Silly question but can you power wash under the hood

[MikeN]

AS the header says,

under my hood my motor is dirty as hell with dust from the dirt roads near my house, can I power wash the shit out of this? or will this cause issues?

 

[ExplorerTom]

I wash mine several times a year.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Expect misfires if you power wash anywhere near the plug wells.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Yes you can, as long as you are careful about not using high pressure around any electrical connections/wiring harnesses..

Just make sure the engine is cold, and focus the spray on the grungy area only, like the engine block, exhaust headers etc...

I do this about every 10K miles or so (on all 5 vehicles) nottaproblemo, keeps 'em lookin real goooood !

 

[Savannah Dan]

I don't use anything stronger than the garden hose with spray On a cold engine, I spray the whole area with Dow scrubbing bubbles, wait 10 minutes, spray down again, wait a few minutes then spray off with the hose. Engine stays looking new with 150k plus miles.

 

[The Sandlapper]

Spray everything with purple power (or similar) let it sit, then rinse with garden hose. Should look brand new.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

And just to add that I use the "Mean Green" heavy duty grease cutter from Sam's, works like a charm

 

[Billme]

I use Chrisfix method on YouTube

 

[ExplorerTom]

I use Chrisfix method on YouTube

Hey guys! In this video I’m going to show you how to super clean your engine using soapy wadder!

 

[limeybiker]

Back in the UK I always used a product called GUNK, never use a pressure washer garden hose is sufficient, motorcycles and cars.

 

[Billme]

Yea, but in a spray bottle.. Really need to watch the video

 

[rollinstone]

I use a pressure washer, but I don’t place the high pressure nozzle directly on any specific component. I rather hold it back a little so I’m getting mostly a lighter spray effect. Hard-to-remove stuff I’ll hit it with high pressure making sure I’m not compromising sensitive components. The cleaning products mentioned above help.

 

[Woodwolf]

My oddball approach is spray/soak the engine bay 2/year generously with W40 and let sit for a refreshment or two. I then use a mild degreaser to soak the engine for another refreshment and pressure wash (cold!) engine with medium hot water pressure. Works for me since years and my engine bays look slicker than a monkeys' east end running west

 

[BlackBetty]

I use Turtle Wax Tire Cleaner/ Shine. Spray it on. Let it sit to break down gunk for about 5min, or so. Then use compressed air to blow off dirt/ grime and excess Turtle Wax product. Leaves a low clean sheen on the engine bay components.

No chance of getting water on anything using this method.