Hi everbody...

I want to know if I can wash my engine in Honda civic hybrid 2006 ?

It is safe like washing other gasoline cars...

 

There was a thread just created recently on this subject:

http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25596

Jess

 

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

 

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.

 

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!!

 

A FYI, water in the form of rain, snow, fog, humidity, and water puddles breach the engine compartment almost daily. look in from the wheel wells, there are holes that water ( and dirt and mud ) can enter the engine compartment. It get sucked in from the radiator. All critical connections have conductive grease to protect them from the elements - ( even the light bulbs have the grease on them. ).

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.

 

I think the weight reduction of those items would be offset by increase in drag. The rest sounds completely over-the-top as well, but to each their own

 

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.

 

This is a useful post as I can relate. I agree that the wheel wells should be cleaned periodically, followed by the other engine-related auto parts. Thanks for the info.