Is it ok to wash the engine bay?
#1
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Model: Cherokee
Is it ok to wash the engine bay?
Do I have to protect/remove anything before I powerwash my engine bay? I know these things can be submerged in water but this is on my 01, which I dont really hardcore offroad with. Thanks
#3
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6 4.0L
I just washed my engine bay about 30 min ago. I wouldnt power wash it, but i would go down to your local parts store and get a degreaser and use a regular hose it worked pretty good for mine. Just make sure your engine cools off before using. Make sure you dont get your distributer soaking wet or your fuel injectors soaking wet. I used a 3in1 engine degreaser it was an orange can that i got 4 around 4 bucks, if you get like 1 or 2 cans you should be good.
#5
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L (242 cid) I-6
I've used engine degreaser and a power washer to clean it. Mine fired right up about ten to fifteen minutes later when I went to start it. I've also cleaned my engine bay with degreaser and then a regular hose. I think it's fine either way you go, just make sure you don't soak electrical components.
#6
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You should cover your distributor and coil, and DONT use a pressure washer. NO NEED! Completely overkill and it could put water into places it shouldnt be. Dont completely SOAK anything. Keep the water to a minimum and keep it moving. Use The Pink Stuff and a garden hose and you should be all set. Might need some scrubbing if there is oil caked on in places, or a couple go-rounds, but The Pink Stuff and a hose should do a fine job.
#7
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I power wash mine after every mud adventure or before i work on it, so 5 or 6 times a year. never had a problem just dont spray directly on the distributer. I hate oily or dirty engine compartments!!
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#8
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Has anyone ever used CD-2? It's an engine dressing NOT a cleaner. Spray on ur entire engine compartment after u degrease it, makes it look brand new!! Also conditions the rubber on hoses and such. Definitely a must use.
#9
Hmmm, funny, I do mine once a month and it starts right up every time. Sounds like you may need a mechanic to look at your jeep. Maybe loose wiring or something when the water hits it.
#11
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Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L
Im also not an idiot and dont spray right into the distributor, main wire harness plugs, or the alternator. usually just wet everything, degrease, let it sit for 20 min or so, then rinse off with LOW pressure.
if you cant wash an engine bay, then you are doing it wrong.
#12
I just washed my engine bay about 30 min ago. I wouldnt power wash it, but i would go down to your local parts store and get a degreaser and use a regular hose it worked pretty good for mine. Just make sure your engine cools off before using. Make sure you dont get your distributer soaking wet or your fuel injectors soaking wet. I used a 3in1 engine degreaser it was an orange can that i got 4 around 4 bucks, if you get like 1 or 2 cans you should be good.
#13
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Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L
I usually use a water-based dressing, the same stuff I use on interiors and tires (car tires). I usually get meguiars hyper-dressing by the gallon and dillute it accordingly.
some people like to use tire shine, but again I think thats way too sticky and attracts everything to it.
#14
every vehicle I have ever owned, I have routinely washed the engine bay, never covered ANYTHING either. Never have had a single problem.
Im also not an idiot and dont spray right into the distributor, main wire harness plugs, or the alternator. usually just wet everything, degrease, let it sit for 20 min or so, then rinse off with LOW pressure.
if you cant wash an engine bay, then you are doing it wrong.
Im also not an idiot and dont spray right into the distributor, main wire harness plugs, or the alternator. usually just wet everything, degrease, let it sit for 20 min or so, then rinse off with LOW pressure.
if you cant wash an engine bay, then you are doing it wrong.
Actually, you really don't even need a pressure washer. The right cleaner will do. I actually use this stuff called Awesome. It's a concentrated cleaner. Rips the mud right off of everything. Then I use aluminum wheel cleaner on the intake, water pump and any aluminum housings or brackets. Let it all sit for about 5-10 minutes and just hit it with the hose. I use it on the "cone" setting not the full blast. Just being careful around the electrical especially the computer. I also wouldn't use the powerwasher on the radiator and condensor because the fins are soft. you bent them then you cut down your airflow. Once it's all clean, I use a Matte finish tire shine lightly on the rubber parts. but that's only if it's in a car show.
#15
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Model: Cherokee
I was debating getting the "shine" but its a jeep, it doesnt need shine, but I dont like a neglected engine compartment, so I bought the heavy duty cleaner, also I dont have a distributor, I guess they put coil packs in the later model I6's