Washing engine???

Chaad32 · 10-12-2005, 04:56 PM

Is it OK to spray down the WHOLE engine?? I researched the forum before posting and saw where certain people use some of the tire cleaner on the engine but I was wondering specifically if it is OK to wash things like the altinator.....obviously not spraying it directly but even overspray.

**Kronos1965** · 10-12-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaad32

Is it OK to spray down the WHOLE engine?? I researched the forum before posting and saw where certain people use some of the tire cleaner on the engine but I was wondering specifically if it is OK to wash things like the altinator.....obviously not spraying it directly but even overspray.

First thing, disconnect your truck's negative battery cable before working on any engine or electrical system. Another important safety factor is always wear eye protection when working on an engine or using chemical cleaning compounds. The inexpensive price of a good pair of safety goggles is nothing compared to the price of a trip to the emergency room to get your eyes flushed.

First, clean the vents at the base of the windshield using a good sturdy brush, remove any debris or leaves that might obstruct the flow of water down to the base of the firewall. Before running water on your engine, cover any electrical and mechanical components with foil and/or a plastic bag to keep the water out.

If you haven't already, cover the engine's alternator using a plastic bag. Also, cover the distributor cap or coil assembly. A rubber band can be used to help form a water-resistant seal and secure the bag in place. Additionally cover the fuse box and any exposed wiring, take the time to do this right.

Clean around the battery cables, Super Dyno Cleaner is a great choice for this job.

Next, spray your engine with a professional engine cleaner and degreaser such as Red Degreaser. Follow the instructions on the cleaner, depending on how much degreasing your engine needs you may have to leave the cleaner more or less to remove all of the dirt and grime.

After the recommended time has elapsed, hose off the engine with clean water. The spray attachment on your garden hose works great for this. Be sure to rinse your engine well.

Once you've done this, take your truck

for a short drive to warm up the engine and dry the water that has puddled in the low points of the engine, and you're done!

Bayou Titan · 10-12-2005, 07:32 PM

The link below will tell you everything you need to know.

http://www.guidetodetailing.com/arti...p?articleId=25

1bigtexastitan · 10-13-2005, 01:59 AM

Nice link. 303 products are the best. They have excellent UV protectant.

bestatchess · 10-13-2005, 06:19 AM

"If you haven't already, cover the engine's alternator using a plastic bag."

Get down on your back under the truck on the ground near the rear of the passenger side tire and look up to see the alternator way down under the engine. I was wondering about how much water the alternator takes every time you drive in the rain or go through a puddle.

For example:

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/atta...chmentid=16933

Think his alternator got wet?

ptgarcia · 10-13-2005, 08:52 AM

You don't need to cover anything. In the days of carburetors and distributors with points you needed to cover them. With todays equipment there's no worries. Spray what you want to spray.

Simple Green makes a good engine cleaner.

1bigtexastitan · 10-13-2005, 08:58 AM

Yep, it got wet allright. I like to keep my engine clean and the only thing I cover is the fuse box area. In the 20 years I have been driving I have never had a problem.

Tyltan · 10-13-2005, 09:37 AM

I used alluminum foil to cover the electrical parts. It is easier than plastic bag.

Chaad32 · 10-13-2005, 03:50 PM

thanks guys

decypher44 · 10-25-2005, 08:04 AM

Great thread. Thanks!