Pressure wash engine

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 20, 2003 | 06:09 PM

Spud

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 59

Likes: 0

From: Round Rock ,Tx

Pressure wash engine

Hey Guys?? Is it safe to pull in to the local carwash raise the hood an clean my 2000 7.3 with 211000 miles on it? it needs it Thanks Ted in Austin

Nov 20, 2003 | 08:26 PM

theologian

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 3,628

Likes: 0

From: Baileyton, TN

I probably would not do that. The Powerstroke is an annoying engine, if it gets wet it objects. Some people have managed it often, others wish they had never tried.

Theo

Nov 20, 2003 | 09:17 PM

HerbertKornfeld

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 228

Likes: 0

From: Spring, TX

I believe that the owners manual says you can as long as you keep certain areas dry (battery, electrical, etc.)

I bought my 2002 used and the engine was spotless - the salesman said that they clean all used vehicles that way.

Nov 20, 2003 | 11:29 PM

TERSEJR

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 230

Likes: 0

From: CO.

I would wash all my "older" truks that way. Except I always keep it running. I drowned out an electrical connection, and it was hell to get it to start again.

Nov 20, 2003 | 11:54 PM

horsecop

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 394

Likes: 0

From: memphis

I covered the altenator, sprayed it down with Simple Green, then took the hose to it. Came out spottless. In fact it looked brand new! I wouldn't put high pressure to it.

Nov 20, 2003 | 11:59 PM

TERSEJR

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 230

Likes: 0

From: CO.

I still want to know how the used car dealers do it? Too many electrical connections under there for me. If after spraying you have problems, where you going to start to look first? Just about everything got wet.

Nov 21, 2003 | 07:51 AM

HeatStroked

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 1,780

Likes: 98

From: Phoenix, AZ

I wash mine in the driveway when the engine is cold.

I use the Castrol or Super Orange stuff as a degreaser and use a garden hose.

Read too many threads on being stranded at a car wash.
Not a good place to be in most any city.

Just don't do it when the engine is "Hot"

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

Nov 22, 2003 | 12:39 AM

elkslayer1

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 54

Likes: 0

From: Idaho

Quote:

Originally posted by HeatStroked
.
Just don't do it when the engine is "Hot"

In the owners guide supplement for the 7.3 liter PSD, on pg. 19, it says "Never wash the engine when it is warm hot or running. Spraying water or other cleaning fluids on a warm engine can seriously damage the engines fuel system. When washing the engine, the air cleaner must be in place to prevent water from splashing into the engine."