Keeping Engine Clean

[BigReg9]

I have a question, it might sound silly. To keep dust & dirt from building up on the engine should I use the pressure hose at the local carwash? If so, How should i go about doing that?

[Bayou Titan]

Originally Posted by BigReg9

I have a question, it might sound silly. To keep dust & dirt from building up on the engine should I use the pressure hose at the local carwash? If so, How should i go about doing that?

Click on the link below. I did this and it worked so well that I cleaned my riding lawn mower, string trimmer, and chain saw useing the same method.

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=25

[bbqhog]

BayouTitan's link is sound, however you REALLY need to be careful with a pressure washer under the hood. In my opinion, if you have a relatively new truck, and you clean the engine bay regularly by hand, you will never need to wash with a hose. Water under the hood can lead to all kinds of interesting things happening, both electrical and mechanical. I strongly recommend you detail under the hood with old rags, water, and some degreaser if absolutely necessary.

[cardesigner]

Originally Posted by bbqhog

BayouTitan's link is sound, however you REALLY need to be careful with a pressure washer under the hood. In my opinion, if you have a relatively new truck, and you clean the engine bay regularly by hand, you will never need to wash with a hose. Water under the hood can lead to all kinds of interesting things happening, both electrical and mechanical. I strongly recommend you detail under the hood with old rags, water, and some degreaser if absolutely necessary.

I agree, I was my truck weekly and I always pop the hood and wipe the engine bay down. It stays clean if you keep up on it, and it will take you another 5-10 minutes on top of your regular car wash.

[BigReg9]

Thanks Everybody for the advice. Appreciate It.

[Dodge4x4]

I do mine about every other oil change. I dont cover anything. I use simple green on the intake and valve covers, let it sit a few mins and hose it off. I don't use a heavy stream, just enough to wash it off the engine. Then i leave the hood open and let it dry before driving it. If you have a halfway decent degreaser, then you wont need a heavy stream to get the grease or grime off.

[BigRedTitan]

I just wipe mine down with a dry towel. Gets the dust off. No oil or grease to worry about. Looks like new.

[TITAN UP !!]

Some of the self service pay car washes have engine cleaner in them and from my experience they work very well. The thing about some degreasers is keeping it off of painted surfaces especially clearcoat. If a person is careful at one of these self service washes they would have no problem. It is quick and easy.
On my Titan I use an organic degreaser that will not harm paint.It has many other uses and is made by a very small business. It is called "The All Mighty Dirt Buster".If need I will give the address for the cleaner sales guy. Can't buy it in the stores.

[TNTITAN]

I think Meguiars also makes some degreaser that will not harm paint. BTW keep some silicon tire dressing in your wheelwells and underbody and they will not only shine like crazy but clean up like new with just a spray of a dishsoap/water mixture and high pressure water.