Power Washing the Engine

How often do you wash it and what special measures do you take.

I have a power washer, the car( CR-V) is going to be 3 yrs old and I never
have washed under the hood, its not real dirty, but it would be nice to
clean it up.

Thanks

Tom.

 

Hi Tom,

I would be a bit wary about putting the power washer under the bonnet. There
are many delicate electrical connections lurking around in there.

You would probably be better getting an engine cleaner and using it
sparingly on the parts you want to clean. Then rinse it of with a minimal
amount of water - not from the power washer. Stay well clear of any
electrics and sensors - if you really need to clean them, do it with a soft
cloth and some WD-40, or similar.

Good luck, and Merry Christmas,

Gary

 

Almost never. Environmental regulations at work.. I tend to cover
alternators, fuse boxes, etc then go through with a garden hose. I
also take a can or two of brake kleen and clean off heavy deposits of
oil if I see any.


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I agree with the intelligent poster that told you not to use a power
washer since water could get into electrical connections and cause them to
short out once you start the engine--expensive to repair.

Spot clean certain areas--one at a time--avoiding any areas where water
could cause damage. If you are cleaning near one of those areas--cover it
up with a plastic garbage bag held down with masking tape. I don't ever
clean my engine since I am worried that I might end up getting water into
the wrong area.

 

Should never use WD-40 on electrical connections, or around them. Water
displacement type 40 not only lubricates, displaces water, and such, BUT its
is also a good insulator. If you want to have to scrub and reset sprung
connectors though, go right ahead

 

Not to mention WD-40 is flammable!