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Gonna wash the engine!

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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 12:07 PM
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Talking Gonna wash the engine!

So its a nice day in monroe, MI about 51* out so i figured i would go ahead and wash the truck inside and out, I want to do the engine bay but ive never taken a pressure washer to it before or used water period. I would like to know whats safe to get wet and what is not, obviously not the intake thats a no-brainer but are there any spots or wires/relays i shouldnt spray water directly onto?
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 12:54 PM
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I do this on a regular basis and have done it several times in a day (when it blew the oil cooler gasket) Wash everything except don't dwell on the alternator, P/S cap area and electrical connectors and you will be fine. I use purple cleaner and my Hotsy, used a regular pressure washer prior to getting the Hotsy. Been doing this for six years and never a problem from washing. Almost forgot, don't worry about the intake area just don't blow your boots off.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 01:09 PM
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glad to here from somebody thats been doin it awhile! thank you for the tips, how long did you let it sit to dry afterwards? i might use my air compressor to dry everything up.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 05:49 PM
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To avoid blasting water into electrical connectors I spray down with S100 Cycle cleaner which is a pure surfactant. A second choice is 401 spray. I've never used the purple stuff but it seems popular as well.

I then agitate with a variety of long soft-bristle brushes. Get a long handle version.

Then I rinse with cold water without any attachment on the hose end. I use flow instead of pressure.

I then spray with a protectant. I'm a big fan of Formula 303 after years of trying other products. It will displace water and leave a film that protects better than ArmorAll. Next time you clean the engine, most of the dirt is sitting on top of the protectant and is easier to remove.

I haven't had any problem with accessory belt slipping or funny smells on a hot engine for at least the past 15 years.

Just some thoughts.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 06:26 PM
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Yeah buddy were having a heat wave today!!! Soak it up because its michigan and well be getting the bill starting tonight.... Rain the next 4 days Hahahahaha.

I power wash mine when it gets dirty. I used to have a problem until I found that the orange boot under the spyder was only about half way on.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 09:46 PM
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I don't wait at all before starting, hell sometimes I wash it with it running.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by JOHN2001
Yeah buddy were having a heat wave today!!! Soak it up because its michigan and well be getting the bill starting tonight.... Rain the next 4 days Hahahahaha.

I power wash mine when it gets dirty. I used to have a problem until I found that the orange boot under the spyder was only about half way on.
supposed to be even nicer sunday!! ya monday, tuesday, wednesday, and it goes on and on! only in michigan!!

thanks for all the tips guys, i got a little side tracked with the girlfriend this afternoon, her jeep commander broke down yet again and probably worked on it for about 2 hr. but i will definitely (already set a time) to do it sunday, its supposed to be warmer anyways!

again thanks for all the tips!
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 12:31 AM
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I am going to fo mine by hand. Having a van lets me blow all that crap inside. So I will avoid that.

Plus there is no room to get on top to spray.

Plus I am doing this before I put my hoop and fuel bowl.

Thanks for the cleaner ideas
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 12:43 AM
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Conventional wisdom is pressure washing leads to trouble. Regular garden hose with Simple Green they say. I never washed mine, just rubbed the dirt off with my hands working on it.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by aawlberninf350
Conventional wisdom is pressure washing leads to trouble. Regular garden hose with Simple Green they say. I never washed mine, just rubbed the dirt off with my hands working on it.
i think it all depends on the pressure you choose to wash the engine with, i have an adjustable nozzle on mine so i could have it low enough to wash the dog or have it high enough to cut your fingers off, its all common sense from there. and i like it cause it warms the water.

haha done that more than once!
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 09:45 AM
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Is hot water ok or would that be a no no.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 12:20 PM
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Like I said in my earlier post I use my Hotsy, which I set at around 200 degrees. Helps get things cleaner.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 03:48 PM
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I still would cover the PS filler cap with a sandwich bag. Don't ask me how I know.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 04:41 PM
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I'm right in temperance mi about 10 miles from the op. I took a bunch of simple green and sprayed the snot out of under my hood today then took the old garden hose to rinse it off. Then I cleaned up the rims and tires looks like a new truck.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2013 | 05:57 PM
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well got the old girl all cleaned up today, it was a beautiful day today so im glad i did today and not yesterday. before i pressure washed i took out the intercooler pipes and cleaned them up along with all the boots and clamps.
gotta repaint the pipes soon, didnt do the greatest job the first time so the paint chips pretty easy.

 
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