How to Wash Engine?

[ploutos]

I need to wash my engine. My plan was to take it to one of those
coin-op places and use the power sprayer, carefully avaioding the spk
plug wires and battery. Is there anything else I need to cover or
anything lie that. Should I use one of those nasty chemical things
(Gunk?) form an parts store too (would rather not)?

Thanks!

 

[jabario]

coin op is just fine. did it to my 04 obw a week ago no problems

 

[John O]

Just did this...I used the tire cleaner setting, which threw down some icky
green stuff at low pressure. Then I rinsed with plain water, but held the
sprayer back a few feet to reduce the pressure, I think. This worked really
well, except I missed some nooks and crannies.

-John O

 

[hippo]

If you don't drown the coil you can't go too far wrong. Only other problem
I ever had was drowning the suspension electrics for a 91 with air
springs. Went a bit strange for a while. Oops!

 

[S]

Hi Ploutos!

I need to wash my engine. My plan was to take it to one of those
coin-op places and use the power sprayer, carefully avaioding the spk
plug wires and battery. Is there anything else I need to cover or
anything lie that. Should I use one of those nasty chemical things
(Gunk?) form an parts store too (would rather not)?

I wouldn't worry too much, just don't get the tip of the wand in real
close to the distributor, alternator, or wiring harness connectors, as
the high pressure can force water past the O-ring seals.
Probably not a bad idea to come equipped with tools to pull and dry
the dist. cap just in case (screwdriver and paper towels).
Use Gunk if there is significant grease and oil present.
If you have access to a steam-cleaner, by all means use that; it will
get your engine compartment spotlessly clean.
I make it a point to spritz the engine compartment whenever I take my
car thru the wash. If this is done regularly, the engine will never
get dirty enough to need Gunk. Another advantage of a clean engine is
that you will spot any leaks immediately. Plus opening the hood to a
clean engine makes me smile ;-)

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Jim]

I had mine cleaned a year ago (it's a lot cheaper than $1500 to
replace all the oil seals, for now). Later that day the car backfired
and died and set a check engine code which meant "CTS Circuit High
Output" according to my mechanic. The car ran fine after or two
backfire and die episodes.