jonssz28

Is it a good idea to wash the engine bay of my car with the pressure washer that I own ? I have alot of dust build up all around the engine bay. Would it be smart to do a quick wash or a hand detail that would take hours, what is the best and easy way ?

98boxer

iTrader: (7)

I've never washed my engine bay so i can't give you advice on a how to. But i have read here that a pressure washer to clean the engine bay is not a good idea. There is a sticky here check that thread.

aothepresident

iTrader: (17)

You'll end up breaking something

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

Depending on the pressure, be careful as some pressure washers can do 1000psi or more. I always pressure washed my camaro (still pressure wash my silverado) engine compartment, but this is at a self service car wash which is not "that" high of pressure.

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

Engine Degreaser/SIMPLE GREEN ...and a slow hose works best/safest.

BMR Tech2

iTrader: (5)

+1, I use either gunk or simple green, both work very well. rinsing with a regular hose is fine, and the pressure washers at the DIY wash places aren't too high pressure, just be mindfull while blasting..

Wade

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

dawn dish soap and garden hose has always worked well for me

Firebird Phoenix

iTrader: (6)

When I pressure wash mine it is at the car wash. I don't pull on the handle and let it just barely spray out on its on with the engine cleaner. Then in the meantime I usually soak the wheels (as around here the car wash calls it engine degreaser/wheel cleaner). Keep in mind the whole time I have my car running, I figure if any degreaser or water is going to get in any place bad the heat will evaporate it *shrug*. Anyways to rinse it off I stand back as far as possible and spray with water, from the front & sides. This usually cleans it off just fine.

Like everyone else said the car washes usually don't have insane pressure like a home one.

Edit to add...i'd personally like to hand detail my engine bay for hours then just maintain it with rinsing it like I said above as its not ever perfect.

Ruckus46Gt

iTrader: (9)

i used a reg car wash hose , and a mixture of carsoap, and dawn power dissolve, diluted with water. Run the car for a min or two to heat it a little so the gunk will come off easier (do not shoot the water onto a hot engine bay). Once you get the engine bay clean its easy to maintain

billyb

iTrader: (15)

time and elbow grease, 4-6 hrs the first time then you'll see more areas patience ,