Is it safe to wash engine room?

[briandwlee]

I am just wondering if it's safe to wash engine room. I'd like to wash engine room because of recent coolant leak. I'll let my dealer do it for me at the cost of $65.

What do you think?

[Slalom]

Some of the chemicals they use to clean the engine bay are caustic. You can do it a few times, but as the car gets older you are going to see more issues if you do it. I have seen gaskets go, alternators go and hoses go - I can't say the it was the cleaning but in each case it happened within a week.

[TRAINER]

Here's what I use. There's a video to show you how to use it as well.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/adams...oz1gallon.aspx

[blktoptrvl]

This is the engine bay of my 88 RX-7. Most people are amazed how clean it is and you would be hard-pressed to find any caked-on grease in there.

I kept it clean over the 22+ years I have had it by washing the engine compartment at least once a month or so at the car wash.

Spray on degreaser and soap, rinse off with high pressure water. No problems with wires getting wet, no problems with water getting in the engine. You just have to be certain the water spray does not get injested.

[spyderdoc]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

This is the engine bay of my 88 RX-7. Most people are amazed how clean it is and you would be hard-pressed to find any caked-on grease in there.

I kept it clean over the 22+ years I have had it by washing the engine compartment at least once a month or so at the car wash.

Spray on degreaser and soap, rinse off with high pressure water. No problems with wires getting wet, no problems with water getting in the engine. You just have to be certain the water spray does not get injested.

Wow! Now that's one beautiful and clean Wankel you have there. well done

[ard]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

This is the engine bay of my 88 RX-7. Most people are amazed how clean it is and you would be hard-pressed to find any caked-on grease in there.

I kept it clean over the 22+ years I have had it by washing the engine compartment at least once a month or so at the car wash.

Spray on degreaser and soap, rinse off with high pressure water. No problems with wires getting wet, no problems with water getting in the engine. You just have to be certain the water spray does not get injested.

+100

It's as easy as that. You can use "cleaner" or "degreaser" or just "soapy water"... want to go crazy use brushes of different sizes, from broad wheel brushes to toothbrushes- then use a moderate hose flow or very careful a light jet spray from distance- you do not want to force water past electrical seals and gaskets.

I read a lot of people freaked out about "washing the engine"... look, it is an EXTERIOR area of the car, designed for water-proof performance. Probably IP65 or something along those lines. IT IS DESIGNED TO GET WET!

$65 for the dealer to do it? Crazy.