What should I do to prepare my engine for a pressure wash? I'm going to replace my valve cover gasket and once that is done I want to wash the engine. I will probably use a degreaser in addition to water. Anything I need to protect or avoid hitting with the water stream?

 

 

Watched the vid. Lots of good ideas. Thanks.

 

Why not do it before instead of after?

Easier to work on and YOU stay clean.

 

I was thinking the same thing!

 

As far as I'm concerned, I pretty much wasted my money on two cans of Gunk and $5 in quarters at the car wash !!! Takes longer, but you'll get a much better job doing it by hand, plus you'll know your jeep better ! Chrisfix method is no BS !!!

 

I pressure wash my engine everytime i work on it, just stay clear of the computer and the Dizzy, don't use full pressure. i prefer to try and work on my engine when its clean.

 

I pressure wash my engine bays frequently enough.

I pull the cables off the battery to make sure nothing in the system is energized.

I might give everything a quick spray with some degreaser.

I have hot water in the shop, which when combined with a pressure washer works wonders.

That being said, I also don't get too close to anything, just enough to clean. To close and I'll blow through gaskets, cut wiring, etc.

I let it sit overnight, if not for a couple days after to let it 100% dry out.

I've done this at least half a dozen times if not more...no problems to date.

People have problems when they spray down their engine bay at the carwash...when it's still energized and hasn't had sufficient time to be dried out prior to re-energizing.

 

I'll spray my engine bay down with a strong cleaner I pick up from a local detail supply place. I let it sit for a minute or two then start spraying. I'd say I never get the power washer nozzle any closer than 10-12" or so inches from any component on the engine. I also never camp out in any one area to long. If the components are to dirty to clean in this method. Then going at them with a rag and or a brush to knock the grime lose is necessary. To close on the wand or to much in one area can get water where it's not supposed to go.

 

Little not for future!The key for any pressure washer is how it is stored while not in use. Do NOT leave it in a garage. Keep it an area that stays as close to room temperature as possible. There are many small pipes within any pressure washer, and you can never get all the water out of them. The water inside these small pipes will freeze, expanding and breaking the pipes - and you end up with another pressure washer heading to a landfill.

My $58 Walmart pressure washer is still working fine after 13 months, but YMMV - this also seems like a good deal for washing car engine!

 

I am pretty sure I bought mine from Walmart too. Thinking I did not pay $45 like the link but closer to $60. But still gets used maybe 2 times a year and I have had it for about 4. Hasn't failed me yet. I liked that it was small. But it is powerful.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AR-Blue-C...asher/14472572

 

AR's a good power washers. Had my #142 (below) for years. Was the top seller when I bought it on line. My son just bought an AR with the built in dispenser. Not sure what model but he said it's a bear.

 

Never thought that an AR could be used as a "pressure washer", I certainly wouldn't want use it to "clean" my engine, not at spitting distance anyways.
The dispensers on mine are not "built in" (I live in a non-commie state) but I do have different sizes that seem to suit whatever task I'm using for at the time.
I'm afraid that I may have overpaid because I paid more than $60.

 

You could use an "AR" as a pressure washer depending on what or who you wanted to clean out.