OK i dont knw naything about washing an engine but i think i should mineis dusty... Can i damage anything or short circuit it w\ a powerful hose blast or what are the correct ways \ do's and don'ts of washing an engine. Thanx
You can wash your engine. It won't hurt it. I have washed mine with the pressured washers at the car wash and I also used some engine degreaser first to get all the grime off. Just make sure all your electric boxes are shut and there are no bare wires. :yup
I never wash my engine unless really needed. If you detail it periodicallyit will stay nice.
I use:
Shop vac with brush attachment to remove dust.
Use an old paint or parts cleaner brush to dislodge debir, dust, ETC
Wet wipe grimey spots ( use cleaner if needed)
Armorall plastics and hoses after.
If I knew how to post pics of my engine (50,000 mi) I would, never washed the engine. Of course all this is contingent on not having any leaks.
Word of caution re: washing
Agree entirely with what was said previously about covering EVERYTHING electrical up. My buddy with a Subaru WRX took it into his dealership for service the other day. They decided to be nice and wash the engine compartment for him to make everything nice and shiny. When he went to pick it up after service the car wouldn't turn over. Turns out that this is a known problem with this model that the alternator sits near the bottom of the engine bay and ALL WATER will leak into the open end of the housing.
Long story short, the dealer replaced it free of charge but only after some back-and-forth with the service manager. oke
Stupid!
Dunno if this is a problem with Beemers re: location of the alternator etc. Ya, so anyway, keep it covered up or use caution where the water's going.
If you want a 'show shiney' engine then spend a good few hours with a toothbrush, a pile of rags and a light degreaser....
I wouldn't blast an engine with water, the risk is too high for the reward.
I don't know if it still happens but I heard about a few companies who will strip your engine out, clean and polish, relube and replace your engine for about £500 ($750) Then again, that sounds more stupid than water.
I remember hosing my mum's car as a small child and thinking how dirty the exhaust was.... nobody else found it as generous as I expected when the engine had to be drained. :lol:
Originally posted by Mr White G@Jun 16 2004, 10:18 AM I remember hosing my mum's car as a small child and thinking how dirty the exhaust was.... nobody else found it as generous as I expected when the engine had to be drained. :lol:
That stuff rocks, no hoses or spraying water all of your engine, just spray that stuff on, let it sit, and wipe off the excess. I bought it at Autozone for a couple of bucks and it works VERY well. :yup
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