Washing the engine, Is it safe to use a power hose? Options

[khye]

I have seen people washing their engine bays at my local carwash.
They use a high pressure power-hose to clear out all the old crap.
Dust, dirt (dead cats etc.. ) which is stuck to the various engine parts.

The question I have is this.....

Is this safe to do on our engines?
What should I cover, I presume the altinator and distributer cap will have to be kept dry?

I desperately need to clean my engine but am afraid that the water will damage something..

oops, I put this in the wrong forum group and can't get it moved sorry!

This post has been edited by khye: Jul 14, 2003 - 9:48 AM

[Mynzeyes]

i've used a power washer on mine...doesn't hurt it, just try to steer clear of the alternator and the air filter (if you have an aftermarket). otherwise, spray away, just be gentle around connections and what not of wires..they will all be waterproof..but ya never know...

-John-

btw, i'm movin this to the General Forum so you can get a few more hits on your thread, and maybe a little more insite .

[DonMagicJuan]

I've done it to my engine before and have gotten some parts wet that I should have. It won't didn't hurt my car but it did act funny for 1 day until the parts dried out. After that it was 100% so fresh and so clean. I've done it like four times and it's never hurt my engine. Hope this helps.

[x_itchy_b_x]

yeah my car acted wicked wierd after i power washed it. i just waited for it to dry out and it was fine.
like eveyone else said just take ur time and be careful.

[Chrobis]

I sprayed simple green and then washed it down, sputtered for awhile and ran like cra p but its fine now... I wet anything and everything! battery, altenator, connections.. etc.

[hioctane]

I use an engine degreaser/ cleaner called gumout steam cleaner from kragens.

Step 1: Warm-up engine, turn off engine
Step 2: Cover air intake system or just take it out.
Step 3: spray the steam cleaner over entire engine to areas heavily coated with dirt, oil and grease. For heavy stains, use a brush to loosen.
Step 4: allow to stand for 15 minutes.
Step 5: spray engine with the least amount of water it takes to remove the dirt and grime
Step 6: warm up engine for 10 minutes or until dry then you're done =)

[khye]

Thanks guys, much appreciated!