Can you power wash the majority of engines?

Hey,

I've got a 1700psi electric PW. Is it usually safe (pending I cover up the electricals, alternator, air intake and distributor) to blast the engine (semi-warm) with my PW?

I've done it on older vehicles with little problem, I don't want to do this to a customer's car if it will cause major damage.

I'll be using the adjustable wand so it's not the full 1700 psi.:deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse:

 

you probably can but I think its very risky... I just use regular hose and its fine...no need for PW... PSI of water might be forced into areas where you dont want to...

 

While many may say you *can* PW an engine as with any step I take I NEVER take the chance...

Look at it this way, what is pressure washing doing for you? = Saving time... What risk does using a PW pose? = Potential engine damage.... I think you see where I am going.

Least invasive method does not only apply to paint correction.

Again, many will probably tell you it's ok BUT I suppose it really is the overall thought process of the detailer that comes to the surface in this situation

 

I honestly thing pressure washing is safer than a steady stream of water from a hose, due to the fact that a pressure washer is spraying mostly air, not water. Just keep a safe distance from the alternator and any exposed wiring and you should be fine.

Just my .02,

Pete

 

:agree:

 

Engine Compartment Steam / High Pressure Water Cleaning:
High-pressure steam cleaning can force solutions into the engine harness sheath and associated cables, causing unusual problems that would not have occurred otherwise. Once steam is applied to a cold metal surface it condenses and becomes water that may be in a place that it cannot be easily removed from.

To say that a modern engine compartment is water-proof is a little naive; as it normally only experiences very low pressure water that is splashed up from the wheels. Modern vehicle engine harness multi-plugs and related sealing measures are not designed for the discharge velocity and force of typical commercial steam / high pressure water cleaning units. Further, cleaning solutions with the high-pressure discharge can leave conductive and often corrosive residues deep within the harness and cables.

Most engines are rarely so encrusted with automotive residues and dirt that normal, low-pressure degreasing methods fail to provide proper, efficient cleaning. High-pressure engine water / steam cleaning are unnecessary and should be restricted to extreme cleaning jobs, such as commercial trucks, off-road vehicles, etc.

 

My vote is for a steady stream of water from the end of the hose...then coat with a good degreaser or APC and you will get the results you need...its just not worth the risk if the above method will get it just as clean in my opinion

 

:agree: and the ammount and pressure of the H2O is easily controlled by distance.

 

i mean we all know what PW does... it is force pressure on anything it touches.. so water that is force into anything potentially will cause trouble.. thats all i can say...

 

Just did mine today! Cover the electrical boxes and intake with hd foil, spray with Gunk Gel and have at it at the coin-op. Never a problem. The secret, excess in moderation.

Finish off with CD-2.icture:

 

Although it's probably safe to use a PW on modern cars, I won't do it just in case. A while back, my brother flooded his 1990 Toyota Cressida engine with a PW. The result was very expensive. So after that experience, it's a regular hose for me.

 

Just a damp MF and a spray bottle for me. Heck I don't know what all that stuff is. :shrug: I just see the dirt and grease and do what I can. Anywhere my hand will reach I will clean. I am not going to chance a thing :giggle:

 

I woundn't use a power washer... Water pressure in a hose is good enough for me.

 

using just a hose puts more water out than a pressure washer and to be specific a hose puts out anywhere from 3 to 6 gallons per min depending on your setup and the average pressure washer puts out 1 to 3 gallons a min, i have cleaned thousands of engines everything from year 68 to 08 and have never had any problems with it. You just cant sit there and blast things like distributor or coil packs and sparkplugs cover them up and you will be fine.

 

I've done it since the 60's and only had two no starts. That was back in the days of distributors and points and it was easily fixed. It's the only way I'll do a really dirty engine bay but it certainly isn't always needed.

It works for me and I will continue to use this method as required.

 

(Always consider the experience / knowledge level of the reader)

The reason I always err on the side of caution is the advice given is read by neophyte, enthusiast and professional. An experience detailer will appreciate potential problems and know how to avoid them, whereas the inexperienced will not.

I would prefer that any recommendation given results in a positive experience, there could be nothing worse than moisture / electrical problems resulting in a vehicle not working because of something an inexperienced detailer read on DB

 

I agree, very well said.

 

So kind of split down the middle, very interesting. I think I've only used a hose, but the power washer with precautions makes sense. On the hose side, I think I only remember once me or anyone I knew using too much water and making it hard to start.

 

For me I am not a big engine detailer because I don't like to take any chances. But when I do it its only been a hose for me and I still get worried.

 

Two words people-COMMON SENSE. A pressure washer dialed back will actually flow LESS water than most garden hoses. Keep your distance with either method so the water is lightly rinsing the engine. Holding either water suppy within a few feet of electrical parts could be disasterous.