Dirty under the hood: Can I just spray water to wash away dirt everywhere?

Question

Its filthy under my car hood... Can I just spray water everywhere? There's corrosion on my battery too..

WILL JIFFY LUBE or anything like that just clean it out for me? Approximate cost? Thanks

Answer 1

No way no how!!! I learned my lesson when I was young and starting out as a mechanic. I hosed my engine compartment out and that caused the electrical system in my car to have problem after problem. Two thounsand dollars later, no kidding, I finally got rid of the car and never did that again. As long as the engine works, then dont wash under the hood. If it has to be done for the mechaninc to fix your car, then let the professionals do it.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Well, use a good degreaser like 'Simple Green' for the dirt and grime, then wash away the residue once it has soaked in it (don't let it dry)

For the battery, remove the battery cables, then sprinkle some baking soda on top of the battery taking care not to get any in the vents if it has them (some batteries don't have them) and putting more where the corrosion in obvious. Now use a small amount of water and a throw-away brush to mix the soda into a paste. Spread the coat out over the top of the battery, scrubbing a little in the more corroded areas. Pay close attention to areas that bubble up, as these may need more than one coat. Once the battery is coated, rinse it off, and repeat as necessary.

Now you can clean the posts and cables. Use a battery post and cable brush available at your local auto part store for a couple bucks. It has two brushes, one for the inside hole of the cables, and one that fits over the posts of the battery.

Good luck!

Answer 3

nicely, use a stable degreaser like 'basic eco-friendly' for the airborne dirt and dirt and dirt, then wash away the residue as quickly because it has soaked in it (do no longer enable it dry) For the battery, eliminate the battery cables, then sprinkle some baking soda on proper of the battery taking care to no longer get any interior the vents if it has them (some batteries don't have them) and putting extra the place the corrosion in obtrusive. Now use a small volume of water and a throw-away brush to blend the soda right into a paste. unfold the coat out over the proper of the battery, scrubbing somewhat interior the extra corroded components. Pay close interest to components that bubble up, as those might want extra effective than one coat. as quickly as the battery is lined, rinse it off, and repeat as needed. you could now clean the posts and cables. Use a battery placed up and cable brush available at your close by motor vehicle section keep for a pair dollars. It has 2 brushes, one for the interior hollow of the cables, and one that suits over the posts of the battery. stable success!

Answer 4

Hi Legaleye.A good industrial degreaser would help to clean your engine and componants.Be sure to wear protective equipment (gloves and faceshield),and to read the label of your chosen product carefully before applying or using it.As for the corosion problem,a battery post cleaner will cure this,simply remove your battery posts connectors from the terminals and clean off all the corrosion.I find that applying some vaseline to the posts before reconnecting the connectors to the terminals will help to stop the corrosion problem from reocurring.

Answer 5

cover the distributor cap before you squirt water in there.
A high pressure wand at the car wash works best, along with some kind of cleaner like Engine Brite (available at AutoZone,and similar stores).
Note, your car may not start after you get the engine wet. Follow instructions on the cleaner can or ask one of the parts guys how to do the job.....

Answer 6

Actually it depends on how old the vehical is. Use a degreaser first then a hose. But you have to be careful of the distributor, get water in it and the vehical won't start. Newer cars have a sealed distributor say from 97 up anything older and you have to cover distributor with a plastic bag and seal it.

Answer 7

There's a lot of oil and grease mixed with the dirt so it won't go anywhere if you just use water. There are special engine shampoos that cut through all the grime.

If your battery is corroded, you should change it right away. It's dangerous and could explode.

Answer 8

No you will just be mixing oil and water.
Get engine degreaser; spray on and let set
hose off
battery: use baking soda and water on terminals

Answer 9

In a word, no. Get it professionally steam cleaned, they'll know what to protect (electrics, electronics etc.), plus if water does get where it shouldn't it's their problem to put right!

Answer 10

No No No. But steam will work.