How do I wash my engine?

**EANeuspeedBoSS** · 05-03-2008, 02:46 PM

Something F#$K up happen to my TA today. I did my oil change(like always), and everything was fine until I started my car. The rubber hosing around the filter wasn't designed right that when I turned the car on it started to splatter at the bottom of my car. I had to redo the whole oil change. The spill went all over the lower engine.

I've never spray wash the engine before, but I think I should.
What all do I need to cover up when I go to the spray and wash?

PLEASE HELP. Thanx.

**Y2KPewterSS** · 05-03-2008, 03:01 PM

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10810

**EANeuspeedBoSS** · 05-03-2008, 03:16 PM

I want to make sure I'm correct on this...... From that thread. I don't have to cover anything but just set LOW water pressure and DONT concentrate on one spot. Correct?

**BowlingSS** · 05-03-2008, 03:24 PM

I have never pressure washed my engine. I usually just wipe it down. I also use air to blow the dirt/sand off.

Good luck.
Bill

**mark21742** · 05-03-2008, 09:42 PM

I've always just hit mine REALLY quick with the high pressure rinse cycle at the car wash, but I never had the to cleanup that you have. good luck man I feel for you

**kool-aide** · 05-04-2008, 05:58 AM

well i spell bent me over, thanks IE 7 and activeX controls. I had a short post for you but all gone. This one will be short.

I like degreasers, Simple Green and the orange Grease Lightening (this one is cheaper). They are safe for aluminum and work well.

I use a bug sprayer to apply and then let soak just a little bit. Rinse with a garden hose. I'm lazy but feel free to add your own elbow grease.

I used dielectric grease on the connectors that always gave me crap when went, turn signals and the alternator. Why would any one put an alternator connection in that ridiculous place on the 98-02s?

I just think a pressure washer could be a little to harsh. I think the biggest thing is don't use anything that will wear on or break any of the wires or connectors. Other than that have fun.

**0rion** · 05-04-2008, 04:18 PM

I forsee some future knock sensor questions.

If you get water under your intake and it settles on the knock sensors it will kill them. I personally don't use any type of water hose or sprayer on my engine. I use elbow grease, some degreaser, and a boat load of towels. I'll use a toothbrush for the hard to reach spots.

**IronBird** · 05-04-2008, 08:30 PM

I wash mine every other car wash with plain water, with the garden hose nozzle set on medium pressure, keeping the spray moving all the time so's not to soak electrical connects and not long enough to puddle the knock sensors. Greasy spots I hit with spray carb cleaner before I spray. I start it up afterwards to make some drying heat, and turn on the a/c so the fans kick on to blow water away. Been doing it since it was brand spankin' new....with NO problems, and it still as clean as new. Works for me.....

**INMY01TA** · 05-05-2008, 12:30 PM

I cover the PCM with a towel and spray with the garden hose.

**99transamC/FIA** · 05-05-2008, 04:58 PM

q-tips and toothbrushes?
can you say O.C.D.

**mark21742** · 05-06-2008, 05:58 AM

thank God I don't have any oil leaks yet. I could very easily see me out there with q-tips and yes I do already use a toothbrush to clean lots of things... and just try being like me, I suffer from O.C.D. and A.D.D. big time! lol I drive my girlfriend nuts