powerwash engine bay

**richir rich** · 03-05-2010, 07:10 AM

is it safe to power wash my engine bay after I degrease it?

**Smittro** · 03-05-2010, 07:23 AM

Use your disgression.. I've done it tho many times...

**Spaz** · 03-05-2010, 07:28 AM

i wouldn't...

**BlackTAWS6** · 03-05-2010, 07:39 AM

keep the nozzle far from parts and should be fine. Just dont blast into your intake also. Most pressure washers seem to use less water to get the job done anyways. Rule of thumb, if you can't hold your hand in front of the nozzle without it botherin ya, then its probably too close for the parts, too. Also, watch any decals or taped items, the pressure might pull those off a bit more.

**richir rich** · 03-05-2010, 07:42 AM

is there another way to clean the engine?

**Smittro** · 03-05-2010, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by richir rich

is there another way to clean the engine?

Yup, elbow grease, degreeser, and some blood ...

**richir rich** · 03-05-2010, 07:52 AM

i was afraid that was the answer.

**Smittro** · 03-05-2010, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by richir rich

i was afraid that was the answer.

Yeah but once it's done you should be good for a long while if you keep after it here and there..

**richir rich** · 03-05-2010, 07:55 AM

one more thing, how often should i replace the shocks?

**BlackTAWS6** · 03-05-2010, 07:56 AM

just get you a water hose with a nozzle on it, small bucket with water and degresser in it, wash mit, and some brushes. Spray down the COLD engine then wash/scrub it. Just did mine yesterday.

After your first real good cleaning, just do quick cleanings every other wash or so.

**Smittro** · 03-05-2010, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by richir rich

one more thing, how often should i replace the shocks?

Depends on type you deside on using.. If stock I'd subtract 10-20K from the owners manuals suggested interval..

**richir rich** · 03-05-2010, 08:03 AM

thanx!

**jerri311** · 03-05-2010, 08:32 AM

I wouldn't spray it with a pressure wash. just use a hose.

**Firebirdjones** · 03-05-2010, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by jerri311

I wouldn't spray it with a pressure wash. just use a hose.

That was my thought too. Pressure washer is a bit too harsh. A simple garden hose would do the job.

I use simple green, let it soak, and a light rinse has everything looking new again. I've never had to scrub anything or blast it with pressure.

**Sas** · 03-05-2010, 08:55 AM

Used a hose with my finger as a high pressure nozzle yesterday and it worked great, after some simple green and lots of scrubbing.

**sjsingle1** · 03-05-2010, 01:05 PM

i use the car wash pressure hose............but i dont stick it right in there........and SIMPLE GREEN and aluminum dont mix.......i use the cheap foamy engine brite stuff from wally world.......and stock stocks dont last more than 20k IMO

**Firebirdjones** · 03-05-2010, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

.....and SIMPLE GREEN and aluminum dont mix.......

Where in the world did you hear that?? I've used it for years without a hickup. Removes mild oxidation even. Makes 10 year old aluminum look brand spankin' new and shiny.
It's eko friendly and biodegradable, can't imagine anything like that harsh enough to hurt metal, even soft metal. I know you can spray it all over your paint and it won't hurt that either. Which makes it nice while doing the engine compartment, cleans the inner fenders while your at it.

**sjsingle1** · 03-05-2010, 09:45 PM

everytime i accidently use it on alum.......it makes it look like crap.....i like SG.......but not on alum

**Sas** · 03-06-2010, 07:09 AM

Originally Posted by sjsingle1

everytime i accidently use it on alum.......it makes it look like crap.....i like SG.......but not on alum

Are you watering it down first?

**gnomee** · 03-06-2010, 07:38 AM

I always use the rinse not the soap and shoot the engine bay then go back over it with spot free rinse.

Once the engine is real dirty, elbo grease is about the onlything to do. I do this everytime I wash my cars from the day I get them and the engine bay just stays clean.