Is it not safe to use a pressure washer under the hood? What is the safest way to clean the engine withoutcausing any electrical problems?

 

never use a pressure washer anywhere near a car, as far as I am concerned. For engine cleaning, there are 3 major options, and it depends how bad it is and also how clean you want it to be:

Steam cleaning: a good way to start cleaning a really messy/greasy engine compartment

Engine degreaser: use with warm or cold (but not hot) engine compartment. Follow instructions; I always hose off with engine running.....

Soap and water, then a hose down: similar to engine degreaser...but if you have a relatively new and ungready engine, you can skip the harsh chemicals. This is what I do...on a cold or warm (not HOT) engine compartment. I've never cracked a block or a head doing it this way.

then, I guess for those who are really **** retentive, you can break out the toothbrush and the detailing tools after you've done one of the above. I'm sure others have their own preferred methods.....

But FORGET the pressure washer idea. please.

 

run low pressure "shower" water over engine. Soak engine in Simple Green for about 15 minutes making sure to protect aftermarket CAI filter (if you have one) and also the alternator.

Rinse engine again with low pressure "shower"

Spray engine with Turtle Wax F-21 all purpose cleaner and let sit for about 15 minutes.

Rinse again with low pressure "shower"

Use compressed air to "dry out" areas around spark plugs and electrical components

Remove protectant from alternator and CAI

You're done

I keep saying shower cause i have an adjustable nozle on my water hose and shower is the setting that has the water coming out in about 15-20 different straight streams so it gets the job done but maintains low pressure streams

I just did mine like this a couple days ago...didnt wipe down the radiator cover but you get the idea, it's all in how meticulous you are....

 

Mac, what did you use to protect the CAI and alternator? And also did you use the F21 Tire Cleaner, beacuase thats the only one i can find, i cant find an F21 all purpose cleaner.

 

 

Thanks guys!!! I am a newbie as you can see and this forum has saved me time and money by asking people who has learned the hard way or are expereinced gear heads. Thanks Again!

 

i usually go to the local car wash and use the engine degreaser. Works pretty well. Just be careful where your spraying, for example, air cleaner.

 

while that does work, unless you live REALLY close to the carwash i wouldnt recommend it...you should never spray water directly onto your hot engine...not good for it...better to clean when the engine is cold or warm

Envy Me, no prob man...thats what the forums are for[8D]

 

I've never had a problem using a pressure washer, although I use the lowest pressure available and don't let the stream of water stay in a particular position for long. I don't see why covering the alternator would be necessary, but you should cover your intake and ensure water hasn't entered the intake tract.

 

you really dont want to geta lot of water and cleaners in all those exposed internals