Engine bay cleaning
 

I was wondering if it's safe to spray water and cleaners under the hood? Some cars I have owned it was totally safe to do so. Things look pretty sealed up under the hood but I'm not sure. I just want to clean all the dirt and crap from winter out.

I've done it plenty of times. I just make sure that I cover up the alternator, coils and battery.
Waiting for it to air dry is the difficult part...

@RX8Soldier - If you don't mind me asking what did you use to cover the alternator, battery and coils? Plastic bags?

A large industrial fan aimed at the engine bay would help speed up the process.

^Plastic bags, tinfoil, etc. Anything that will prevent water from getting in there.

Oh, and this should not be in the DIY, unless you are making one for others to use ;)

I have been cleaning my engine for years at my local do it yourself car wash. I don't cover anything, I just don't spray anything electrical directly and I use the spot free rinse afterwards so no spots are left.

@9krpmrx8 - Do you leave the engine running while you spray?

Nope, but I make sure the engine is fully warmed up. You could leave it running to be safe though. Juts use common sense when doing it, don't spray any connectors directly with the high pressure nozzle.

I must be contrary to my esteemed fellow club members. Although I used to wash/steam clean my engine back in the day there are simply too many electrical systems/sensors nowadays to take the chance. It's not just the water but potential to drive grease etc. into the connectors and sensors.

There are good hand appled engine bay cleaners and dressers out there and although they may take a bit longer, as anything else if you keep up with it not a big deal.

to wit: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks

Yeah well I do mine every time I wash my car (usually once a week if weather permits) and I have never had an issue in all these years doing it on this car and many previous cars but it's your car, if it scares you, don't do it.

I'm a [retired] Marine Officer. I'm never afraid. ;)

:lol: Semper Fi.

Yeah, I do this occasionally as well. The only thing I cover is the brake fluid reservoir, to prevent moisture from getting in the cap vent (unlikely). Other than that, I don't think you can hurt anything else, but I don't blast any connectors directly.

Back in the day, you had to cover distributors to prevent moisture inside the cap, but even this could be resolved by removing the cap and drying it manually.

I think this has helped me more than the OP. :lol:

Thanks for all the info guys. Pretty much the same thing on most other cars I have owned. Just like to check before I dive in head first. Better safe then sorry.

I use a shop vac, then steam clean, then degreaser. I cracked several connections in my harness when it was out of my car, so I cant just spray and pray lol. Also I only do this once a year, because its a giant pain in my ass.

I cut down simply green to about 1:8 water. Then apply and let sit for a bit. I use a soft bristled brush on things that need more agitation. Then I rinse with water. Then I dry and turn motor on.

Because of some of the added things under my hood I have to cover up electrical senders for boost gauge and boost controller. I also place a plastic bag over ecu and fuse box. Never had a problem.

this is what it looks like after my washing and dressing with Sonus Motor kote

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4073/4...8058405e_m.jpg

its an old pic obviously :lol: but I had it on hand

Careful simple green eats at aluminum


http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...-aluminum.html


Use this.

http://www.oileater.com/engine-cleaner-degreaser.html

I cut it down quite a bit, I think I use pro though, I will double check when I get home. I havent had any problems with it though. Only problem I have now is noticing every little piece of dirt that gets on the engine :rofl: