I was at a clean your car by yourself kind of carwash last weekend and a guy pulled up in a maxima, opened the hood, washed the whole engine with soap and water and rinsed everything off with a pressure hose....is that safe? don't you have to cover up the cables or something? my engine's really dirty but i'm afraid to just wash it.

 

I'd just worry about covering your alternator and air filter if it's exposed.

 

I never cover anything. If I had a CAI thats the only thing I would worry about. I worked at a detailed shop for about a year washing all sorts of cars and engines and never had any problems with alternators or cables. Only the distributor cap, but you don't have one.

 

I would not use any high pressure water...not even from your garden hose. I'll spray a de-greaser on, wait a few minutes and then use a gentle spray to wash it off. I've never had any problems doing it this way.

 

I wouldn't drive to a car wash, pop hood, and start spraying cool water on a hot engine. I'm kinda funny that way.
I wash mine at home with only pressure from garden hose while the engine is cool. First wash was with engine cleaner/degreaser. After that initial wash, keeping it clean is very easy, and negates the need for me to use any strong cleaners or high pressure. I hose the entire engine without covering, but avoid spraying quantities of water around the alternator, compressor, etc... I have also really cleaned the underside of the hood while I was at it. Wipe up excess water with a towel, start engine and let idle to speed drying (or go for a spin). Finish drying water that may seep out, and dress the rubber and plastics under the hood.

Dave

 

You do not have to cover anything up. Spray the degreaser on, let it sit for a min and spray it off. You should use some kind of pressure when washing the degreaser off. Leave the car running while you do this and after you are done.

 

cool...thanks guys, now i have something to do for the weekend

 

so it's best to clean with the engine running or off?

 

I would only wash my engine after it has thoroughly cooled.

 

Off. But I start it right after I'm done to help it dry.

 

Leave it running.

 

I used Simple Green automotive, used a small brush to get at the nooks and crannies, and finished it off with Mothers dressing. I covered my JWT filter and used low water pressure to rinse.

 

Well there is a good page done by 3m on detailing and engine bay detailing steps. So, check out the page and see

 

when I detail cars we spray on degreaser or some all purpose and then power wash it off, of course we dont spray any wires or anything that could be damage by the power washer, we wash that off with a smaller power washer or a regular house if the water pressure is good enough.

 

i have nvr used any cleaners and i spay my engine everytime i wash the car. i cover up my intake filter(i put a walmart bag on it )
i use he presure from the garden hose and i have sprayed it while it was hot(the intake manifold starts steaming ) i have had no probs

 

So leave the engine running or not?

 

off