<| 2000 Durango SLT+ 5.9L w/ 3.55's |>

I washed the truck today, and I decided to clean the engine with the low-pressure engine-degreaser option at the wand-wash.

The truck was shut off during wash, and the engine was warm. I avoided prolonged rinsing of any electrical connections...

Yet... When I went to start the truck - it took quite a while for it to turn over.

Once it turned over, it idled very rough for a minute or two.

It's running perfectly fine now. I'm just wondering if I did something wrong? Or what I may have gotten wet to result in this behaviour?

-rob

 

This is why I try and avoid cleaning the engine bay with anything other than a degreaser by hand. It's likely you got something that dripped in the spark plug boots or something or caused a temporary short that made things go cooky for a minute.

Also, make sure if you do that again that you don't get near the PCM. If this gets wet it will cause hell to break loose on your engine!

 

I honestly don't think I'll bother doing it again... Not worth the potential headache in my opinion.

 

I've never had an issue. Stay clear from the fuse block and alternator. Never had an issue. I try and powerwash mine once every spring.

 

If you are still having problems blow everything electrical out with compressed air, take the spark plug boots of and blow em out etc, then leave the engine running with the hood open, most all the moisture should steam off. WD 40 can also be handy at chasing out water, just make sure ya clean it off after cos it can be nasty to some plastic components, and just attracts more crap.

 

I never clean the engine!


The most I ever clean is like the battery and the fenders snd front clip. I just simply don't "spray" the engine, seen WAY to many problems with members cleaning their engines.

 

+ 1 on not cleaning it, but I have been through a flood or two ( not with the D ), where it killed everything and the dash lights up like a disco.

 

Wash by hand with a toothbrush, (simple green or the like depending on how dirty), a section at a time (cold engine). Then use low pressure or poured water to rinse. To shine, spray the entire engine compartment with a foaming tire cleaner/shine.

I've been doing this since the late 80's on many, many cars and I've NEVER had any problem, ever.