Do you power wash your engine compartment?

Not a good idea, there is a post about using simple green and a garden hose.

 

Simple green isn't a great idea as it isn't friendly to some metals

 

I typed a long response to this question, only to have my computer freeze up and lose it. But I rambled on too long so it probably was a good thing.

Basically, I live near one of those coin operated power wash car wash stations and I would recommend against it. I see people all the time stranded or fighting to get their vehicle started because they have pulled in, power washed their engine and then done some inadvertent damage.

I recommend the most conservative approach possible. I personally use a small bucket, water, a few rags and a sponge. Then I carefully wipe down the surfaces. The only chemicals I use, are on rare occasions if an area is especially dirty? I have a spray bottle of diluted Dawn Dish washing liquid and water, even then, I rinse whatever surface I spray that on, as thoroughly as possible.

So my recommendation is no, I wouldn't do it, and just be as conservative and non-intrusive as possible in cleaning your engine area. Maintenance is really the key. Once you get it clean, you can usually keep it clean by simply wiping down surfaces about once a month.

Good Luck.

 

No power washing. No washing at all. If anything use steam. Like a house water is the most harmful thing to a car.

In fact you should be lubricating everything under. Buy CSP spay from HD and spray lube lightly all bolt heads and connectors. Keeps everything from getting rusted and keeps water out of connectors. Spray lube suspension. Spray Black Magic Protectant on the cv boots and all rubber trim. Spray lube all door hinges and door jam rubber boots. Its a metal machine and needs to be lubricated.

My car is 6 years old and no rust or corrosion anywhere. Top or bottom.

 

a simple all purpose cleaner on a clean towel is the way to go... Also after washing outside of car there is usually a bit of water in the engine compartment and wiping it dry is another good way to keep the engine compartment clean.

 

^^^ I agree with the last post ^^^ Once you have it clean just ripe off every time you wash your car. It only takes me 5 to 10 minutes tops to keep it show room shine.

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Don't spray anything on the engine if it isn't lubricant.

If you want to use a cleaner, Simple Green Aircraft formula. Or kerosene.

 

Kerosene? That's crazy talk... Take care of your lungs and don't risk setting your engine bay on fire by only using non-toxic all purpose cleaner sprayed on a towel not sprayed directly on the engine? I use Clorox "Green Works" It's soap made out of coconut and smells like lemon-lime and works great on interior fabric stains too! Unlike most all purpose cleaners if you accidentally breathe it in it won't make you sick.

 

...one recent post another guy washed the engine and got water condensation into his headlight. He was able to get the condensation out by taking the bulb out overnite

 

It's what my grandpa used, for everything from aftershave to weed killer to parts cleaner.

In a pinch, I have no qualms using it. But as I said before, spray NOTHING in your engine compartment, not even compressed air. Only wipe / brush on, and wipe / brush off.

 

Your Grandpa used kerosene 'cause that's all they had back then. Don't use kerosene that stuff really stinks.

Leaf blower works best to dry the engine and the car after a wash. Works really good for the interior, open all the doors, remove mats and loose stuff and go at it.

After a wash use California Water blade than a blower in the crevices. Hardly have to use but one small mf towel to dry the entire car.

 

One of these works good, get's in the corners:



Then I'll damp cloth the readily accessible top surfaces, take off the bogus engine cover and dampcloth it.

I don't like the idea of washing solvents and strong detergents into nearby streams.

 

What is that thing supposed to do?

 

It makes rainbows come out of the exhaust pipe!

 

Bwaaaaaaaaaahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

 

I bet it came with his Honda.

 

skeptics

 

Indeed.