engine wash??
11-07-2005, 12:28 PM
#2
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Its risky to wash the engine bay and even riskier to pressure wash it.
if you choose to wash it, just make sure to adequately protect electrical connections, etc. You REALLY don't want water to get into some of the spots in our engine bays. The easiest method to cover vital parts, if you choose to wash, is to use some plastic baggies or tin foil to cover everything. Also, NEVER wash your engine while its hot. Make sure the engine is warm to the touch at most.
In my opinion, its much easier just to take all of the plastic engine covers off and wipe everything down with a damp rag. If you do this regularly enough, it doesn't become necessary to give a full wash. After cleaning the bay up try wiping all plastic and rubber with a good protectant, like 303. It should make your engine look squeeky clean.
In my opinion, its much easier just to take all of the plastic engine covers off and wipe everything down with a damp rag. If you do this regularly enough, it doesn't become necessary to give a full wash. After cleaning the bay up try wiping all plastic and rubber with a good protectant, like 303. It should make your engine look squeeky clean.
11-07-2005, 12:37 PM
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Most of those car washes have a low pressure option...
I still agree...I wouldn't put any cleaners into a hot engine bay (which pretty much rules out driving to a car wash to do this). I don't agree about all the electrical connectors. They are actually pretty well sealed, and will stand up to running a hose through the engine bay. They may not stand up to complete submersion though...so don't do anything stupid, and youll be okay.
11-07-2005, 01:03 PM
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You're still going to want to rinse out that engine cleaner.
If you don't properly rinse the cleaner out, most of them will make your life hell if you ever get to the point where you're "fixing" your car.
11-07-2005, 01:05 PM
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On newer cars I would tend to not worry about them.
But they have been problematic on older cars, so if you want to err on the side of caution, leave the engine cover in place to shield them, and go back and wipe down with a damp rag (B6's have engine covers over the CP's?).
Even if you get a little water in there, the worse case is the car will misfire until the CP's dry out. Not the end of the world.
Even if you get a little water in there, the worse case is the car will misfire until the CP's dry out. Not the end of the world.
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11-07-2005, 09:32 PM
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Don't bother unless you're selling a car that has engine leaks you'd like to "clean"
or if some amazing amount of whatever got all over the engine. Otherwise, the underhood electrical could be upset by the water. If you must, get a pro steam cleaning which minimizes the water. It's better to just wipe things down with a lightly damp rag if you'd like to pretty it up.