engine cleaning

[Joseph L]

i'm planning on using a spray engine cleaner on my wife's '02 ST. this is the kind you spray on then hose off. i use it all the time on my '97 Chevy, and heavy never had a problem getting stuff wet. my question is is there anything i need to be careful around with the water hose.

 

[James FreemanJr]

If you have an open air filter cover this up with a plastic bag or just take it off and cover the TB with a bag, Be careful around the coil pack and alternator. I also take out my battery but it is not a big deal. Just be careful and not let it sit for too long but you should already know most of the basics as you have done this before.

 

[steve twyver]

Get yourself some nitrile latex gloves and use a simple green or similar detergent soaked shop towels - disposable kind. Plan to use a whole roll. Takes only slightly longer, works just as good and you won't screw up your expensive electronics. Pressure cleaning can be costly.

 

[Scott Tanner]

i would try out castrol super clean... does not stink, and IMO, does a better job. be careful with the pressure wand, ad it will be easy to get water in some place it shouldn't . clean a warm engine, so the heat will help it dry quick.

 

[TrainTrac]

I've done this ever since I've owned cars, and never had any problems. On older vehicles, I covered the distributor. On newer ones, you don't really have to cover anything, unless you have an open-element air filter such as a K&N or other oil-based filter on a cold air intake. You don't really need to cover or remove the battery.



A pressure washer is ok, but don't use it on a really high pressure setting. A simple garden hose would probably suffice. Any engine cleaner, or Simple Green type of cleaner will work well.



Afterwards, I usually either go for a drive or use my leaf blower to dry it off and blow any remaining water out of low areas and cracks and crevices.



I then use some type of spray-foam tire shine product to dress up the engine compartment. It works well to shine up all of the rubber hoses and black plastic under the hood. I got this idea from Chris Wells' engine clean-up project published on this site.



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Project linked for your convienience:

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I have always used the pressure washer at the car washes. Leave the engine running. Don't blast right into the alternator. Other than that, I go to town and spray it just about every where..

 

[Gavin Allan]

I have used the pressure spray at car washes too, for years, with no trouble. I shut the engine off, spray lightly at first to cool down the block and exhaust manifolds, then lay my ears back and soap down everything hard. Rinse it all off and take it out on the highway to dry. Never had any problems. I don't cover anything and I don't really avoid anything. I spray the coil, the battery, the fuse box, the intake, alternator-- it all gets sprayed and nothing ever happens.



(You can't do this on older cars, but the newer ones (after '82 or so) all have sealed ignition systems and you will not have any problems.)

 

[EddieS'04]

I do what Gavin does..no probems...be careful of some of the tire shines and silcones...I screwed up a bunch of elec. conections on a '88 5.0L T-Bird...

 

[Gary DiPietroSr]

I just use the presure washer carefully.

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[David Griffith 2]

Hey Gary D??

Did you get that intake from KJ Motoring? Looks good by the way. Oh..and just to stay in the rules: Yea a hose will work just take it easy around the alternator..

 

[Gary DiPietroSr]

Griff5268, it's a Mac from Explorer Express. Gary

 

[Joseph L]

thanks for all the help guys, just wanted to be sure the ST didn't have anything extra to be careful around.