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Old 10-18-2009, 08:11 PM
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Default Engine Cleaning

I was wanting to steam clean my engine before the weather turn really bad. Has anyone every done this to theirs? Anything I should know or watch out for? Any questions would be a great help.

Last edited by jinxfactory; 10-18-2009 at 10:54 PM. Reason: Bad spelling
Old 10-18-2009, 08:55 PM
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I have not steam cleaned my engine before, but I have covered my CAI and any other important part, and sprayed it with Simple Green and power washed it.

It cleaned up VERY well, and then I got out my air compressor and blew all the water off everything.

I have done this 3 or 4 times now and have had no problems.
Old 10-18-2009, 09:00 PM
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I would think a pressure washer would be hard on the wiring and sensors,I would just use some good engine degreaser and water hose with a nozzle,has always worked good for me.
Old 10-18-2009, 09:03 PM
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x2 on just the water hose, imo i would not use foamy engine bright either, that stuff is notorious for causing more leaks than anything
Old 10-18-2009, 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by DKCherokee
I have not steam cleaned my engine before, but I have covered my CAI and any other important part, and sprayed it with Simple Green and power washed it.

It cleaned up VERY well, and then I got out my air compressor and blew all the water off everything.

I have done this 3 or 4 times now and have had no problems.
I do the exact same thing, never had any problems and it turns out beautiful. I don't aim at underhood fuse boxes or anything like that, but everything including alternator is blasted.
Old 10-18-2009, 09:34 PM
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Im with you 4Doors.

I dont put the pressure washer inches from the electrical wiring or any other important stuff, but I keep it away enough that nothing wont get damaged, and I havent damaged anything yet, and the engine turns out wonderfully after wards.
Old 10-18-2009, 09:44 PM
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Right on. Thank I'll try this out. My old man said to do the engine degreaser and a hose, but my luck I would drown something or another.....
Old 10-18-2009, 09:51 PM
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any of you guys recomend covering the alternator and other "important" electrical items when just using a hose?
Old 10-18-2009, 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Tankerblade
any of you guys recomend covering the alternator and other "important" electrical items when just using a hose?
Do you have a quick rundown on those "other important parts"? Those are the ones I probably need to know about.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:24 PM
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Alternator
Distributor
Battery
Fuse box
Aftermarket intake filter (if applicable)


Also, don't spray the water on a high pressure. Try the "mist" setting. Simpe Green works wonders also.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:27 PM
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X2 on simple green and your garden hose.Used it on my dirt bikes and cars for years.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:31 PM
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If you have a Costco card they have this stuff called Oileater it works just as good as Simplegreen.
Old 10-18-2009, 10:33 PM
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I aint had any problems with just the pressure washer. Spray mine off a couple times a year for the dirt/mud/oil buildup and dont have and problems
Old 10-19-2009, 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Tankerblade
any of you guys recomend covering the alternator and other "important" electrical items when just using a hose?
I hit my alternator with the pressure washer, no worries. I figured that if guys put snorkels on their vehicles to cross rivers, the alternator must be ok underwater for a little while.

I always get my engine warm first (warm, not hot), lightly spray it with water, coat it with degreaser of choice several times, then hit it with the pressure washer.

In addition to looking great, it's very helpful for finding the source of drips and leaks since you'll finally be able to see where they're coming from over time.
Old 10-19-2009, 07:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 4Doors
In addition to looking great, it's very helpful for finding the source of drips and leaks since you'll finally be able to see where they're coming from over time.
This is another big reason that I want to do this.
Thanks.


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