Pressure washing the engine bay - yes or no

[tacoma]

In preparation to all the cosmetic work that i want to do to the engine....

Can i squirt engine degreaser liberall around and then get in there with the pressure washer. Is there anything that i should avoid or do first, immediately after or is the whole idea a lemon?

answers on a postcard please

m

[GregE240]

You're braver than me.

Gunk or similar, an old brush (or new one if you're loaded), and a watering can. Double wrap all electrics in plastic bags or cellophane, and prey the bloody thing goes at the end of it.

[shpub]

No.

[Jem]

so what's the best way to keep the engine bay super clean?

J

[shpub]

Hard work and elbow grease.

Power sprayers can lead to immense electrical problems and water ingress which can rake a long time to sort out.

[Nuggs]

shpub said:

Hard work and elbow grease. Power sprayers can lead to immense electrical problems and water ingress which can rake a long time to sort out.

Is there a good way of doing this which avoids the need to water the engine bay with a hosepipe, watering can, wet sponge or otherwise?

I've heard that Gunk and Autoglym's engine cleaner are both good, but still need a rise afterwards.

I'm a bit concerned about getting water in the wrong places...

[M@H]

I've used brake parts cleaner (the spraycan stuff) and a rag occaisionally for cleaning engine parts as its an excellent solvent.. you can spray a bit directly where you want to clean, then rub with a cloth to remove the oily residue etc.. the rest just evaporates away.

Cheers,
Matt

[swisstoni]

OK - just put the sprayer down and step away....

[tacoma]

but its a power tool, ok, its a bit wet (sic) but its still a power tool.

one day i want to use a drill!!!

mike

[poorpeet]

Gunk & a watering can "should" be OK. Not tried it on the TVR yet but not had many probs with the others.
Get the engine good & hot then leave it to cool with the hood down, sorry bonnet! until it is JUST warm. (NOT HOT) Squirt gunk around & work it in with a soft brush where you can.
Leave it to work while it finishes cooling down.
Get a watering can of very hot water & fitted with a rose ready, start the engine & pour the water over every thing while it ticks over.
Let it idle for a while then go for a quick run to dry it all off.
The only problem I've had is steam getting into the dizzy cap. If it starts to run a bit rough whip the cap off & dry it out.

[Jem]

poorpeet said:

Gunk & a watering can "should" be OK. Not tried it on the TVR yet but not had many probs with the others. Get the engine good & hot then leave it to cool with the hood down, sorry bonnet! until it is JUST warm. (NOT HOT) Squirt gunk around & work it in with a soft brush where you can. Leave it to work while it finishes cooling down. Get a watering can of very hot water & fitted with a rose ready, start the engine & pour the water over every thing while it ticks over. Let it idle for a while then go for a quick run to dry it all off. The only problem I've had is steam getting into the dizzy cap. If it starts to run a bit rough whip the cap off & dry it out.

water and gunk over ABSOLUTELY everything engine wise?

sorry to ask stupid questions, but never gone near dooing this, and I will easily it up

J

[poorpeet]

What I do is use a small pump spray, the sort of thing they sell to use to spray water on to house plants. Then work it in where it needs it with paint brush then rinse it all off.
As long as you dont use it on a hot engine (If you can't touch anything with your bare hand then it's too hot)& only rinse off with a watering can you shouldnt have a problem.
Obviously avoid drenching things like the alternator, distributor, coil as best as you can. The odd splash wont hurt & they will dry out quickly from the heat of the engine running.

[Jem]

poorpeet - v helpful

ta

J