Safe way to wash engine...

I like to keep a clean engine bay but the other day I was looking at the coils on the engine head and started wondering what would happen if water got in there. I know the coils have a seal and the spark plugs are under the coils but is there any other hole there to let water out if it got in?

 

Wash engine, go for a drive, water turns to steam.

 

Just don't spray water directly into the alternator.

 

Simple Green cut 50/50 with water in a pump pressure applicator.

Cold engine. Let it soak for a minute or so. Rinse with low pressure setting on the garden hose nozzel.



No worries of water intrusion as the engine
compartment is not a sealed environment. It's designed to handle a certain amount of moisture. Just use low pressure.

Do this every couple of months and you get this.

 

Don't wash the engine and you don't have to worry about it

 

I've been reading about doing this for a few weeks. Here are a few things I've read, take them with a grain of salt.

• Spray down with some type of engine degreaser, I saw some people recommend Gunk or Simple Green
• Don't spray electronics or alternator directly
• Keep engine running while rinsing with low pressure, just in case
• Drive it around when done to try and dry it out.

I would also suggest not trying to get it 100% in one shot, do multiple light cleanings.

 

I would recommend guaging which product to use based on how dirty your engine is. I usually just use car wash soap diluted with water in a spray bottle. You have to be careful with some of the degreaser products as they are caustic to aluminum. I also don't like to use the aerosol degreaser as it is solvent based and will make your interior smell like solvent when the hvac is on. A wheel brush with a long handle works well to get some agitation.

something like these

 

That looks real nice !!! Do you any engine dressings or anything besides cleaning it ?

 

Nope. Just clean it every couple of months.

 

I've always just covered the battery, fuse box and alternator with plastic grocery bags and used a hose on light spray to sort of "rain wash" the motor for a few minutes to get all the dirt off after a wheeling trip. Not while the engine is hot, of course. Never had any issues come from it.

 

I put a plastic bag over the alternator, the rest I don't worry about too much. I think last time I used Spray Nine to clean with, and after everything is dry I use Gunk engine shine. The engine shine makes things a lot easier to clean the next time, but it does have a strong smell as it burns off.

 

My 2017 on the left my 2014 on the right......

Simple Green @ 100% let set 20 minutes and hose off.....

 

I have never done it myself but apparently scrubbing bubbles is a great engine cleaner... google it! The results are impressive.

 

Damn that looks sweet ! You don't have any trouble with the simple green "attacking" the aluminum ?

 

Interested in this as well.

 

I always take a kitchen trash bag and cover the alternator before spraying any water in the engine bay.

-RJM

 

Come wash mine please...

 

I never give it a second thought, just take it down to the local spray & wash, lift the hood and go at it. Never had any problems at all.

 

Have yet to have any issues in about 15 years