Gonna wash the engine!
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, MI
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?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 374
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
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.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
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.
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.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, MI
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.
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.
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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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 1
From: Montana
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
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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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
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From: Monroe, MI
haha done that more than once!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
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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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
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From: Monroe, MI
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.
gotta repaint the pipes soon, didnt do the greatest job the first time so the paint chips pretty easy.