Power Wash Engine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 5
From: louisville "derby city" kentucky
yes i have, several times. be sure and take a plastic bag and completely cover the fuse block. do not spend time on any of the connections. leave the fuel rail covers on. stay away from any intake air filters. 
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
a million times noooooooooooo 
Washing the engine bay as suggested above can potentially cause the alternator housing and alternator bracket and other metal surfaces to change in appearance.
Use a damp microfiber and wipe the dust/dirt off. You will achieve better results without having to get EVERYTHING wet.
Hose washed = used hard water. Let air dry = hard water spots etched everywhere. ( frame rails, plastics, etc)
Washing the engine bay as suggested above can potentially cause the alternator housing and alternator bracket and other metal surfaces to change in appearance.
Use a damp microfiber and wipe the dust/dirt off. You will achieve better results without having to get EVERYTHING wet.
Hose washed = used hard water. Let air dry = hard water spots etched everywhere. ( frame rails, plastics, etc)
Last edited by spin-doktor; Jul 30, 2009 at 03:09 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 313
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
a million times noooooooooooo
Washing the engine bay as suggested above can potentially cause the alternator housing and alternator bracket and other metal surfaces to change in appearance.
Use a damp microfiber and wipe the dust/dirt off. You will achieve better results without having to get EVERYTHING wet.
Washing the engine bay as suggested above can potentially cause the alternator housing and alternator bracket and other metal surfaces to change in appearance.
Use a damp microfiber and wipe the dust/dirt off. You will achieve better results without having to get EVERYTHING wet.
With all the electronics under the hood...it's a BAD idea to add water. However, my alternator and bracket has turned very dull and has white spots all over. My engine compartment has NEVER been wet. I plan on taking the bracket and alternator off and painting them.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Yes. The alternator and the alternator bracket will get dull and develop a type of aluminum "oxidation" that looks like little white spots all over. No BS.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
I used Spray Nine and a garden hose on light pressure to wash the engine in my C5 this week, and was careful to avoid the alternator. But now I've got something squeaking under the hood 
I just hope it goes away this time (I got squeaking before when using the underbody spray at the car wash last winter but it slowly went away after about 100 miles of driving)
I just hope it goes away this time (I got squeaking before when using the underbody spray at the car wash last winter but it slowly went away after about 100 miles of driving)
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
I have never powerwashed a motor. But I have used a hose with success and no issues. I use Simple Green on a warm motor and let it soak for a few minutes. Then I simply hose it off with a gentle flow of water.
Next I shoot the area with Armor All and start up the motor and let it dry. Never had any water spots. Looks great.
When I do the 6 I will cover the alternator and fuse box.
Next I shoot the area with Armor All and start up the motor and let it dry. Never had any water spots. Looks great.
When I do the 6 I will cover the alternator and fuse box.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,999
Likes: 2
OK, this is where you have to ask yourself how **** you are or want to be about your car.
I have carefully washed (sometimes with high-pressure carwash wands) the engine compartment of every one of my cars (including my '05 LS2) and have NEVER had any problem. However, I am not examining every part of my car to see the visual effect of doing this.
If you will never drive your car in the rain, don't wash it. If you are using it as a show car, don't wash it. Just get in there when it is brand new from the factory and make sure you do numerous layers of Zaino, Rejex, paint or whatever and dust thereafter.
I'm not one of those people but certainly respect those who are.
I have carefully washed (sometimes with high-pressure carwash wands) the engine compartment of every one of my cars (including my '05 LS2) and have NEVER had any problem. However, I am not examining every part of my car to see the visual effect of doing this.
If you will never drive your car in the rain, don't wash it. If you are using it as a show car, don't wash it. Just get in there when it is brand new from the factory and make sure you do numerous layers of Zaino, Rejex, paint or whatever and dust thereafter.
I'm not one of those people but certainly respect those who are.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 1
From: KY
KY Events Coordinator
Engine clean
I use S100 available in most motorcycle shops.
1. Spray everyjing under the hood.
2. After a few minutes, hose it off.
3. Walk away for 30 minutes.
4. Return & be amazed
1. Spray everyjing under the hood.
2. After a few minutes, hose it off.
3. Walk away for 30 minutes.
4. Return & be amazed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
Just because the car starts doesn't mean corrosion hasn't been introduced into many electrical connections. They are NOT watertight in many cases and once the process starts it can cause problems later on. Not something I'd do unless it was absolutely necessary (ie: oil line break) and you had a lot of cleaning to do. 
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
I have to reply again. Cars are made to withstand water in moderation. If you drive it in the rain it will get moisture under the hood. The car will survive. To think that water will deadline your your car when used carefully is an overreaction. We are not dealing with 1970's vintage Detroit crap.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
I have to reply again. Cars are made to withstand water in moderation. If you drive it in the rain it will get moisture under the hood. The car will survive. To think that water will deadline your your car when used carefully is an overreaction. We are not dealing with 1970's vintage Detroit crap.
Spraying water directly onto those connections from above introduces a ton of water onto them, but driving in the rain does not.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 2
From: San Marcos TX
I have used a pressure washer many times without a problem. I do however keep the nozzle some distance away so as to not force water into places it shouldn't go.
Also, I like to drive some after washing the engine bay so that the heat will help it dry completely.
Hose washing is probably the safe way to go.
Also, I like to drive some after washing the engine bay so that the heat will help it dry completely.
Hose washing is probably the safe way to go.