E36 engine washing

[JL380]

Just want to know if i would have to cover any engine parts to wash the engine with a pressure washer like whats in a car wash??
Thanks for any info you have

[El Presidente]

If you have a code intake, you'll want to cover it, plus any electrical components as a precaution. However, there are better methods for cleaning the engine bay. Also, if you have driving for awhile, stop, and spray the cold water on the hot engine, bad things can result. The best thing to do is spray the engine with a water hose under normal presure, then let the engine get warm to the touch, but not hot. Follow that by using an entire can of degreaser and let it sit on everything for around 15 minutes. Rinse well with water again, and turn the engine on to help dry the excess water. Turn it off, and then spray the entire engine bay with WD-40. I know it sounds crazy, but it works wonders. You can use pledge as an alternative, as some belive WD-40 attracts dust.

I'm moving this to the washing section so you can get other ideas. If you don't believe the WD-40 claim, run a search. there are before and after pictures in that forum.

[jllphan]

I recently wanted to detail my engine bay, but was very apprehensive about spraying a water hose on it. I found a product at autozone called -CD2 Engine Detailer. This shit rocks!!!!!!! Just spray it on, let it dry, wipe off excess. No water hose necessary. the paint, metal, and plastics under the hood now look AWESOME!!

[El Presidente]

any pics? The said WD-40 method also does wonders.