Cleaning Engine

[Robinjo]

I still have some residue from the transmission overfill. Is there any issue cleaning the engine? I’d cover the fuse box and PCM of course.

 

[Gtstorey]

Cleaning how? I would not use a pressure washer. Degreaser followed by a gentle hose rinse would likely be ok.

 

[Robinjo]

I was planning the p-washer. I’ve used that on other engines and this one (out if car) before. What is the concern with it?

 

[Rttoys]

Depends on your pressure washer. I have an electric pressure washer that’s not near as strong (1800lsi?) as a gas one (3000psi?). With being less pressure, it’s more controllable and less spray, so I would use that if it were mine. If yours is a gas higher powered one, I would be real careful, with all the electronics around.

To be honest, I would spray Simple Green all over and just use a regular nozzle and see how that rolls before I pull out the pressure washer though.

 

[Robinjo]

So just the force is the concern?

I do understand, just start soft and increase as needed. I do just want to get the gear oil residue off the engine.

 

[Gtstorey]

You might be fine with a lower pressure electric but I’ve always been told and followed the advice no never use a pressure washer on a newer engine. Just to many sensors that could be damaged. It really shouldn’t be necessary with just gear oil anyway. If the simple green doesn’t cut it, get some gunk engine degreaser and spray it on when the engine is warm, not hot.

 

[Rttoys]

Force yes, due to you can blast wiring and sensors getting water in places it shouldn’t be. Even out of the car, this should be an area of caution. Also the misty overspray getting everything wet, because everything is so compact.

it’s easier to control when the drivetrain is out of a car with most of the electronics removed and plenty of room to work. Being in the car and very compact, you have to be very careful where water goes.

 

[Gtstorey]

I would also wait until yo can drive it immediately after washing it to help dry it off quickly so water doesn’t have time to soak into places it shouldn’t be.

 

[Robinjo]

Thanks for the info, I’ll try just Simple Green and the hose first.

 

[Blue Man]

I am going to be cleaning the donor engine I just pulled from a 2005. I heard it both ways. Would I be okay to pressure wash that? Is the guidance different if the engine is out versus in place?

 

[Rttoys]

Tape off ports and other holes so water doesn’t get in the engine. Then be careful around all the electronics.

 

[Ross]

I used walmart plastic bags stuffed into each open port or hose, to keep water out. Degreaser, scrub brush, pressure wash, repeat.

 

[escapepilot]

Dawn Power Wash is the best degreaser I’ve ever come across.

 

[GoblinGuyZ]

Personally I dont think pressure washing an engine is ever a great idea. I would just spend the time with a brush and a good cleaning agent and then shower on a hose and repeat till I get it as clean as I want. Alot more control that way.