Would this be ill advised?
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Race Director
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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Would this be ill advised?
So I'm in the process of some pretty significant upgrades to my car. Problem is that during the 4.5 years it was out of my hands, the underside and engine bay were let to attain unacceptable dirtiness proportions, a lot of which came about from a leaky turbo scavenge pump return line.
Once I have the motor buttoned back up enough to seal the internals off (later this week hopefully, heads and cam are out currently), I'm thinking of wheeling it out into the driveway, putting it up on all fours, and taking my power washer to the engine bay and underside. Blocking off intake and exhaust ports obviously, and any other potential means of water infiltration to where it shouldn't be. But could anyone see any real problems arising from doing this? Not a high pressure nozzle mind you, but a white 40* or maybe a green 25* at absolute worst.
Once I have the motor buttoned back up enough to seal the internals off (later this week hopefully, heads and cam are out currently), I'm thinking of wheeling it out into the driveway, putting it up on all fours, and taking my power washer to the engine bay and underside. Blocking off intake and exhaust ports obviously, and any other potential means of water infiltration to where it shouldn't be. But could anyone see any real problems arising from doing this? Not a high pressure nozzle mind you, but a white 40* or maybe a green 25* at absolute worst.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 330
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From: Poconos PA
I just pressure washed my entire engine bay and front cross member / steering rack. The results were awesome, but I did not know about all the grounding locations, or the ECU being under the battery. Hindsight, I would not have sprayed the battery, or the grounds on the frame rails on either side of the motor. Other than that, go to town.
I ended up getting crazy dash lights going on and off for a day, but what ever got wet has since dried and problem fixed itself. I do intend to take apart the grounds and clean them thoroughly. You may want to do the same after you wash out the engine bay.
I used a can of engine bright degreaser by the way on anything that was stained with dirt or oil, just know that when you rinse it off it you'll have an oil sheen on the driveway, so maybe do this in an area you can then hose the driveway off into the grass.
I ended up getting crazy dash lights going on and off for a day, but what ever got wet has since dried and problem fixed itself. I do intend to take apart the grounds and clean them thoroughly. You may want to do the same after you wash out the engine bay.
I used a can of engine bright degreaser by the way on anything that was stained with dirt or oil, just know that when you rinse it off it you'll have an oil sheen on the driveway, so maybe do this in an area you can then hose the driveway off into the grass.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
The purists hate using water on a C5 engine
Use "Simple Green" and many disposable paper towels.....and a lot of elbow grease. Water is not a great idea but many use it from the Forum family.
Best of luck and happy 4th of July to all.
Took the high road today....
Best of luck and happy 4th of July to all.
Took the high road today....
Last edited by runner140*; Jul 4, 2018 at 09:35 AM. Reason: add the last line.
Race Director
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From: Hickory NC
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Like ForceFedC4, I prefer to not saturate the engine/engine bay with water - especially under high pressure. And in the same manner as runner140*, I use Simple Green for a dirty engine/engine bay. I also spray the rag, instead of the cleaner on the engine. This method keeps the cleaner from sitting too long on any of the engine parts. I use older microfiber towels that have outlived their usefulness on the exterior, and also have a couple of older horsehair brushes to wipe dust/dirt off the painted surfaces before hitting with the cleaner.
Others will think this approach is too conservative and agree with low pressure water, high pressure water or even steam cleaning, but even if 99 others used a heavy duty water or steam spray with no ill effects, it would be my luck to wipe everything out with the first spray so I take the better safe than sorry measure.
Others will think this approach is too conservative and agree with low pressure water, high pressure water or even steam cleaning, but even if 99 others used a heavy duty water or steam spray with no ill effects, it would be my luck to wipe everything out with the first spray so I take the better safe than sorry measure.
