Cleaning engine at car wash

[Michael Hughes]

Does anyone have any comments on cleaning the engine when it is warm/hot at a car wash? I have done this with gas engines, but this is my first diesel and I don't want to do anything to it that I shouldn't.

Thanks for any comments.

 

[highland]

The turbo housing can be extremely hot. You might risk cracking if you hit it with water. I try to do it at home when it has cooled down for at least 30 minutes or more.

 

[BIG BOB]

While you are at home with the motor cool, spray "Simple Green" on everything you want cleaned under the hood, let it soak for about 5 minutes then spray off with a garden hose. It will clean up your engine compartment really good!

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[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 12-21-2000). ]

 

[mikel]

I'll agree with the do it at home crowd. Simple Green works well, and I don't think that a home water hose will have the pressure behind it to push water past seals and into places that you don't really want water to get.

Mike

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'99 QC 2500 SLT Driftwood 2wd SB 24v Auto 3. 55 LSD
ISSPRO pyrometer, Walker 21468

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Howdy Agg's!

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Anybody got any advice on where not to get wet when doing this. When my Pontiac was new, I ended up killing something in the smog control system. Got a check engine light, they repaired for free. There is a lot of wiring on these new trucks. I would like to wash mine off too, but am just a little afraid of creating a problem. Any advice from you old time engine washers?

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH, DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 1749 miles as of 11-25-00. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

[Chad Sheets]

Altenators. Do not get them wet. You can ruin them. if you want to go the long detailed route, spray it down with WD40 and let it soak. Get some old towels and start rubbing. Its time consuming, and dirty, but the end result is amazing. Take it for a drive after youre all done to air it out and burn off any that got left behind.

I use to do this all the time to a 4. 3 liter turbo charged truck, about once every month. The exhaust manifold never ever got that nasty rust look on it. Hope this helps.

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Always ready to help!
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[Terry]

Whatever you do don't hit a hot injection pump with cold water. I haven't tryed this on an ISB but I've had to repair a few 7. 3 Fords that were killed this way.

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99' 2500 SLT, Quadcab, Long Bed, 4x4, White/Driftwood, Agate Leather, 4WAL, Auto, 241HD, 3. 54 Limited Slip, Rancho 9000's, Air Lift Super Duty's, Hallmark Cachara LTD 9. 5ft Popup Camper, Boston Whaler Outrage 17'

[This message has been edited by Terry (edited 12-21-2000). ]

[This message has been edited by Terry (edited 12-21-2000). ]

 

[C1B1DIESEL]

I work in a cummins shop. We pressure wash every engine we work on, hot or cold.
no problems have been created except for the following.
Mechanical engines, water can get in to water in fuel sender wire. (WIF) Causes lite to come on untill dried out.

Canada Made with day time running lites, Mounted on left fender toward fire wall. Can get water in them and head lites will stay on.

 

[Motorhead]

Michael, I stay away from the alternator and starter with direct hard spray. Also stay completely away from the master cylinder as moisture destroys brake hydralic systems. Castrol Super Clean works great, but with all cleaners, stay away from the exterior paint. Chris