After wrapping all the electrical components, is this a safe thing to do? My engine on my 95 nissan is dirty with grease and oil. What would be a good cleaner to use? I was thinking this stuff called Perfect Solution that we carry at work. Anyway any tips or anything?
Washing engine compartment
- Thread starter zeke1985
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I do it all the time on diesels without any covering or waterproofing. I use a hot high pressure blast and then rinse. If i was you i would either get a dedicated engine cleaner and remember to agitate the thick stuff. Or invest in a nice pressure washer.
Be sure the engien is cold. If any part is to hot to keep your hand on, then it is too hot to hit with water. You can crack metal or plastic if it is hot and you hit it with water.
Do not spray aroung: valve cover gaskets, alternator cooling vents, PS fluid cap, engine oil fill, engine dip stick, and trany dip stick.
Do not spray aroung: valve cover gaskets, alternator cooling vents, PS fluid cap, engine oil fill, engine dip stick, and trany dip stick.
I say why risk it?! The engine rubber/plastic is old It may have been 100% waterproof when new but plastic & rubber cracks over the years.
Wipe the engine down a little and call it done. I hate the dedicated "engine degrease" they smell awful and seem to require a lot of water and pressure to remove entirely...
Wipe the engine down a little and call it done. I hate the dedicated "engine degrease" they smell awful and seem to require a lot of water and pressure to remove entirely...
It's safe to wash the engine compartment on most vehicles, but you need to be familiar with the layout, be careful, and use common sense.
My truck's owner's manual suggests cleaning the engine and shows parts that should be covered. Personally, I don't cover these parts. Why? I'm lazy about it and they get wet when it rains anyway. I have never had a problem, but I don't hit these parts with a bunch of water either. Basically, avoid spraying anything electrical or that might not be sealed all that well.
I either wash the engine cold, then drive it immediately afterward to dry, or I wash the engine while it's running and go for a drive. Do not wash a hot engine that is turned off.
I have started using a pressure washer. The garden hose works fine, but the pressure washer works better. Just don't do anything stupid with it. If you keep the wand at a reasonable distance and don't blast sensitive components it will be fine.
Use discretion based on the type of vehicle. For example, on a leaky older car or a car with sensitive electronics, I probably wouldn't use the pressure washer.
My truck's owner's manual suggests cleaning the engine and shows parts that should be covered. Personally, I don't cover these parts. Why? I'm lazy about it and they get wet when it rains anyway. I have never had a problem, but I don't hit these parts with a bunch of water either. Basically, avoid spraying anything electrical or that might not be sealed all that well.
I either wash the engine cold, then drive it immediately afterward to dry, or I wash the engine while it's running and go for a drive. Do not wash a hot engine that is turned off.
I have started using a pressure washer. The garden hose works fine, but the pressure washer works better. Just don't do anything stupid with it. If you keep the wand at a reasonable distance and don't blast sensitive components it will be fine.
Use discretion based on the type of vehicle. For example, on a leaky older car or a car with sensitive electronics, I probably wouldn't use the pressure washer.
JTK
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Originally Posted By: Malo83
I wash out my engine compartment everytime I wash the car, keeps the buildup from starting, use and old rag and wipe everthing down with the soapy water and rinse...
That's what I do and have never had a problem in the 25+ yrs I've done this.
Obviously you don't want to blast water directly onto electrical components.
I wash out my engine compartment everytime I wash the car, keeps the buildup from starting, use and old rag and wipe everthing down with the soapy water and rinse...
That's what I do and have never had a problem in the 25+ yrs I've done this.
Obviously you don't want to blast water directly onto electrical components.
Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Malo83
I wash out my engine compartment everytime I wash the car, keeps the buildup from starting, use and old rag and wipe everthing down with the soapy water and rinse...
That's what I do and have never had a problem in the 25+ yrs I've done this.
Obviously you don't want to blast water directly onto electrical components.
Start with a cold engine. Light soak with water, keep water away from the spark plugs. Again you need to be very familiar with where everything is. I put a plastic bag over the battery. Then go over with car wash soap. Then rinse clean. I dry with a MF because I don't like to see water spots everywhere. Let it dry before driving.
You're basically doing a car wash except for the engine compartment.
Originally Posted By: Malo83
I wash out my engine compartment everytime I wash the car, keeps the buildup from starting, use and old rag and wipe everthing down with the soapy water and rinse...
That's what I do and have never had a problem in the 25+ yrs I've done this.
Obviously you don't want to blast water directly onto electrical components.
Start with a cold engine. Light soak with water, keep water away from the spark plugs. Again you need to be very familiar with where everything is. I put a plastic bag over the battery. Then go over with car wash soap. Then rinse clean. I dry with a MF because I don't like to see water spots everywhere. Let it dry before driving.
You're basically doing a car wash except for the engine compartment.
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Cold engine, best after letting it sit overnight. From there I spray everything down with a light misting of water, then spray everything with greased lightning. Then I take a soft car wash brush and scrub all the places I can easily get, then rinse well with a garden hose with a "shower" setting. Use a towel/air hose combination to remove any standing water then I usually drive to work (45 minutes), sits all day then drive home and give everything a good coating of 303 aerospace and wipe up all the excess. Never had a problem.
I've used the do it yourself car washer sprayers for years. Keep in mind that when you drive in the rain, water gets into the engine compartment. Just don't spray the electrical stuff.
Go to MOTOR WEEK website, they have a vid on engine washing in the GOSS GARAGE section. They had it on TV a few weeks ago.
Regarding what cleaner to use, this answer is a bit OCD......many report no problems using Simple Green. As long as it is thoroughly rinsed off, I imagine there are no problems.
But, the Simple green label states that it is a bit caustic and cautions regarding use on aluminum and (I believe) some types of rubber.
There is an aviation grade Simple Green that is safe on aluminum, plastic, and rubber (they worry about corrosion from cleaner seeping into seams).
From my inquiry to Simple Green, the Pro HD Formula at Home Depot is the exact same formula as the aviation stuff, except it is dyed a different color.
Just my 2 cents.
But, the Simple green label states that it is a bit caustic and cautions regarding use on aluminum and (I believe) some types of rubber.
There is an aviation grade Simple Green that is safe on aluminum, plastic, and rubber (they worry about corrosion from cleaner seeping into seams).
From my inquiry to Simple Green, the Pro HD Formula at Home Depot is the exact same formula as the aviation stuff, except it is dyed a different color.
Just my 2 cents.
I use Optimum Power Clean or P21S Total Autowash, both citrus based cleaner/degreasers specifically designed for automotive use. Neve had any problems.
Like the last few posters mentioned the type of cleaner IS important..you should NOT use a caustic cleaner Simple Green or Greased Lightening can cause pitting in aluminum.
Use the aviation formula Simple Green or a orange based citrus cleaner.
Use the aviation formula Simple Green or a orange based citrus cleaner.
As far as chemicals, I use citrus spray degreasers. Orange Blast is a good one. In my experience these cleaners work well and won't harm anything.
check for a vent on the dist cap. plug it.
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