Can someone tell me how do I clean the engine and the other parts under the hood ?

Question

Someone told me I had to be careful if I washed it with a pressure washer because of the electrical.What's the right way to do it?

Answer 1

Auto supply stores sell spray on garden hose off engine cleaners like "Gunk Engine Bright" "Motor Shine". alternators distributors and electrical junction boxes should not be directly sparyed. Spark plugs that sit in wells with long wire connectors will need to be blown out with an compressed air hose and long tipped air nozzel. Something are best done in a shop where there is compressed air and some one who is able to dry out wet electrical connectors. You might even be able to turn on your "Check Engine Light"

Answer 2

A pressure washer is the best way to clean an engine. About the electrical, don't spray directly on electrical parts like the alternator, distributor cap or coil pack and ign module, etc. If you are concerned about them you can cover them with a shop towel or rags of some kind and tie or tape them in place but it's not really not necessary as long as you don't direct water under pressure at them.

Answer 3

I would bet John K has problems most of the rest of us do not have, or he soon will. I have been involved in car repair, and detailing all my life. A clean engine compartment is, first, the mark of a concerned owner, second, a clean engine will operate more efficiently, quite a bit cooler, and most likely operate longer. This is due, in part, due to lowered temperature due to the(clean) engines ability to dissapate HEAT more efficiently, thereby allowing the engine to operate in slightly lower engine compartment temps. ( the dirt,oil, and sludge build up on an engine block can, and will absorb more engine heat, thereby raising engine temps) I use Stewarts whitewall cleaner on a warm(not hot) engine, wait 2-5 minutes then start the engine and pressure wash the engine (completely) I used to use a steam cleaner, but when it broke I could not afford to replace it(over $1,200), so i got a pressure washer. This has worked for me for many years. ( what do you think is happening under the hood when you are driving 60 m.p.h in the rain?

Answer 4

you DO NOT wanna use a pressure washer on ur engine --
to many plastic connections that will allow moisture into the
areas and moisture on terminals = big problems .. question why do you wanna do this? -- who cares what the engine looks like? wipe up the spilled oils and keep the hood closed

Answer 5

no do not do it with a pressure washer there a risk water can get into important places of the motor steam clean and wipe with wash cloth and armor all for a really clean motor