How to clean an engine compartment??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I'm another person that has been using the DIY car wash high pressure wand to clean my engine.
I have been doing this on every car I have ever owned and NEVER had any problems.... period.
the electrical connectors under the hood are weather pack connectors, and are made to not let water into them.
when I first got my car I used foamy engine cleaner to clean the grease off the engine.
Now I just use high pressure soap, followed by high pressure rinse.
I dry it with a leaf blower and spray the motor with no touch, then wipe it down with a small rag.
the motor looks brand new after!
do what you feel is right for you, there are obviously lot of different opinions here about the way it should be done.
I have been doing this on every car I have ever owned and NEVER had any problems.... period.
the electrical connectors under the hood are weather pack connectors, and are made to not let water into them.
when I first got my car I used foamy engine cleaner to clean the grease off the engine.
Now I just use high pressure soap, followed by high pressure rinse.
I dry it with a leaf blower and spray the motor with no touch, then wipe it down with a small rag.
the motor looks brand new after!
do what you feel is right for you, there are obviously lot of different opinions here about the way it should be done.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Frisco Texas
I power wash all my engines and always have! The only problem I have ever had is the Knock sensors under the manifold.They are like Hemi spark plug holes. The boot leaks, water gets in hole and corrosion kills the sensor , usually the rear one( there are 2).I always silicone the boots after installation and pressure wash away.I also run my ZO6 through the auto carwash.I aint washin no car !!!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 538
Likes: 9
From: Geneva, IL Bring back the Chief!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10,'13-'14,'19-'20-'21-'22
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
WOW !! Rags, Q-tips, aerosol brake cleaner, diluted SIMPLE GREEN and diluted WINDEX !
If I had that much time on my hands I wouldn't know what to do with myself !
As mentioned before, I just wash mine at the car wash. And let me SIMPLIFY this... I don't pull the trigger and use the PRESSURE from the gun. When it starts it has a very light spray coming out of the gun and that's what i use. I pre-soak with soap or engine cleaner and the when done I flip the switch over to spot-free-rinse and rinse off all the soap or cleaners. and then I wipe it all down with a couple of old shammies.
Then i go home and wash the entire car by hand.
No problems, no worries !
If I had that much time on my hands I wouldn't know what to do with myself !
As mentioned before, I just wash mine at the car wash. And let me SIMPLIFY this... I don't pull the trigger and use the PRESSURE from the gun. When it starts it has a very light spray coming out of the gun and that's what i use. I pre-soak with soap or engine cleaner and the when done I flip the switch over to spot-free-rinse and rinse off all the soap or cleaners. and then I wipe it all down with a couple of old shammies.
Then i go home and wash the entire car by hand.
No problems, no worries !
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage AK
I always go the pressure wash stations. I pre-soak with engine cleaner and rinse with pressure hose at a distance, i never get right in there with it. Or, if they have the spot-free rinse, i use that. The spot-free rinse is usually a low pressure rinse. Never had a problem, i've done this with every car i've owned.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
Well you guys I did not mean to start a big fight. Thanks for the input.
Over the years, this forum has answered so many question for me, and I am thankful for that. I just thought someone before me has experienced this situation, and I could learn from their experience.
Again thank you for your input.
Over the years, this forum has answered so many question for me, and I am thankful for that. I just thought someone before me has experienced this situation, and I could learn from their experience.
Again thank you for your input.
I recommend filling a bucket with diluted simple green and using rags and brushes gently cleaning it then going back over it with a moistened rag and the protectant of your choice - do the aluminum parts too.
While others do, I would not pressure wash.
If you do it in 2 or 3 sessions it makes it manageable and fun rather than a chore. Then all you need to do to maintain it is a wipe down every other time you wash or every time if you prefer.
Hope this helps.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I would stress very diluted SIMPLE GREEN if that's your choice where anything aluminum is going to be cleaned.
If you go to their website, it warns about the potential for discoloration of any aluminum (raw or polished can be affected), with the use of SIMPLE GREEN.
Billet aluminum may not be affected as much as cast aluminum.
I used it in diluted form on a raw sbc aluminum intake manifold and it turned it black. It cannot be reduced or removed because of the porous nature of the cast aluminum.
I know of others who used it on polished aluminum with similar results.
So, if you chose to use it, find an inconspicuous spot and test the dilution you're using.
If you go to their website, it warns about the potential for discoloration of any aluminum (raw or polished can be affected), with the use of SIMPLE GREEN.
Billet aluminum may not be affected as much as cast aluminum.
I used it in diluted form on a raw sbc aluminum intake manifold and it turned it black. It cannot be reduced or removed because of the porous nature of the cast aluminum.
I know of others who used it on polished aluminum with similar results.
So, if you chose to use it, find an inconspicuous spot and test the dilution you're using.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Orange CA
St. Jude Donor '10
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 30
i've washed mine before, with little-to-no pressure from my hose, but I have a question, well 2. One, my intake manifold (stock Ls6) is course, what do you use to dry that, if I use regular towels it leaves fuzz on it. The second question is should I take some of that blue-colored shop-tape stuff and cover the fins on my alternator so water doesnt' get in? I cover my battery up and avoid shooting the water over there at all bc of the computer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 52
From: Sicamous BC
Have you used product under the hood? Might work well on the sub frame sections as well?
Perhaps this
http://www.zepmfg.com/products/products.aspx?
ZEP-A-LUME
TYPE : Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener PROD.# 1063
BENEFITS : Zep-A-Lume is a premium aluminum cleaner and brightener. It is designed for use on aluminum trailers where its fast cleaning and super brightening powers are required to maintain attractive appearance. It is composed of a blend of powerful cleaners and emulsifiers to cut through road film. It also contains the most powerful agents known to provide outstanding brightening action. Removes both dull oxide and unsightly diesel smoke from trailers. Brightens most trailers without prior washing or brushing. Will not "brown" or "snow" trailers. The product`s concentration assures economy in use
http://www.zepmfg.com/products/products.aspx?
ZEP-A-LUME
TYPE : Aluminum Cleaner and Brightener PROD.# 1063
BENEFITS : Zep-A-Lume is a premium aluminum cleaner and brightener. It is designed for use on aluminum trailers where its fast cleaning and super brightening powers are required to maintain attractive appearance. It is composed of a blend of powerful cleaners and emulsifiers to cut through road film. It also contains the most powerful agents known to provide outstanding brightening action. Removes both dull oxide and unsightly diesel smoke from trailers. Brightens most trailers without prior washing or brushing. Will not "brown" or "snow" trailers. The product`s concentration assures economy in use
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 352
Likes: 42
I just cleaned mine last Saturday, first time since last Spring for my DD. It wasn't bad, just a little dusty. First I brushed off the worst of the dust, the got the air compressor and blew off the rest and got all the nooks and crannys. Then I used some of this to make it shine...
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...g,+8+ounces.do
Works nice!
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...g,+8+ounces.do
Works nice!
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: fl.
I washed my motor about 2 times with the regular hose with no problems. On the 3rd time i had some trouble. I started it and went for a ride and it went to reduced power mode.I couldnt go over like 40 mph. Turned out a couple of my sensors got wet had to go one by one to find the wet ones. Once i found them and dried them problem went away. Cant remember which ones were the problem. Now all i do is wipe it down that little problem was a pain for me.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Sylvania Ohio
Got 3 vettes, a dodge pick-up, an 08 Mustang, and the wife drives a minivan, I have always pressure washed the engines. They all look like brand new, and if something ever begins to leak I can spot it right away. I'm a mechanic, that works on forklifts, heavy equipment, and other internal combustion things, and I squit them all. Just use your head and don't spray stuff that shouldn't be sprayed. When I'm servicing forklifts, or other equip. I don't want to get all greasy.
