Cleaning the engine bay
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Cleaning the engine bay
I am planning to presure wash my engine bay today and would like to know what not to spray or other things to watch out for?
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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I don't think i would pressure wash the engine bay. I always just use a water hose with a shower setting. I would recommend getting the bay wet first, then spray some simple green all over the engine compartment, wait a few minutes then spray the simple green off. Also, very important to cover up the air intake.
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Hotwheelbill
I am planning to presure wash my engine bay today and would like to know what not to spray or other things to watch out for?
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
and gentle rinse. Of course be careful of the alternator. Keep a can of electrical contact cleaner handy for any possible electrical problems.
Nut
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: N. Georgia
Originally Posted by Hotwheelbill
I am planning to presure wash my engine bay today and would like to know what not to spray or other things to watch out for?
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
I was also going to spray it down with T-9. I use this on my tractor motor and my boats outboard motor.
My .02, Joe
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 46
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From: Houston Texas
washing engine
i dont know if anyone else goes to this much trouble but i take the plastic kitchen trash bags and put it over the big kwik filter, alternator, and fuse boxes and tape them and i take the kitchen saran wrap that sticks to it self so bad that you cant get it apart and put it on all the sensors and all elec connections i can find. it takes a little while but i never have had a problem yet and i an constantantly pulling my connectors apart to check for moisture and so far so good. i then use the simple green, or some other mild degreaser spray it down good, let it set for awhile and then take the water hose with the sprayer on it and go to work. when i get true i take all the bags and saran wrap off and start it and let it dry out real good Works for me help it helps you.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Norfolk, VA.
I have to wash my engine also. I would love to cover the alternator but it is covered with mud. Everything is covered with mud except for the intake. That is what happens when you play in the mud to much. I think the only way to clean the engine is to pressure wash it once, dump simple green everywhere, and pressure wash it again. I guess I am going to have to take my chances. Also, I just changed the power steering pump so I am just going to cross my fingers and hope nothing gets messed up. Wish me luck!!!
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Elder User
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From: Fernandina Beach, Florida
Originally Posted by 99F-250lova
I have to wash my engine also. I would love to cover the alternator but it is covered with mud. Everything is covered with mud except for the intake. That is what happens when you play in the mud to much. I think the only way to clean the engine is to pressure wash it once, dump simple green everywhere, and pressure wash it again. I guess I am going to have to take my chances. Also, I just changed the power steering pump so I am just going to cross my fingers and hope nothing gets messed up. Wish me luck!!!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Cape Cod MA
Just did it yesterday,Warm engine not hot covered my 6637 filter with a plastic shopping bag then sprayed straight simple green over the entire engine bay and motor. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes and hosed it down.What a diff. nice and clean.
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Hotwheelbill
I did not get to mine yesterday. But I think I will just try it with the hose and simple green the first time.
Nut
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Crook county, Illinois
Iwas always told not to spray a hot (operating temp.) engine for the risk of damaging the Inj. pump. very narrow tolerances inside .Water on a hot pump could cause warping & ruin it. Even states it in the owners manual. I usaully go to the self serve car wash a few blocks from my house and use that. I put it on the soap setting and give it a quick spray avoiding the Alt., not staying in one spot for long then give it a quick rinse using the same techniuqe.Of course you can get the same results in your driveway using simple green and a garden hose with patience. I like to drive it then at least 20 mi. to make sure everything dries out.
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From: New Hampshire
Originally Posted by StrokedRanchero
Iwas always told not to spray a hot (operating temp.) engine for the risk of damaging the Inj. pump. very narrow tolerances inside .Water on a hot pump could cause warping & ruin it. Even states it in the owners manual. I usaully go to the self serve car wash a few blocks from my house and use that. I put it on the soap setting and give it a quick spray avoiding the Alt., not staying in one spot for long then give it a quick rinse using the same techniuqe.Of course you can get the same results in your driveway using simple green and a garden hose with patience. I like to drive it then at least 20 mi. to make sure everything dries out.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Crook county, Illinois
I know, but if you don't, I was just pointing out that the o'l garden hose will do just as well ,only takes a little longer depending on the filth factor. I been lucky, 168,000 on my '99 and no leak issues so I usually clean mine once a year, basically to clean the dust and grime on the intercooler boots. I have a 4x2 so it doesn't see major off road action.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 577
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From: Georgia
Back in the mid 70's there use to be a self-service car wash here that had a spray wand with kerosene coming out of it at a low pressure. Really got the engine block clean. But back then the cars didn't have the computerized components like they do today. You just covered the distributor and the alternator and sprayed the kerosene all over the engine, then used the normal wash wand to rinse it off.
Oh by the way, later the self-service wash took the kerosene sprayer out. Something about liability issues.
Oh by the way, later the self-service wash took the kerosene sprayer out. Something about liability issues.
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Western Wisconsin
I just detailed my PSD awhile back and had great results. The engine was cold and I only covered the alternator w/ a plastic bag. I used the low pressure applicator from my 1300 psi power washer to coat the bay in Simple Green. After letting it sit for a few mintues, I carefully used the power washer to rinse the engine. I used my air compressor and a towel to dry, then used Meguiars NXT Tech Protect to dress the plastic & rubber.
I have before & after pics I'll stick in my gallery. Good luck.
I have before & after pics I'll stick in my gallery. Good luck.