washing engine
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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washing engine
can i was my trucks engine off at a self service
car wash, seem thatr i read in the owner's manual
that i could as long as i kept the air filter covered,
and the engine was cooler the normal operating temp.
thanks
car wash, seem thatr i read in the owner's manual
that i could as long as i kept the air filter covered,
and the engine was cooler the normal operating temp.
thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 4,349
From: SW VA
No. Do not wash these engines. If you've ever changed the plugs in these trucks, then you know the plugs are located in the bottom of a 4" cylinder. The water will get down in there and sit. It will corrode the plugs, boots, and coil packs and lead to all kinds of problems down the road.
If you want your engine clean, take a rag and soak it in degreaser and wipe everything down.
These trucks just have way too many electrical connections and sensors that will get damaged by water.
If you want your engine clean, take a rag and soak it in degreaser and wipe everything down.
These trucks just have way too many electrical connections and sensors that will get damaged by water.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 307
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From: Livonia, MI
Thats not always the case. i spray my engine down but at the same time i make sure to get all water out of the plug holes and etc....with complressed air. i do this because i go 4wheelin and it would take forever to hand clean. but i will agree, just to clea off road dust, hand wash the top. but if you must power wash, be sure to dry everything you can possibly see on the top of the engine.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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I powerwash at least once a year (not high pressure hot water, the actual low pressure engine cleaner setting that spits the green fluid). I rinse using the low pressure "spot free" rinse setting and blow it all down when I get home (plug holes, under the manifold, anywhere the air nozzle reaches). I do the vacuuming etc. first to let it cool down, but I have washed it before it was completely cool (as long as I can rest my hand on it). I do it to my 04 GT (4.6) and 98 Expy (5.4) and did it on my old 97 (5.4) and 2000 SD (6.8). I have never had a problems and the 97 Ex and 00 SD both went well over 150k with no electrical issues. I also regularly (yearly or ever other depending) break apart the elec conns and spray them out with the elec cleaner and put them back together with the di grease. Why you ask, I cant stand working on greasy dirt covered crap.
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I recently washed my 5.4 engine. BIG MISTAKE!!! The rear plugs are almost impossible to change, and mine filled with water. Ran terrible!!! Had to remove plugs, Spray with WD-40 to remove water, and several hours later it ran well again. Leave the dust alone. It hurts nothing!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Magrath
I have been giving mine a good wash once a year or so. But I also end up taking off the coil packs and blow out the plug holes and coil packs. Learned this the hard way after replacing 3 coilpacks just a week after owning the truck. If you just want a things to look good, just wipe it off by hand unless you are willing to either replace coil packs or remove them and dry stuff off.