Engine Cleaning ?

[VehiGAZ]

More than a couple of us have run into engine problems after pressure-washing because of water getting up under the ignition pack seals and down into the spark plug tunnel. So you ened to be careful of that. It's easy to rectify though - just remove each ignition pack and dry out any water that's gotten down in the hole.

That's the only problem I've had. It would be best to wash it in the morning and let it sit with the hood (um, sorry - bonnet) up until the engine bay dries out.

Good luck!

[VXD959]

Hey, I just cleaned my daughter's car engine a hosed off all the stuff. Now the little truck is running like it is on 3 cilynders instead of 4. Do you think that's the problem ("water getting up under the ignition pack seals and down into the spark plug tunnel")???

Thanks,

[VehiGAZ]

That is exactly the problem, I'll bet. It can be intermittent too. I replaced the ignition pack on the driver's-side front cylinder when it happened to me, but saw that the water down in the hole when I was replacing it. The water shorts/grounds the ignition pulse, so no spark and it feels like it's not running on all cylinders.

It IS possible to burn out an ignition pack, but try drying it out first.

Good luck!!

[WormGod]

Ya, it isn't exactly "illegal" to wash your engine bay, but definitely know what you can and can not zap with water. I usually give the engine bay a once over every time I give her a bath, and every few times I will use an spray cleaner in there that sits for 15 mins before spraying off with water again. Never had any problems, but it also pays to know what NOT to get wet or over-saturate, heh. Totally needed after winter ends here to get all that salt out of there.

And for the love of God, do NEVER use a pressure washer in there, heh. That isn't exactly "illegal" anyways, but it probably should be.

[crotchrocket]

Cool, thanks guys. a hose, brush and common sense it is then

[don moore]

Cool, thanks guys. a hose, brush and common sense it is then

dont for get the towels......!

[MSHardeman]

crotchrocket,

I have some stuff at home that is an enzyme that you mix with water in a spray bottle. You spray it on your warm engine and let it sit becuase it's supposed to eat oil and grease for lunch (I think it's alive) and then you gently wash it off. I've used it before and it seems to work pretty well. I think it's also supposed to be environmentally friendly (not toxic like Gunk). I don't think that it will do squat for the massive amounts of mud that you've been accumulating, but once you get the big chunky pieces off this stuff might help to really shine that puppy up. It might be made locally here in Colorado (I'll look at the bottle tonight), but I could send you a bottle if you would like.