car washing the engine

[92astro]

okay here is something that i am interested in doing is taking the van to the car wash and wash out my egine compartment is it possible and safe? the car wash i go to uses hot water. and what componets should i cover?? this is a 1992 astro Vin: Z engine it is pretty dirty under the hood.!!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I personally won't wash any engine down with anything more than light water pressure! High pressure WILL get where it isn't supposed to. If you do decide to do it, cover the alternator and all ignition parts...cap, rotor, coil and intake as well.

[thevalleyboy]

I'm with lifted - absolutely NO Pressure WASHER under the hood!

[GEJ]

No way I would pressure wash a engine with all those sensors and electric connections.Dido,Dido,with all the posters above this.

[sfeaver]

I powerwash my engines on all cars every other car wash and havent had any trouble. I dont go nuts either though, but I like a clean motor.

[Bikehauler]

I have had good success using "Simple Green" and a normal garden hose. This does a great job cleaning and is not to bad for the environment. Always be careful using high pressure under the hood of a car. Often you get away with it but it only takes once to cost a bunch. There are many sensors and computers under the hood that will not take kindly to high pressure water. Try the low pressure method first.
Rocke.

[snapple]

Back in my auto detailing & reconditioning days.We always used a high pressure washer on the engine compartment.Franchise I worked for was called Tidy Car,and they sold the service as a engine shampoo.Worst problems we ever had was we'd have to pull the distributor cap and dry it out if it wouldnt start.But you don't want to go crazy with it,and keep moving at a pretty good pace.Doesn't take long to clean up,if you doused it pretty good with whatever cleaner your using.

[LaGrasta]

For years, I warm the engine, spray Simple Green, wait about five minutes and lightly hose it off. Works wonderful, never a problem.

[Water Boy]

I can't wash mine ... all of the scabs would come off and then I'd have oil leaks all over the place.