I am getting ready to wash and clean my engine bay for the first time, was just curious if any of you have any advice or do I need to be extra careful of anything. I have never had any issues to date cleaning an engine, but have also never cleaned one that had a splash guard on the bottom.
Washing Engine Bay
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YEAH,DON'T...With all the electronics and wiring in these vehicles, your asking for trouble..If dirty, just wipe with a clean soft rag...
You sound like the 80-year-old Scotty from the Youtube videos.
Its okay, just don't use a pressure washer.
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the first time I washed the engine in my 09 focus it killed the coil for cylinder #3, no high pressure or close contact with hose, the cover under the engine does a good job of keeping the escape engine bay clean.
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Scotty isn't 80 years old ,, mid 60's..and he knows what he's talking about...Yeah, cars before computer controls, 70's on back had lots of room and air, a distributor, coil, alternator, starter, and battery...but today everything is crammed together like spaghetti where moisture can be trapped and work into sensors and connectors an cause corrosion later on.. Why chance it.. I'd rather wash and wax the outside and under carriage a few times a year...
I’m not saying drench your engine bay. As long as you are careful and do it quickly you’ll be fine. Chrisfix does it here
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I like his Dry cleaning with a brush and vacuum cleaner and the detailing after, but not when he applies the hose even with the plastic bag covering the engine...To each his own.. Do not try this at home...😰😰😰
This had made for some interesting reading. I have always used a pressure washer (kept the head at least 2' away) on the hood and around the edges of the engine bay. Also sprayed lightly over the engine, but I did cover the alternator. After spraying on soap with a spray bottle and agitating with brushes I would rinse it off and then blow dry with an air cannon. Have never had an issue. But this is my first auto with a splash guard so not sure if things are more prone to water infiltration.
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If you have the org. fiber board engine shield, I would remove it first, as its prone to absorb water..
Judging from some of these responses re the compactness and sensitivity of electronics in newer engines, I wonder if cleaning under the hood is worth the risks. Yes, in years past, probably due in part to some OCD, I have cleaned the engine and enjoyed looking at it. But it really doesn't make the vehicle run better. Maybe I'm just getting old. Enjoy.
If I buy a car new the engine bay is obviously clean and if I buy a used car from a dealer the car normally has been detailed and the engine bay is clean anyway.
In either case from the get go I just use a dedicated dry microfiber towel to wipe down all the engine areas I can get to which virtually just removes dust normally every time I wash the car and my engine is always clean due to this. I would never use a pressure washer, a hose or even a damp cloth.
In either case from the get go I just use a dedicated dry microfiber towel to wipe down all the engine areas I can get to which virtually just removes dust normally every time I wash the car and my engine is always clean due to this. I would never use a pressure washer, a hose or even a damp cloth.
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everything under the hood was designed to be water resistant so low pressure spray is not generally a danger.
To an extent, yes, though I would still err on the side of caution WRT the alternator.
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How come they dont start the engine afterwards???...
That is in the next video where they demonstrate how to dry out the electrics, intake etc. of a wet engine that refuses to start. 😅
See? Everyone put water, albeit minimal, in the engine bay with no problem. We are way to cautious with the engine.
In the end, it's your car and you do what you want, but the general consensus is that it is safe to wash down an engine bay.
I think it is safe enough if you take certain precautions as already mentioned. Not so much with older vehicles that have many of the electrics etc. exposed.
Modern engines seem to have shields or covers over just about everything.
canadiangearhead.com
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Modern engines seem to have shields or covers over just about everything.
Is It Safe To Spray Your Engine Bay With Water?
On the majority of modern cars, it is totally safe to spray your engine bay with water. Today's vehicles have covered air boxes and weather-proof wiring
canadiangearhead.com
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Does this apply for Hybrid / PHEV engines that have high voltage components under the hood?
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