If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Engine wash
Hi all,
I recently bought a 1991 Honda Accord. Last week, I took it to this self-service car wash station where I had an option to wash the engine of the car. But, I did not try the engine wash thinking it might cause some damage. Is washing the engine good for the car? Is it okey if someone like me, who does not know much about cars do the engine wash? If yes, how do I do it? Just lift the hood and spray the water on everything underneath? Thanks Fijoy |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Fijoy George wrote:
> Hi all, > > I recently bought a 1991 Honda Accord. Last week, I took it to this > self-service car wash station where I had an option to wash the engine of > the car. But, I did not try the engine wash thinking it might cause some > damage. > > Is washing the engine good for the car? Is it okey if someone like me, who > does not know much about cars do the engine wash? If yes, how do I do it? > Just lift the hood and spray the water on everything underneath? > > Thanks > Fijoy > > the up side of cleaning the engine is that * it looks pretty and, * can be easier to work on in the event you have major overhaul work to do. the down side of using a high pressure jet is: * that it can force water into the hydraulic systems - very very bad. * it removes any oily "protection" layer that can prevent corrosion [otherwise known as a minor oil leak] * it can force water into the ignition system * it can force water & grit into oil seals, * it can force water into the clutch mechanism, * it can clean /wanted/ lubes out of mechanisms that are supposed to have it like the throttle body & control cables, etc. some consider it the mark of a "good" mechanic to keep the engine bay clean. [my bay is clean too, but not because i pressure wash it.] personally, i like to see the bay of any used car i buy dirty because it shows it's not been messed with and i /know/ the hydraulics are much less likely to be problematic. if you still want to clean it, use a detergent like gunk, apply with a brush, and hose it off with a low pressure stream of water only. if there's still dirt, re-apply the gunk & repeat. keep water away from the hydraulic reservoirs. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
In article >, "Fijoy George"
> wrote: > Hi all, > > I recently bought a 1991 Honda Accord. Last week, I took it to this > self-service car wash station where I had an option to wash the engine of > the car. But, I did not try the engine wash thinking it might cause some > damage. > > Is washing the engine good for the car? Is it okey if someone like me, who > does not know much about cars do the engine wash? If yes, how do I do it? > Just lift the hood and spray the water on everything underneath? > > Thanks > Fijoy Fijoy, I don't advise you to do it since water can easily get into areas that could cause you to pay a lot of money to repair the damage. For example, water can cause electrical parts to "short out". The best way to clean your engine is to use a rag and some cleaning solution. Clean just the top area of the engine and don't allow any of the cleaning solution to come into contact with any electrical parts. -- NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice. We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Don't do it. Pretty doesn't mean reliable. This applies to a lot more
than cars. Had an '84 GM that I washed 3 times with high pressure. Looked nice. Lost various sensors every time. $100+ a pop, way back then. I think the newer cars will suffer less damage in general, but you are taking a chance. If you decide to do it, use a non-corrosive cleaner like Simple Green. Wet the engine bay down with a hand held hose. Spray the Simple Green out of the bottle on the surfaces, more on the greasy parts. Get out an old toothbrush and maybe a bigger brush and scrub as needed. The parts that aren't too dirty will come out a lot cleaner even without scrubbing. Spray everything down with the water hose. Repeat the application if needed. No high pressure. Do this with a cold engine only. Never wash a diesel engine by the way, they're too finicky. All while you're doing this, avoid the alternator and exposed relays and fuse boxes as best you can. You may be able to wrap some of this in plastic. Then use a gallon of distilled water and rinse everything down to avoid water spots. Start up the car and drive it a good long while to dry everything out. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
|
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Air filter removal risks severe backfiring. It should not get wet when
using a regular water hose. Would need to replace filter before starting car. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
I have always washed my engines. You have to make sure the distributor
cap is covered though. Plastic bag and tape. Wouldn't hurt to practice removing the cap and wiping the inside dry beforehand. May have to let it sit a bit and dry out from residual engine heat if it doesn't immediately start, so it's best done on a sunny summer day. Or WD40 followed by soapy water for the faint of heart. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks to all who replied. I am not gonna wash the engine.
-Fijoy "Fijoy George" > wrote in message ... > Hi all, > > I recently bought a 1991 Honda Accord. Last week, I took it to this > self-service car wash station where I had an option to wash the engine of > the car. But, I did not try the engine wash thinking it might cause some > damage. > > Is washing the engine good for the car? Is it okey if someone like me, who > does not know much about cars do the engine wash? If yes, how do I do it? > Just lift the hood and spray the water on everything underneath? > > Thanks > Fijoy > |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Misterbeets wrote:
> I have always washed my engines. You have to make sure the distributor > cap is covered though. Plastic bag and tape. Wouldn't hurt to practice > removing the cap and wiping the inside dry beforehand. May have to let > it sit a bit and dry out from residual engine heat if it doesn't > immediately start, so it's best done on a sunny summer day. > > Or WD40 followed by soapy water for the faint of heart. > wd40 can rot your rubbers. be careful with it. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Why you should never buy a car without a tachometer | Ted B. | Driving | 112 | September 19th 05 04:09 AM |
rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6 | Dr. David Zatz | Chrysler | 3 | February 18th 05 05:34 AM |
rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6 | Dr. David Zatz | Chrysler | 4 | February 2nd 05 05:22 AM |
rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6 | Dr. David Zatz | Chrysler | 10 | December 18th 04 05:15 AM |
rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6 | Dr. David Zatz | Chrysler | 10 | October 16th 04 05:28 AM |