Car Wash An Engine
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29
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From: Ohio
Car Wash An Engine
I just took my van to the car wash to give it a quick bath and I had a little extra time on the timer so I poped the hood and gave the engine bay a few swipes. I left it running cause I heard or read somewhere a loooong time ago that you should leave it running. Well a couple minuts go by and it starts to miss and sputer a bit but only for a few minutes seems fine now. I only do that a couple times a year. Should I even do this or should i cover some stuff up before I start or should I shut it off first. Oh almost forgot how often do you guys wash the engine or if not why? 
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,166
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From: Chino, California
Some engines are okay to wash, others are susceptible to moisture. I am dealing with that very question now with my new Tritons.(COP's don't like moisture) Before I got modern, all I ever had was 460's and 300 six. You could wash them as long as you took care not to wet the distributor, and keep the carb dry.
I don't think I would ever, ever wash an engine while it's running. I would fear a good shot of water on the manifolds could crack them. Not only that..it could suck in water through the intake system.
I don't think I would ever, ever wash an engine while it's running. I would fear a good shot of water on the manifolds could crack them. Not only that..it could suck in water through the intake system.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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I have found that no matter what you do , Sparratically this will occur even if you are careful. I have also found that if you buy some starting fluid spray it on the real greasy parts and let it set for just a few minutes - then it will get just about all you need off- Be forwarned starting fluid is damn explosive and will also discolor alot of paints and parts - you just have to be careful and colortest different parts.
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ohio
Thanks for the reply I never really thought about the manifolds cracking but sounds like it could happen with the cold vs. hot therory but the intake is pretty much sealed up the opened end is inside the fender below the battery mayby Ill start shutting it off next time see if that helps thanks again for your thoughts
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ohio
Thanks Ghost I thought about using oven cleaner and the like but I luckily rememberd it was bad fur aluminum and plastic stuff as well but my experience is a lot like yours it dosent seem to matter what I do it just seems to happen once in a while
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,166
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From: Chino, California
Engine Brite works better than oven cleaner and won't ruin stuff. I wouldn't experiment with it. My uncle uses Spray n' Wash! Has for 30 years.........maybe that is okay.....
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 265
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From: Phoenix, AZ
in auto shop in highschool we had a steam pressure washer and i used to wash my f-150 4.9 all the time. the only problem we would ever have would be water in the distributor. wipe it out let it dry and problem solved. the engine was off while washing.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 142
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From: Northwest Indiana
i wash the engines in my vehicles about every 6 months. i let them cool a bit then spray a can of foamy engine brite on the fenderwells, battery, intake etc. let that set about 10 minutes and hose off. let dry good and armorall the hoses, battery and all plastic and rubber accesories. keeps everything nice....