Wash your engine - How to?

[JOdell]

I like reading the stuff Gary puts up here. I have used some of his tips on my truck. I relocated my breather bottle on my '01. I used his tips to do it. -Jason

 

[jwduke]

I have drove mine in the rain, and a little snow. I do understand being careful washing the engine bay, I just dont understand drying it. Are you not going to force moisture into unwanted places with a leaf blower???

 

[rbattelle]

I let mine sit overnight to dry after washing. And I vacuum up any puddles of water when I'm done.



I recommend not spraying your alternator. Managed to blow out the voltage regulator on my wife's Civic by getting the alternator wet while washing the engine.



-Ryan

 

[jwduke]

Ryan, I did that once to a oldsmobile I had. I took the alternator apart, and it had soap in it. Figured thats what done it in.

 

[OHale]

A fellow I worked with years ago gave me a tip that has worked for me.



With a garden hose and standard spary nozzle lightly spray the engine and compartment, just to get it wet. Then sprinkle laundry powder soap over everthing (I think I used Tide. ) Let it sit overnight. Wash off with a garden hose.



I did this years ago on a car I was selling. I had wanted to spruce up the engine compartment. It did a great job.

 

[jwduke]

Sounds like a good idea, Tide will cut grease!

 

[OHale]

Sounds like a good idea, Tide will cut grease!

I had oil smears and light grease. There was also that road grime inside the engine compartment.



I don't know how well it would do with heavy oil/grease but it is so simple and harmless it might be worth a try.