okay to pressure wash or hose off engine?

[kylebacc]

so stuff doesn't crack plus you'll get steam everywhere and might burn yourself.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/detailing/61909-engine-bay-cleaning.html

Still doesn't change my stance on the hot/cold engine. The only thing I did get out of that thread is the burning/steam part. That IS something to watch out for with a hot engine... stay a bit back at first for sure. Otherwise, cold water won't do anything bad to a hot engine/block. And, although I have no evidence to support this other than the fact that I wash my dishes with hot water, my mind tells me hot is better for cleaning.

Keeping the engine running is a good idea that I never thought of. Not because I would worry about it not turning back on, but just so you could get all the stuff on the underside of the spinning stuff......if that makes any sense LOL

:thumb3:

 

[4runr30]

4runner08 Good luck with the local car wash if you have red clay under the hood. The only remedy ive found for red clay is to use degreaser and a gas pressure washer. We do it everyday at work with ZERO problems when it comes to Toyotas. Although Mazdas are a different story. Also use a vinyl dressing to bring out the black plastic under your hood.

 

[salvaged]

i have always just kept the engine running when i have cleaned an engine bay however this is mostly on volkswagens and i have one to many not start after a full cleaning and having to chase wet connections. As long as the engine was running i never had an issue

 

[TalonTsi13]

pretty sure if your engine is at operating temp... what 170 degrees or so may up to 210... it is pretty hot. Spay cold water on it, see if your block does not crack! May not the first time or the second but simple physics tells you eventually it will. I would never spray cold water on a hot motor. Heads can warp, blocks can crack. Just my 2 cents.

 

[kylebacc]

pretty sure if your engine is at operating temp... what 170 degrees or so may up to 210... it is pretty hot. Spay cold water on it, see if your block does not crack! May not the first time or the second but simple physics tells you eventually it will. I would never spray cold water on a hot motor. Heads can warp, blocks can crack. Just my 2 cents.

I'm no physics expert. But it's not like the block is made of aluminum foil. It's thick, and the engine has it's internal heat to keep it warm and from cracking. I've seen trucks go through rivers (cold water) over and over again and the engines never crack. I'm not saying it's impossible. But really, really, really, really unlikely. Cheers!

 

[Uneek]

pretty sure if your engine is at operating temp... what 170 degrees or so may up to 210... it is pretty hot. Spay cold water on it, see if your block does not crack! May not the first time or the second but simple physics tells you eventually it will. I would never spray cold water on a hot motor. Heads can warp, blocks can crack. Just my 2 cents.

True, I wouldn't wash my engine after I've been driving around for a while and it's at operating temperture. If I'm going to wash my engine and it's very grimey, I'll do it after I've ran it for 5-10 minutes when things are warm and not hot to touch.

But playing devil's adovcate, I don't think it's that bad, because water can get in there through the fender openings and underneath when going through puddles. Also, I don't think it will crack if there is coolant in the engine. It's similar to a kettle boiling water or why solder doesn't melt when there's water in the pipes.

:iagree: that will be costly, if the block does crack. So better safe than sorry.

 

[leftyguns21]

need to get it sparkling to sell

how dare you speak these words


if you are nervous to pressure wash. just use a garden hose on the jet setting after letting simple green sit on the engine for awhile and do its work

you want a cold engine [and all other car parts] for many reasons. mostly because cleaning agents react differently to warm temps as they do to cold temps, and spraying hot parts with cold water can cause cracking.

 

[4Runner8]

how dare you speak these words


if you are nervous to pressure wash. just use a garden hose on the jet setting after letting simple green sit on the engine for awhile and do its work

you want a cold engine [and all other car parts] for many reasons. mostly because cleaning agents react differently to warm temps as they do to cold temps, and spraying hot parts with cold water can cause cracking.

no worries its to buy a 4wd one..... hahah anyways.... simple green? is that a cleaning solution that i can get at wal mart? and will it get rid of mud stained on engine and other parts?

 

[leftyguns21]

no worries its to buy a 4wd one..... hahah anyways.... simple green? is that a cleaning solution that i can get at wal mart? and will it get rid of mud stained on engine and other parts?

yep. Simple green is sold at a Wal-Mart or a Target. It works great on engines, wheel well areas, under carriage of your car. Garage floors. A ton of stuff.

It’s cheap too, like $3-5 for a decent size spray bottle. Spray it on and let it work its magic for a few minutes. Depending on how bad it is you can leave on for 10-15 and that should be good. Just coat evenly and generously

 

[leftyguns21]

and if you really wanna make it shine spray your engine down with some thing like this:

it will be all shiny and attract a buyer.

 

[4Runner8]

nice thanks guys for all the help.... i will try it because i went and talked to a detailing place and just for engine they wanted like 75 bucks... rediculous