I have a 1980s truck and the engine is pretty dirty. My friends have told me to pressure wash it, but i think that would cause problems. is it safe to pressure wash an engine while it is still in my truck? i also heard that coke~cola works as a good engine cleaner. what is the best way to clean a dirty engine.
2006-10-13 08:52:29 · 7 answers · asked by fordbronco84 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Purple Power or some kind of degreaser and a pressure washer and make sure the engine is running while you clean it. The main thing to worry about is water getting in the distributor cap and drowning out the spark and it not starting back up. If when you get done cleaning the engine and it runs a little rough check to make sure that the pressure washer did not knock any vaccum hoses or spark plug wires off, if not then just drive it easy the cap will dry out and will run fine.
I just saw what the guy said about the hot engine you will be fine on a hot engine. On a aluminum engine the rule is never to add water to a hot engine. We are talking about a 80 truck engine.
2006-10-13 08:57:17 · answer #1 · answered by Daryl C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mommysavanah... had a good recommendation.
Pressure wash should be fine with a degreaser on the engine block.
You might want to bring a spray can of WD-40 with you and pre-spray it on the distributor cap before you start washing. WD-40 = Water Displacing (formula) #40.
The guy who steam cleaned my Cherokee used a can of WD-40 & sprayed all the major electrical parts before & after he cleaned the engine. Distr cap, spark plug caps, some of the more exposed wiring harness connectors, etc. I don't think it's necessary on the battery or alternator.
2006-10-13 16:48:10 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right, pressure washing has to be done carefully to avoid getting the electrical components wet. I'd mix a strong solution of Aquaklean (sold as a concentrate) and put it in a spray bottle. You can spray and scour with a bristle brush or scotch brite pad wherever you need. It's a great automotive cleaner/degreaser made by KBS Coatings.
2006-10-15 09:05:00 · answer #3 · answered by depotcopycat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to the local car wash. Spray first with the de-grease cycle. Let stand about 10 minutes. Then put the setting on soap was and spray the engine then rinse. Will not hurt the truck. Actually helps. We do our cars about once every three months,
2006-10-13 15:58:52 · answer #4 · answered by CuervoBMed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could pressure wash it COLD but do NOT do it to a hot engine or you will be very sorry and very poor when all is said and done!
The best method is a steam cleaner which uses steam and does a real nice job.
2006-10-13 15:56:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your truck to a used car dealer and have them steam clean it for you. It will cost you around $25 to $50 dollars depending on the dealer. But that's the best way and they do a great job. All used cars they sell have been done that way. Check them out.
2006-10-13 16:02:37 · answer #6 · answered by Texan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pressure washing works. have the engine running while doing so.
use an engine cleaner/degreaser also if its super dirty
2006-10-13 15:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by mommy2savannah51405 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋