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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:38:27 PM EDT
[#1]
I use Brawndo, it's got what cars need.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:40:19 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I use Brawndo, it's got what cars need. Brawndo? The stuff from the toilet?  |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:40:56 PM EDT
[#3]
No.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:42:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Not on a modern car.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:43:29 PM EDT
[#5]
I used to.
I'd go to the coin operated wash and give it a good once over with the low pressure degreaser. Then the regular pressure clean water rinse. Just stay off of the stuff you know doesn't work or play well with water. If you really want to go all the way, spray all the non metal parts (hoses, plastic covers, etc...) with WD40. Don't wipe anything down, just spray it wet. Your engine and engine compartment will look brand new. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:43:52 PM EDT
[#6]
Once or twice a year with Simple Green.
Lots of people use Purple Power but it is billed as corrosive. I once used it on an engine and noticed corrosion/discoloration of an aluminum intake plenum not long afterwards. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:46:51 PM EDT
[#7]
I've been washing engines for about 25 years... I own a pressure washing business. I don't use super high pressure but it's definitely higher that your typical car wash.
Never had a problem. To do a good job you require heat, pressure and chemicals. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:47:22 PM EDT
[#8]
Every spring I detail the engine, wax the underside of the hood too
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:55:35 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been washing engines for about 25 years... I own a pressure washing business. I don't use super high pressure but it's definitely higher that your typical car wash. Never had a problem. To do a good job you require heat, pressure and chemicals. Same for me but for more years and I have my own hotsy, and I use both simple green and super clean ..gotta be careful with straight super clean around aluminum, and spray paint/ under coats..but it works the best for removing the nastiest stuff...sometimes you will need to use compressed air and electromotive cleaner to dry stuff out, but otherwise easy to keep a vehicle looking new from bumper to bumper.... ETA..if you spray the undercarriage, go thru afterwards and hot all the grease zeros since the water can get in sometimes... |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:56:43 PM EDT
[#10]
On a modern car?
No. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:58:02 PM EDT
[#11]
... I've paid detailers to do it on occasion. Haven't done it myself in 3 decades
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:58:49 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Once or twice a year with Simple Green. Lots of people use Purple Power but it is billed as corrosive. I once used it on an engine and noticed corrosion/discoloration of an aluminum intake plenum not long afterwards. Simple green is also corrosive to aluminum. That's why it is not allowed to be used to clean airplane parts. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:59:13 PM EDT
[#13]
Not a single time.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:59:42 PM EDT
[#14]
I used to give the engine compartment a good clean once in a while until I had a car with an optispark distributor. That learned me. :)
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Posted: 10/22/2016 5:59:50 PM EDT
[#15]
I used to do it when I had older cars. I'd just head over to the coin op car wash with a can of engine degreaser and aluminum foil. I would cover anything I didn't want wet with foil. Back then it was the carb, distributor, and alternator. Then I'd spray everything down with the degreaser and let it sit for a minute. Then blast it all off with the high pressure hose at the car wash. Never had a problem, engine always came out looking great.
But the "newest" car I did this on was made in 1987. Never tried it with my new cars (2000 and newer). I had considered buying a steam cleaner to clean modern car engines. Seems like a safer way to do it on a modern car. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:02:32 PM EDT
[#16]
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:02:39 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Once or twice a year with Simple Green. Lots of people use Purple Power but it is billed as corrosive. I once used it on an engine and noticed corrosion/discoloration of an aluminum intake plenum not long afterwards. Simple Green is corrosive. That's why the Military does not use in on aircraft or weapons systems. 
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:02:58 PM EDT
[#18]
Used to when I worked for Mercedes.
I hate working on greasy oily engines, especially diesel. Used head with mineral spirits under pressure. Makes them squeaky clean. Of course that was back in the dark ages and the epa had bo say in the matter. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:04:26 PM EDT
[#19]
About 4 times a year. Besides looking nicer it makes finding trouble faster if or when it happens.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:06:29 PM EDT
[#20]
Yes!
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:08:47 PM EDT
[#21]
When I hand wash I take the left over in the bucket, dump it in the engine compartment and rinse.
I can't stand a dirty engine compartment. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:11:51 PM EDT
[#22]
Nope I grab it by the PULLEY and shake it till it's clean, cause that's what it wants.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:14:24 PM EDT
[#23]
I wash my f150 a few times a year, Just not directly at the spark plugs or electronics. Keep the pressure washer back so its not high pressure water directly blasting into where it doesn't belong. I like to drive after to get the engine up to temp to dry it off.
The engine gets soaked every time you drive in the rain so cleaning it is ok. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:23:16 PM EDT
[#24]
I never tried it myself, but I once heard someone suggest having the engine running while you wash the engine bay. If the idle begins to stumble while washing, that's a sign to stop wetting whatever you're wetting.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:24:41 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Simple Green is corrosive. That's why the Military does not use in on aircraft or weapons systems.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Once or twice a year with Simple Green. Lots of people use Purple Power but it is billed as corrosive. I once used it on an engine and noticed corrosion/discoloration of an aluminum intake plenum not long afterwards. Simple Green is corrosive. That's why the Military does not use in on aircraft or weapons systems.
This. We do not use it on planes. And no, not on modern cars. Learned the hard way, did it my truck a long time ago, ended up having to replace the two knock sensors. That Was with only a water hose.......... |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:26:27 PM EDT
[#26]
About once a year or so I hose it out at a car wash. Living on a dirt road tends to get it a little dirty under there.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:32:38 PM EDT
[#27]
Yes. As others, only a couple times a year. I typically drive older cars. I do use the pressure washer without using a high pressure nozzle and without spraying directly. I'm always cautious to not remove the patina as well. But yes I do clean it up in there. It makes my maintenance / repairs easier.
Cheers! -JC ETA: I hose the whole works down with WD40 afterwards to displace water. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:40:06 PM EDT
[#28]
Washed mine a few times when it gets dusty. But pretty much never.
Use chemical bro's silk shine on it and nothing sticks to it. Looks new for months. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:42:43 PM EDT
[#29]
used to but I just don't understand cars anymore, motors are sealed in plastic and more electrical than a car 25 years ago. If my mechanic requests it he has a guy that does it it for a living.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:46:50 PM EDT
[#30]
Yeah, every shade tree grease mechanic knows about that stuff in a Can. "Engine Clean" ? or something like that?
Drive to the car wash, pop the hood, spray it liberally, then hose it down with hot water. Drive it dry. We always used to leave the car running. I've often wondered if it had the potential to crack metal, or cause electrical issues, but I've never heard of it doing so. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:50:55 PM EDT
[#31]
I usually wash my car once a week, so I wash the engine bay too. I can go right now and reach shoulder deep under my hood and pull out a clean arm.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:51:31 PM EDT
[#32]
Yes, to get the salt off. Never with a pressure washer....too much risk of getting water into a place where it shouldn't be.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:54:16 PM EDT
[#33]
I do once or twice a year.
I would not recommend using a pressure washer. I use purple power, a brush, and a light spray from the garden hose. I am careful not to soak the obvious stuff like the air intake. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 6:56:08 PM EDT
[#34]
I get each of our cars about twice per year. Disconnect the battery, cover up a few key electrical junctions, clean the bay with Megiuar's APC (cut 1:4 with distilled water, I think), let it sit for a few minutes then agitate with a brush, rinse clean. I then cover it with 2 coats of Sonus engine dressing and blot off the extra after 30 or so minutes.
This is my wife's 100,000 mile 10 year old car. Looks nice and makes it nice to work on. Pride of ownership and all that. 
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Posted: 10/22/2016 7:48:13 PM EDT
[#35]
Wrap the alternator in a plastic bag first, as well as any external coil packs. Don't put much direct pressure spray on the plug wires.
People then do everything from letting it dry, to wiping with Armor All, spraying with Tire Clean, and using clear coat to bring the black back on chalked over black areas. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:15:28 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Wrap the alternator in a plastic bag first, as well as any external coil packs. Don't put much direct pressure spray on the plug wires. People then do everything from letting it dry, to wiping with Armor All, spraying with Tire Clean, and using clear coat to bring the black back on chalked over black areas. While I don't intentionally soak the alternator, I've never had a problem from hitting it during the spraying/rinsing process, but I usually let the vehicle sit overnight as well and don't run it right away. As far as the comments about Simple Green being corrosive.. Well that's news to me, I never checked the label or MSDS because I never had any issues with it, while Purple Power seemed to have a much stronger effect on aluminum. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:17:13 PM EDT
[#37]
not the whole thing. I keep the engine cover, top of rad, strut towers, relay box, battery and air box covers clean |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:34:33 PM EDT
[#38]
Older folks may remember Jenny Gloss, a clear coating after steam cleaning.
But no, after a salty winter or two it's a lost cause, maybe just a quick douche. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:37:31 PM EDT
[#39]
On my Harley
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:43:01 PM EDT
[#40]
Yes, with engine degreaser, worked well.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:49:21 PM EDT
[#41]
Yes. Then when dry I detail it.
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:49:55 PM EDT
[#42]
I have a silver car. I don't wash it . . . at all.
That's what rain is for.  |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 8:56:38 PM EDT
[#43]
Microfiber cloth with a bucket of water, it soaks up everything
Then I hose the bay in silicone lube. Preserves the plastic really well. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 9:10:24 PM EDT
[#44]
I detail the engine with degreaser and a rag whenever I'm wrenching on it.
I never rarely use water. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 9:22:07 PM EDT
[#45]
You guys who are saying "no", "not on modern cars" or "wrap this, then wrap that first" would faint if you saw how the detailers at the dealership wash/detail engines.....and the whole car for that matter.
(FYI: electrical components on newer cars are sealed a lot better than on older cars. Washing it will, 90% of the time, not cause any problems but it's wise to use compressed air around vital areas before key in ignition. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 9:22:41 PM EDT
[#46]
I used to but I was explicitly told not to do it on my Porsches.
I would still do it on my old 929 but it doesn't need it. Not sure on my Frontier. Lots of electronics that don't look watertight around the upper edge of the compartment. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 9:30:46 PM EDT
[#47]
As little as possible but I do.
The last couple of highlanders I've had collect leaves acorns and debris. The debris gets caught under the fresh air intake and wipe linkage covers. It has clogged up the water drains for the fresh air feed for the climate controls. Poor design plus oak trees require cleaning 3 or 4 times a year. After cleaning the covers I lightly hose off the engine compartment. If I don't the next time the car is driven the smell from the debris stinks like burning leaves and freaks the wife out. Never seen a design catch debris like this. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 10:15:18 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You guys who are saying "no", "not on modern cars" or "wrap this, then wrap that first" would faint if you saw how the detailers at the dealership wash/detail engines.....and the whole car for that matter. (FYI: electrical components on newer cars are sealed a lot better than on older cars. Washing it will, 90% of the time, not cause any problems but it's wise to use compressed air around vital areas before key in ignition. Friend owns a dealership. Has all the washing guys wrap the alternators before doing the engine. Too many vents in alternators, and wash kids will hose it out with a pressure washer to make the aluminum "more shiny-er". 1 month of driving later, customer returns car for bad alternator, most always bearings. You can skip the bag if you know not to blast plug wires, coil packs, and alternator directly. They can get wet, just not at 100psi while maintaining integrity of bearing seals, insulation, etc. Once forced into something like the boot of a spark plug wire or past a bearing seal, that water can stay there for months or more, weakening stuff. The low voltage stuff is used to getting a bit wet, but it doesn't want to jump and short the way spark plugs/coil packs tend to. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 10:19:46 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As little as possible but I do. The last couple of highlanders I've had collect leaves acorns and debris. The debris gets caught under the fresh air intake and wipe linkage covers. It has clogged up the water drains for the fresh air feed for the climate controls. Poor design plus oak trees require cleaning 3 or 4 times a year. After cleaning the covers I lightly hose off the engine compartment. If I don't the next time the car is driven the smell from the debris stinks like burning leaves and freaks the wife out. Never seen a design catch debris like this. Design "Feature" on Most cars. The choice is Engine compartment air (can be not good for you), or outside air (generally safe). So they put the fresh air intakes on the "outside" of the hood gasket (wiper side). Since the gasket is in the way, the debris can't fall out, but the intakes get fresh air. I haven't seen a super graceful solution to this, beyond ducting air along the left and right sides of the hood gasket to keep the intake vents completely "blown out", but that doesn't get everything out of the way. |
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Posted: 10/22/2016 10:19:51 PM EDT
[#50]
You could have open-heart surgery in my engine compartment and be fine.
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