Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
#2
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
There was a thread just created recently on this subject:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25596
Jess
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25596
Jess
#3
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
I'd put engine bay detailing at the end of the chore list though, it's purely cosmetic. That's an area that stays warm and dry, doesn't get flung up grit. Years down the road it may look a little grubby, but will be sound, rust-free.
Thorough, periodic cleaning of the wheel wells should be priority, imho. Also, for low hanging fruit: door and trunk lower edges, rocker panels, etcetera. Also, anywhere things bolt on: door edge gaurds, mud flaps, emblems, and so on. Just look at older Hondas, see where they're rusting out. Here's a link to something I wrote on wheel well cleaning:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29221
Thorough, periodic cleaning of the wheel wells should be priority, imho. Also, for low hanging fruit: door and trunk lower edges, rocker panels, etcetera. Also, anywhere things bolt on: door edge gaurds, mud flaps, emblems, and so on. Just look at older Hondas, see where they're rusting out. Here's a link to something I wrote on wheel well cleaning:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29221
Last edited by Mendel Leisk; 02-21-2010 at 08:32 AM.
#4
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
There is no reason that plain water to wash the engine would harm it.
I removed the plastic air shield under the engine before cleaning it. It is not there to keep water out, but to make the underside more aerodynamic.
I cleaned mine just before the oil changes - it stays looking new under the hood - I did dry off the black plastic with some towels when I finished.
I removed the plastic air shield under the engine before cleaning it. It is not there to keep water out, but to make the underside more aerodynamic.
I cleaned mine just before the oil changes - it stays looking new under the hood - I did dry off the black plastic with some towels when I finished.
#5
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
Here is what I was told when I asked a similar question before:
Typically cleaning the engine with water or a sprayer/hose is not recommended on almost any modern car, due to the electronics, sensors and electrical wires running to and from the engine. Although professionals may be able to do it smartly and safely, I would think twice against hosing it down without putting some thought behind it. Your fuses, sensors, wires and electrical system may not take kindly to water, and you could end up with electrical issues or worse.
Just a word of caution.
Now go clean that dirty engine!! Yeah!!
Typically cleaning the engine with water or a sprayer/hose is not recommended on almost any modern car, due to the electronics, sensors and electrical wires running to and from the engine. Although professionals may be able to do it smartly and safely, I would think twice against hosing it down without putting some thought behind it. Your fuses, sensors, wires and electrical system may not take kindly to water, and you could end up with electrical issues or worse.
Just a word of caution.
Now go clean that dirty engine!! Yeah!!
#6
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
Here is what I was told when I asked a similar question before:
Typically cleaning the engine with water or a sprayer/hose is not recommended on almost any modern car, due to the electronics, sensors and electrical wires running to and from the engine. Although professionals may be able to do it smartly and safely, I would think twice against hosing it down without putting some thought behind it. Your fuses, sensors, wires and electrical system may not take kindly to water, and you could end up with electrical issues or worse.
Typically cleaning the engine with water or a sprayer/hose is not recommended on almost any modern car, due to the electronics, sensors and electrical wires running to and from the engine. Although professionals may be able to do it smartly and safely, I would think twice against hosing it down without putting some thought behind it. Your fuses, sensors, wires and electrical system may not take kindly to water, and you could end up with electrical issues or worse.
I would agree that 500 lb per square inch (or greater) pressure washing is a bad idea, but a regular garden hose will not damage anything that would not fail going down the road. ( this assumes you are not so dumb as to put the hose in the air intake with the motor running ).
There is a 07 Civic Hybrid in NW Arkansas that the owner has weight reduced by removing all the plastic under the vehicle ( including the wheel wheel stuff and mud flaps) , the spare tire and jack ( everything in the trunk ) the passenger seat, and rear seat all the carpeting ( except the drivers ). I would guess over 1000 lbs of stuff so that he could average over 60 mpg. His engine compartment gets soaked every time it rains or snows and he has not had any problems that were wetness related. ( he has had issues because failed to yield to a deer at 60 mph on the interstate - it did some damage - radiator and battery were totaled and so was his windshield and right front tire.
I washed my 07 Hybrid engine 4 times in the year and half I owned it. Never had a problem.
You mileage may vary.
#7
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
the owner has weight reduced by removing all the plastic under the vehicle
#8
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
To clean your engine- don't spray it. Get some good quality hand-sprayed engine degreaser and cleaner- and a bunch of rags. Spray the rags and wipe down where it is dirty. This is the best way to clean an engine- if you need to do it.
#9
Re: Is it safe to wash your car engine in HCH II
I'd put engine bay detailing at the end of the chore list though, it's purely cosmetic. That's an area that stays warm and dry, doesn't get flung up grit. Years down the road it may look a little grubby, but will be sound, rust-free.
Thorough, periodic cleaning of the wheel wells should be priority, imho. Also, for low hanging fruit: door and trunk lower edges, rocker panels, etcetera. Also, anywhere things bolt on: door edge gaurds, mud flaps, emblems, and so on. Just look at older Hondas, see where they're rusting out. Here's a link to something I wrote on wheel well cleaning:
Thorough, periodic cleaning of the wheel wells should be priority, imho. Also, for low hanging fruit: door and trunk lower edges, rocker panels, etcetera. Also, anywhere things bolt on: door edge gaurds, mud flaps, emblems, and so on. Just look at older Hondas, see where they're rusting out. Here's a link to something I wrote on wheel well cleaning:
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