Can I spray down my car engine?

Question

Just curious if it's safe to use the pressure hose in the car wash to clean my engine? I simply want to open the hood and spray it down.

Thanks

Answer 1

A friend of mine sprayed gunk,hosed it of,shorted out two sensors.It only cost him $40.00 Not recommended.

Answer 2

Here is what I do and recommend(I am a university educated engineer(real one)).

If you have a driveway(and I realize some people don't own a home)

1. Get some Simple Green(non-toxic, and does not attack plastic's, etc), and dilute it to about a 3:1 ratio of Simple Green to water in a spray bottle, or just pour out about 1/4 of the bottle into a bowl, and refill with water.

2. Disconnect battery, preferably the +(pos) side(if you have a newer car, the CODE for the radio may need to be reset, so have that handy when you re-hook up the battery later, or else you may be without tunes for a while.

3. Warm the car up froma cold start for about 3 minutes(NO more), or if it is hot, the let it cool with the hood open until you can actually touch the engine with your hands.

4. Wrap the coil and distrubutor with a disposable plastic bags, and rubber bands.

5. With a hose, first just rinse the engine, then spray it down with the Simple Green, let it set up for 10-15 minutes. You might also go to the 99 cent store also and get yourself a cheap brush to work some of the grime, dirt off, then repeat the process until it is clean to your desire. Also go under the car, and clean the oil pan, transmission, etc.

I would HIGHLY recommend staying away from the harsh chemical base stuff, such as engine degreaser, since you just cannot tell where it might attack and melt/dissolve certian plastics, hoses, connectors, etc. The Simple Green is really fantastic stuff, and if the engine is really dirty, use full strength.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I frequently did this when I was younger and cared what the engine looked like. I was always told to keep the engine running while you wash it. And to wash the underside of the hood first, then light spraying over the engine, and then more directly; I suspect that was to avoid temperature shock. I will add, however, that this was during the early '70's when there weren't any computers under that hood. Might want to ask your car dealer. Found a site (below) that has some good information. Looks like things are a bit more complicated these days.

Answer 4

The answer from "New day" is perfect except for one thing. After you wash the engine in this manner, spray regular old Armor All over the entire engine and then close the hood. Drive the car for about 15 minutes and then look at the engine. You will be amazed, it will look better than new. I wash my engine in this manner more often than I wash the car. I have a 2007 Kia. Trust me, you will have a show quality engine compartment.

Answer 5

It relies upon. Does the engine compartment have openings to the exterior environment? If particular, this is designed the paintings in moist, rain crammed, environments. So circulate forward and spray it down. attempt to no longer get water into the air intake, this could create issues for you. Does it have a radiator? If it does, spray water in the time of the fins to bathe it out. Blow out the airborne dirt and airborne dirt and dust, bugs, and muck that could desire to be sucked into it. this could help to maintain it working cooler this summer. you may additionally spray the wheel wells and under carriage to get the airborne dirt and dust and street salts off. this could help save the rust down and lengthen the physique and physique.

Answer 6

On older vehicles, cover the distributor, this is the area where the plugwires come together. if you do not know this much. Take someone with you who does.Also do not spray water in air intake of breather or carb. Cover both with bread bags. TAKE STARTING FLUID AND SCREW DRIVER just in case you get water under roter cap. Plus a cotton rag to remove water. YOUR FRIEND CAN SHOW YOU HOW IT IS DONE. don't forget to say thank you.

Answer 7

No, its your engine is hot you will crack you block among other parts. If your engine is cold you can still get water into your electrical connections and short them out. I get mine steamed cleaned check out the phone book for it.

Answer 8

wait for a cold engine. put GUNK or engine degreaser on and let sit. Put a plastic bag over the distributor and squirt away

Answer 9

Not recommended. Do not do this you will live to regret it someday. You might get away with it once, which I doubt it, but sooner or later you will get caught and left stranded at the car wash and a repair bill.

Answer 10

no don't do it if the engine is hot,you,ll crack something on the engine,and there's certain things on it that you really don't want to get wet,like the ignition system,and the alternator,they don't do so well when they get wet,good luck with it.