Do you hose down the Engine

from the hood side after driving in sand? Is it safe? Should the engine be running or off?
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I noticed some electrical connectors are not completely sealed and the pins are exposed if you look from the back of the connector. I am afraid if water splashes the connector, adjacent pins will short out.

 

I wash my engine while its off and with hose pressure, I wouldn't use a pressure washer.

I thought all of the connectors were suposed to be sealed, especially in the engine bay.

 

off is fine and it wont hurt anything, jus dont get close to wires,sensors and relays, etc.

 

Engine should be off, and don't use the full power of the pressure washer. I back off a few feet when i wash mine. if you have and exposed Air cleaner, aftermarket, cover it with a bag before you start. Drive it on the highway after that, and it will make all the water evaporate quickly.

 

rcbs204 how did you get my moms pic as you avitar?

 

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I have hosed off (and pressure washed) my various engines for years with no problems.

FWIW, I do it every time I wash the vehicle and my engines have always been spotless. ...

Oh, forgot, had to dry out the distributor cap on a 1965 GTO once ... that was my only problem ever.

Just use some common sense "where" and "how fast" you shoot that water in the engine bay.
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I use the Simple Green , let it set for 10 min or so, then run the hose over.
Ill. Use a rag to scrub mud off.
I do cover the exposed electrical connections, especially the area on the firewall on the driver side.

 

X2

 

I wash down the whole engine and bay every time I hit the car wash.

 

Yep, I spray mine w/ a degreaser, let it dwell for a few minutes, then hit it w/ a soft bristled brush before rinsing w/ water. Turn the truck on for a few minutes to help dry things out, then spray w/ CD2 engine detailer.

 

We all have you mom's picture ..... .

 

Thats the area I see exposed pins inside the connectors. Maybe I will use some type of electrical tape that cantake the heat? or do they have something better?
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I can't believe Toyota is not using better pin insulating connectors?!?

 

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S.B. If you want to keep her long time no hose under hood!!! Not all connectors are sealed. My 99 taco 4x4 had connector brake downs at 9y o. Dealer serv. mag. told me no hose and no deep water he told me if you must clean it PAY FOR STEAM no hose..... Jim

 

Well, dam. I thought the connectors should be sealed. You know what they say about assuming. But I do like mud pits.

 

Steam only she will thank you for it in the long run!!!! I found out the hard way. River Rat

 

I use a pressure washer but never stick the nozzle down into the engine compartment. With a nice fan you don't run too much risk of pushing water into stuff or blowing out gaskets and its not a lot of water volume. Cleans all the dust off but doesn't power off paint etc.