i did the same and it turned out great.
Engine Cleaning
- Thread starter JGRIMBALL
- Start date
RunningForNow
Member
You can pressure wash the engine, but the prep work is very important. Take some plastic bags and cover:
- battery terminals
- alternator
- fuse and relay boxes
- coil packs
- any other visible wire connectors
After covering, tape up the bags with painter's tape, also wrap any wire connectors with painter's tape. Get the Frog tape, because it's a loud, obnoxious green, and it'll make it easier to identify when you have to remove the taped up areas. When it's time to remove the plastic bags, be extra careful, especially around coil packs. Besure to mop up the water on the bags with a rag, or just be very careful removing the bag without spilling any water on it.
Be gentle when using a pressure washer. Don't spray in one specific area for a long period of time. You're not removing the grime by using the pressure. You remove that by using degreaser and elbow grease. the pressure washer should be used to rinse off any gunk and soap residues.
It's not as scary as everyone makes it out to be. You just have to prep the engine bay before you start spraying. The result is very rewarding. It won't make your engine run any better, but it is fun to stare at a clean engine bay.
- battery terminals
- alternator
- fuse and relay boxes
- coil packs
- any other visible wire connectors
After covering, tape up the bags with painter's tape, also wrap any wire connectors with painter's tape. Get the Frog tape, because it's a loud, obnoxious green, and it'll make it easier to identify when you have to remove the taped up areas. When it's time to remove the plastic bags, be extra careful, especially around coil packs. Besure to mop up the water on the bags with a rag, or just be very careful removing the bag without spilling any water on it.
Be gentle when using a pressure washer. Don't spray in one specific area for a long period of time. You're not removing the grime by using the pressure. You remove that by using degreaser and elbow grease. the pressure washer should be used to rinse off any gunk and soap residues.
It's not as scary as everyone makes it out to be. You just have to prep the engine bay before you start spraying. The result is very rewarding. It won't make your engine run any better, but it is fun to stare at a clean engine bay.
Possible but be very careful. Water get in the wrong place, which is very easy to do, and you are screwed. The problem may go away when the engine dries and may not. Im OCD so Im under the hood cleaning all the time. I section off the engine bay and attack by hand with a purple cleaner spray bottle and brush. All water is in a soaked towel so there is no dousing the engine with water.
Had a guy that worked in resale years ago say never spray and engine. Sounds like guys up here are very successful doing it so mileage may vary....
Had a guy that worked in resale years ago say never spray and engine. Sounds like guys up here are very successful doing it so mileage may vary....
N8_TX
New member
I followed this guys video and had great results! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRSoRkM8GcM&t=1s
As a pro detailer I use Super Clean Foaming Aerosol -- a light coat ( on a cool engine ) all the way around should be fine. Let it dwell for a couple minutes - if it's really grubby use a soft detailing brush and gently agitate. I rinse with free flowing water (not high pressure) and stay generally avoid soaking the alternator and electronics box. I also blow it all out with air or a leaf blower if I'm in a pinch.