Probably a dumb question but my engine bay is getting pretty dusty so I'm wanting to wash it. What do I need to watch out for before I go and mess stuff up?

 

a gentle spray of water, and soapy bucket and rag work for me. do not direct spray on electric bits like the distributor, or relay panel, or coil packs if applicable. if oily, an engine degreaser maybe used. do not soak the hood insulation blanket if equipped, as the weight of the water on the blanket may cause it to sag.


The engine bay is fairly water resistant, but directed powerful spray at the electric stuff should be avoided. incidentally wetness should not be a problem

scrubadub!

 

Just to add to what's posted above, I like to use a garden wand with a gentle spray head like this. I'll use a piece of aluminum foil to cover the brake fluid reservoir and the oil and trans dipstick tubes to keep water out. I've never covered the distributor and have sprayed it directly with no problems, though your mileage may vary. What I like to do is vacuum up the water with a shop vac, especially the electrical connections or places where water will pool (intake manifold, A/C compressor bracket). Don't get too fussy about it since the mechanical fan will suck water from the radiator fins and spray it everywhere when you start it up the first time. Take it for a good drive afterwards to dry everything out.

 

Personally I wouldn't bother to wash an engine bay....Make sure your TPS does not get any moisture. It notoriously doesn't like that.

 

An annual springtime engine bay wash if you live in salt country will do wonders for longevity.

 

You can wash the car engine yourself or at a car wash. For self-cleaning, it is recommended to use special means for washing the engine. Chemistry for washing the engine is sold in specialized stores. But to avoid irreversible damage to the engine, it is better to entrust its washing to specialists https://sparklewash.com/centralindiana/. The engine can be washed with a high-pressure cleaner in professional car washes. And by the way, experienced professionals recommend performing a high-quality car engine wash at least once a year.

 

Oil and such help prevent corrosion. Water alone will wash away any salt. And I have never worked on a vehicle that was cleaned to the point where I didnt get my hands dirty anyways.

 

Yes, don't wash your engine bay, lube it up. That's what I do. A can of WD40 and a microfiber towel, spray her down and get to wipin'.

Blasting an iron engine block with water never ends well.

 

Another dead thread resurrected. Hint - change your forum settings to turn off the infinite scroll. It's too easy to be scrolling down and end up on a completely different thread.

As for washing, just make sure you cover the throttle position sensor as they tend to die when they get wet or exposed to solvents. No pressure washing either.

 

Thank the noob, and their 1st post on this forum.

 

Why does everyone get so wound up when a "dead thread" is resurrected? It's often still valuable information to someone. As long as you're not expecting a reply from the OP! LOL

 

Because this is a discussion forum, people shouldn't discuss.

 

Yeah. The guys at those specialists shop have a long list of qualifications. Just look at their diplomas hanging on the wall.

Seriously, this procedure is nothing that can't be done by the average guy/gal using the precautions outlined above regarding electronic components.