word "Opti" doesn't apply to the OP or this thread, and I've heavily doused the old style distributor countless times. Even w/high powered pressure washers...all with nary an issue.
If the parts are in proper condition, they should be very able to handle a hosing down. Nothing to fear, here. Really.
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
After washing an engine with a regular distributer even with it covered I usually found that after running the engine and warming it up to dry it off, when it cooled down there would be some condensation inside the top of the distributer cap. This would cause misfiring on restart.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
make sure its cold , and dont start it till its pretty dry.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 325
From: San Antonio Tx
My Dad always told me warm water on a warm engine, cold water on a cold engine and you won't have a condensation problem. I wash the motor when I wash the car. Been doing that for over 40 years. Never had a problem
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...rUnbJb7GaIYIbA
this may help, from folks that do it for a living
this may help, from folks that do it for a living
