Cleaning/washing engine compartment
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Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 12:31:24 PM
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emaxxman
Posts: 45
Joined: 4/4/2005
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I was really shocked to find out recently that it's relatively safe to pressure wash your engine compartment. I not sure if I still believe it or not...I mean, electrical components and water don't mix, right?
OK, when I get over my fear and actually wash my engine compartment out (on 98 Accord EX sedan), any tips or guidelines for systematically cleaning it...it's never been washed.
Steps, what products to use, how to properly rinse off, towel dry or not, etc...
I'll be using my garden hose too btw. I'm not going to use a pressure washer for the first time...ya know..the baby steps and all applies here.
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98 Accord Sedan EX-L 4 cyclinder
142,000 miles and counting
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 12:39:02 PM
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sir_nasty
Posts: 6309
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I've always been a big fan of simple green or just some sort of de-greaser. Just spray that on the engine, let it sit for a few minutes and wash it off. I would make sure that the air filter isn't going to get wet and I would probably cover the distributor as well. If it wasn't safe to pressure wash an engine how could they survive torrential downpours when you're driving... Garden hose should be fine, for really hard "gunk" you may want to get in there with a thowel of some sort...
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 2:17:24 PM
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emaxxman
Posts: 45
Joined: 4/4/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sir_nasty If it wasn't safe to pressure wash an engine how could they survive torrential downpours when you're driving...
I have to be honest with you and say that I never gave it much thought. I just assumed at some point that electricity doesn't mix with water. Never considered the rain situation. That's why I was so shocked to hear about people using pressure washers on their engines. I mean my jaw really dropped!!!
Heck, I don't even use a pressure washer on the outside of the car.
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98 Accord Sedan EX-L 4 cyclinder
142,000 miles and counting
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 4:13:01 PM
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s_mackenzie10
Posts: 30
Joined: 1/26/2006
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Unless you have earlier model Accords ('96 or earlier), you have nothing to worry about. Most car engines before '96 or '97 aren't made to be washed with a pressure washer or really any kind of hose. Nothing serious will happen, but your spark plugs will definitely get wet which will make your car stall out most likely. Let them dry and you're good to go.
My advice is to just use a regular garden hose (no nozzle) and lightly spray down the engine. Wipe off any other crap with a towel and the sand and grit that doesn't wash away can be taken off with an industrial brush. Then obviously let the spark plugs dry out for an hour.
Sean
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 4:20:37 PM
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sir_nasty
Posts: 6309
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<Begin Debate>
So I've pressure washed a fair amount of car engines from all differnet years and never had a problem with the spark plugs. The only issue I ever ran into was some water in the distributor cap. I say cover the Distributor and You're good to go... That's my experience... Never had any issues with spark plugs...
<End Debate>
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/13/2006 10:31:39 PM
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emaxxman
Posts: 45
Joined: 4/4/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: s_mackenzie10
Unless you have earlier model Accords ('96 or earlier), you have nothing to worry about. Most car engines before '96 or '97 aren't made to be washed with a pressure washer or really any kind of hose. Nothing serious will happen, but your spark plugs will definitely get wet which will make your car stall out most likely. Let them dry and you're good to go.
My advice is to just use a regular garden hose (no nozzle) and lightly spray down the engine. Wipe off any other crap with a towel and the sand and grit that doesn't wash away can be taken off with an industrial brush. Then obviously let the spark plugs dry out for an hour.
Sean
I have a 1998 EX-L sedan. What's the difference between the 98 and 97 that would be a concern?
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98 Accord Sedan EX-L 4 cyclinder
142,000 miles and counting
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RE: Cleaning/washing engine compartment - 3/18/2006 6:04:05 AM
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marbro
Posts: 1478
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I believe he was refering to pre 96/97 cars. But I would think he was talking about how well protected the engine bay is from water, seals and so on.
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