i heard you can only wash it if the car is running.. is this true?
2006-10-21 16:45:50 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Of all these craps
Buy a can of spray on grease remover
It is stated on the can that the chemical works well on hot engines
So run it awhile then switch it off
Spray only at the engine metal parts
Let it soak in for a few minutes
Then hose it off with care you don't need to spray hard
If the engine is hot the chemical works effectively
Especially not to spray too much at the :-
spark plug points,
distributor cap, if it is fixed horizontally then it is fine
Never spray at wirings, fuse box
SPRAY AND HOSE ON THE ENGINE AND BELOW ONLY
All other parts can be wiped with a moist cloth
If water seeps in and cause difficulty in starting up
Pull out the Plug wires, open the distributor cap and blow off any water inside
Happy motoring
2006-10-21 17:15:24 · answer #1 · answered by davmanx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a degreaser such as 'Gunk'. Do not do it with the engine running. Cover the bits that are obviously electrical with poly bags. Take the leads off the plugs so you can cover them and the distributor together. Rub the Gunk with a brush over the other bits until the greasy dirt is softened. Use hot soapy water and a brush to wash off the residue - this avoids spraying water into the dodgy bits. Finish of with a drop of hot water if needed.
Now dry as much as possible with paper towels particularly the plugs. Let it air dry for a while before putting the bits in bags back again.
DO NOT simply hose it down, the grease stays put but the water gets into the 'works'.
RoyS
2006-10-21 18:51:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not true, leave the engine off and let it cool for a few minutes. It would be best to bring it to a do it yourself car wash and just use the rinse (water only) setting. If you wash it at home you will wind up with a greasy mess on your driveway. If the car is much older be carefull not to spray the distributor cap to long.
2006-10-21 16:51:41 · answer #3 · answered by Richard L 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends a lot on how the engine is designed. It is not a good idea to wash engines that have coil on plug ignition systems, such as newer model Ford V8's. The water gets down into the coil wells and shorts out the ignition system. Also you need to take steps to cover the carburetor, if equipped, the alternator, and some key electronic components such as the PCM or ABS control module that can sustain damage if water was to seep in.
2006-10-21 16:52:41 · answer #4 · answered by yugie29 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you wash your engine you need to have the engine running ,because if you don't ,the water gets into the vital areas easier . When you wash with it running you can control the idol better and the heat from the engine helps to evaporate the excess water. So when you don't have the engine running while washing ,you drown your engine. But its a good idea to place plastic over the distributor and over the alternator.
2006-10-21 16:57:40 · answer #5 · answered by c20_6929 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can powerwash it, the bottom won't give you any real problem, but the top I'd suggest a strong degreaser. You could powerwash it so long as you keep to the metel but it will be a pain in the *** getting it running again, and will need to be left for about 3 days to dry out as teh pressure will get water into the electrics. I'd just give it a good wash with a degreaser on the surface with a rag. Comes up almost as good.
2006-10-22 09:01:55 · answer #6 · answered by Bealzebub 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Boy, are most of your answers wrong! Yes, you can "wash" your engine. Running or not. Be carefull not to get water in your distributor cap, air intake, or carburetor. If your vehicle is 1998 or newer, you wont have to worry about a carburetor, or air intake. These will either be non-existant or very well sealed. Your distributor cap has long wires coming out of it, and the wires lead into the motor. These should be the only wires you can see as you open the hood. They attach to your spark plugs. Make sure that your spark plug wires (distributor wires) are secured to your plugs. After all this WASH away. Be carefull not to use high pressure because of the backsplash, but otherwise. Clean away. Good luck!
2006-10-21 17:08:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do not wash an engine while it is running, unless you want to get very wet. You can wash an engine, but let it dry before you run it again. electrical components may prevent the engine from running if they get water on the inside of their cases.
2006-10-21 16:49:33 · answer #8 · answered by Leo C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is ok to wash the engine only when it cool, and don't try to start it for about an hour after you wash it and if there is any problems it won't start take out your plugs dry them well and replace them and then you will be ready to go
2006-10-25 12:04:36 · answer #9 · answered by Ivan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, shut it off and let it cool down. And don't just go spraying a garden hose on it either, get an actual engine cleaner or de-greaser from the auto parts store and follow the directions. If you really want to be careful, cover the alternator, battery, electrical wires & fuse box (if it's in the engine compartment) with plastic or aluminum foil. Never get that stuff wet! :)
2006-10-21 16:52:10 · answer #10 · answered by seamless1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋