I was wondering is there an easy way to wash my engine. Is there anything I need to cover lookout for ? In past I always covered up my alternator with plastic or does that matter. Is a pressure washer too strong for this..

 

Cover the alternator, other than that just be smart and quick about. Don't soak electrical connectors and wiring harness. I've never used a pressure washer on an engine. Why take the chance? A water/garden hose does wonders. You would be amazed how little water you need to use on an engine bay.

 

I typically bring the engine up to operating temperature and then spray it liberally with Castrol Super Clean (purple stuff). Let the purple stuff eat at the grease and grime for about 5-10 minutes, then hose it off with a garden hose, all while the engine runs. If I get water on a part that shuts the motor down, I know where I need to focus my attention on drying the offending area, typically with compressed air and silicone spray. Works great results for me...

 

Do you dilute the Castrol? I used it once many years ago and it trashed the engine bay. Everything it came into contact with became horribly discolored. Ate the finish off my valve cover, turned a couple black parts grey. left behind a white chalky residue on my intake manifold. It was a mess. Never touched the stuff again.

 

No, I do not dilute the purple cleaner, but I do try to wet down the engine compartment before applying the cleaner to the engine (sorry, left that step out previously) and being conscious of not applying the cleaner directly to the engine bay. This step, in addition to keeping the cleaner off the engine bay area, helps to keep the engine bay from being discolored. Purple cleaner is a strong cleaner for sure, but the items you mentioned may likely require touch up after the engine has been cleaned. Also, I use this cleaner for really grimy engines. For engines that aren't too dirty, I sometimes use something like Gunk engine degreaser instead of the purple cleaner.

 

I just pop the hood and use a pressure washer with the 40 degree tip

 

I just get the motor warm, spray it down with a good apc then pressure wash it down, not running. I wash it all wiring (I mean don't hold the wand 2" from the wiring just wash it), alt all of it always have, in the old days you might have to dry the inside of the cap but I have never had to on one of these motors. If its a greasy mess then use gunk or the like to start with. Castrol Super Clean should be colour tested before use, it will discolour things badly.

 

First time I get a new/used car I bring it to a garage with dry ice blasting equipment. Works a treat and looks like new! And no prob for wiring and stuff.

From there an old towel with apc does it for me.

 

i use the engine cleaner at the car wash. its something new that's green and foamy and it squirts out with very low pressure. put it on, top and bottom, and let it soak a while. then rinse with the lower pressure setting and keep the wand way back to avoid any high pressure. i don't cover anything.

clean stubborn areas with brake cleaner and paper towels or plastic brush.

 

Lucky! Over here in the bay area, California, we don't have that option. I've looked high and low. I'm guessing that it has to do with some E.P.A. hippie law.