Cleaning Accord engine compartment (places to avoid getting water?)

Discussion in 'Accord' started by techman41973, Mar 17, 2005.

  1. techman41973

    techman41973 Guest

    I plan on cleaning the engine compartment of my 97 accord with 137,000
    miles. I know to cover the alternator and obvious electrical
    connectors. I also hear advice to cover the distributor, but from my
    what I recall Honda 2.2 vtec engines are distributorless. Are there any
    other parts of the engine compartment that I should be extra carefull
    to keep water away from?
    I plan to use Simple green, a low-pressure mist, a cold engine when
    cleaning and to final rinse with distilled water.
    Many have talked about what possibly can go wrong.
    I would like to especially hear from others where something DID go
    wrong when they cleaned under the hood and what they would have done
    differently. Thanks
     
    techman41973, Mar 17, 2005
    #1
  2. techman41973

    SadaYama Guest

    Do you mean there is no distrubutor cap and rotor and spark plugs? and
    wires and coil wire??

    All you need to do is cover all electrical wires and stuff with a
    plastic sheet. Get a engine Gunk Cleaner can, and spray all over; wait
    for 5-10mins and clean with water. Distilled water may be a overkill.
    Make sure you do not start the car for 30mins. After cleaning, I also
    spray a can of WD40, on all rubber parts and hoses for protection and
    long lasting elasticity. Make sure you don't spray WD40 on belts.
     
    SadaYama, Mar 17, 2005
    #2
  3. techman41973

    SadaYama Guest

    Do you mean there is no distrubutor cap and rotor and spark plugs? and
    wires and coil wire??

    All you need to do is cover all electrical wires and stuff with a
    plastic sheet. Get a engine Gunk Cleaner can, and spray all over; wait
    for 5-10mins and clean with water. Distilled water may be a overkill.
    Make sure you do not start the car for 30mins. After cleaning, I also
    spray a can of WD40, on all rubber parts and hoses for protection and
    long lasting elasticity. Make sure you don't spray WD40 on belts.
     
    SadaYama, Mar 17, 2005
    #3
  4. techman41973

    jim beam Guest

    please DO NOT spray wd40 on natural rubber - it rots it.
     
    jim beam, Mar 17, 2005
    #4
  5. techman41973

    jim beam Guest

    please DO NOT spray wd40 on natural rubber - it rots it.
     
    jim beam, Mar 17, 2005
    #5
  6. techman41973

    Guest Guest

    The fact you'll be avoiding high-pressure water almost guarantees
    you'll stay out of trouble.

    Do not apply WD-40 to any rubber or plastic since it's almost like
    mineral spirits and can attack them, especially the water hoses, whose
    EDPM rubber (also used for weatherstrips) is impervious to almost
    everything except oils. Silicone oil (spray lube, many vinyl/rubber
    protectants) is an exception, keep silicone from getting sucked into
    the engine, such as through the intake or a vacuum leak (loose hose)
    because it can ruin oxygen sensors. Actually EDPM rubber doesn't need
    silicone oil because it's virtually impervious to UV rays and ozone.,
    unlike vacuum, fuel, and brake hoses.
     
    Guest, Mar 18, 2005
    #6
  7. techman41973

    Guest Guest

    The fact you'll be avoiding high-pressure water almost guarantees
    you'll stay out of trouble.

    Do not apply WD-40 to any rubber or plastic since it's almost like
    mineral spirits and can attack them, especially the water hoses, whose
    EDPM rubber (also used for weatherstrips) is impervious to almost
    everything except oils. Silicone oil (spray lube, many vinyl/rubber
    protectants) is an exception, keep silicone from getting sucked into
    the engine, such as through the intake or a vacuum leak (loose hose)
    because it can ruin oxygen sensors. Actually EDPM rubber doesn't need
    silicone oil because it's virtually impervious to UV rays and ozone.,
    unlike vacuum, fuel, and brake hoses.
     
    Guest, Mar 18, 2005
    #7
  8. techman41973

    q45yesman Guest

    The fact you'll be avoiding high-pressure water almost guarantees
    Wouldn't bearings also likely be damaged from a detergent solution?
    For example, alternator bearings, electric fan bearings (if any), etc.

    Also, what about mechanical fuel pumps (if equipped)?
    They may have an air inlet hole, often on the upper half, which might
    allow potentially damaging wash fluids to drip onto the pliable
    diaphragm.
     
    q45yesman, Mar 18, 2005
    #8
  9. techman41973

    q45yesman Guest

    The fact you'll be avoiding high-pressure water almost guarantees
    Wouldn't bearings also likely be damaged from a detergent solution?
    For example, alternator bearings, electric fan bearings (if any), etc.

    Also, what about mechanical fuel pumps (if equipped)?
    They may have an air inlet hole, often on the upper half, which might
    allow potentially damaging wash fluids to drip onto the pliable
    diaphragm.
     
    q45yesman, Mar 18, 2005
    #9
  10. techman41973

    SadaYama Guest

    <<<<<<<< After cleaning, I also spray a can of WD40, on all rubber
    parts and hoses for protection and long lasting elasticity. Make sure
    you don't spray WD40 on belts. >>>>>>

    Oops, I am very SORRY !!! about spraying with WD40. What I meant was
    SILICONE SPRAY and not WD40. Thanks for the correction GUYS !
     
    SadaYama, Mar 18, 2005
    #10
  11. techman41973

    SadaYama Guest

    <<<<<<<< After cleaning, I also spray a can of WD40, on all rubber
    parts and hoses for protection and long lasting elasticity. Make sure
    you don't spray WD40 on belts. >>>>>>

    Oops, I am very SORRY !!! about spraying with WD40. What I meant was
    SILICONE SPRAY and not WD40. Thanks for the correction GUYS !
     
    SadaYama, Mar 18, 2005
    #11
  12. techman41973

    jim beam Guest

    that's a great point! many is the time i've seen pressure washing ruin
    bearings, seals, paint, contaminate brake fluid, etc.
     
    jim beam, Mar 19, 2005
    #12
  13. techman41973

    jim beam Guest

    that's a great point! many is the time i've seen pressure washing ruin
    bearings, seals, paint, contaminate brake fluid, etc.
     
    jim beam, Mar 19, 2005
    #13
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.