I have a 2001 3.0 EDGE & I was thinking of cleaning the engine & engine compartment with a pressure cleaner

Would I run into any problems if I did this?

 

Avoid directing high pressure water at electrical connections and sensors. I've found that a spray can of engine cleaner and a good nozzle on the end of a garden hose work pretty good.

 

I'll second that, also when the engine is dry, I will wet down a rag with Armorall and wipe down everything in the engine compartment that I can. It usually takes me about 30 mins or so to do it and I do it about once every three weeks, but it looks clean and shiny as hell when you pop open the hood!

 

I guess I should also mention that the engine should be cold when cleaning. Cracked exhaust manifolds are a reality when throwing cold water on them if they are hot.

 

what all needs to be covered up when cleaning?

 

I spray my COLD engine with Simple Green, and let it sit for about 10 minutes (1 beer). Gently hose it off, and let it dry (leaf blower speed up the process greatly). When dry, spray about 1/2 can of tire foam over the engine and bay. It will look better than new!

 

I am sure a lot of people won't care, because what I am suggesting will cost them $$$. Anyway, I am not trying to sound like a tree hugger, but I would take it to an authorize detailer that will not just be spraying oil, tar, anti-freeze, and the cleaner! down on the ground.

If you just insist on this as a DIY project, please make some attempt to ensure this gunk does not just wash down the drain. I have seen some folks take an old or cheap kiddy pool and put it under the front end to collect debris.

Sorry for the Public Service Announcement, but I think a lot of people don't give this a second thought. I guess they just can't be bothered.

 

And just to add to the last post: If you apply/rinse over some good grass in your yard, believe me it will die. Speaking from experience....

 

Anyway, I am not trying to sound like a tree hugger, but I would take it to an authorize detailer that will not just be spraying oil, tar, anti-freeze, and the cleaner! down on the ground.



I can't find the specifics but antifreeze is not generally considered an environmental pollutant (it degrades rather quickly). It is considered bad because it is toxic to humans and animals if consumed.

 

When in question, you can always check with the EPA. Aside from that even if just the anti-frezze will degrade there ain't a whole lot that falls out from under the hood that will do the environment any good.

 

From a Prestone MSDS...

SECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION


EPA SARA 311/312 HAZARD CLASSIFICATION: Acute health, chronic
health

EPA SARA 313: This Product Contains the Following Chemicals
Subject to Annual Release Reporting Requirements Under SARA Title
III, Section 313 (40 CFR 372):
Ethylene Glycol 107-21-180-96%

PROTECTION OF STRATOSPHERIC OZONE: This product is not known to
contain or to have been manufactured with ozone depleting
substances as defined in 40 CFR Part 82, Appendix A to Subpart A.

CERCLA SECTION 103: Spills of this product over the RQ (reportable
quantity) must be reported to the National Response Center. The RQ for
this product, based on the RQ for Ethylene Glycol (96% maximum) of 5,000
lbs, is 5,208 lbs. Many states have more stringent release reporting
requirements. Report spills required under federal, state and local
regulations.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 - This product may contain the following
substances known to the State of California to cause Cancer and/or
Reproductive Harm: 1,4-Dioxane (trace amount).

EPA TSCA INVENTORY: All of the components of this material are listed
on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substances
Inventory.

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT: All of the ingredients are
listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List.


CANADIAN WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: Class D - Division 2 - Subdivision P - (A
toxic material causing other chronic effects)

EUROPEAN INVENTORY OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES
(EINECS) : All of the ingredients are listed on the EINECS inventory.

AUSTRALIA: All of the ingredients of this product are listed on the
Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances.

 

Thanks for the replys!