After an exceptionally dry spring and summer combined with lots of wind my engine bay looks like it could spawn a few dustdevils of it's own. Will I damage anything if I wash my engine at the carwash?? I do plan on covering the CAI with a plastic bag. Should I wash the engine after it cools down a bit or is it OK while it's still warm? Many, many years ago I washed my engine and cracked the distributor cap because the engine was kinda hot. Just don't want to hurt any electronics. Thanks

 

Just make sure to not pull the trigger so that you don't hit it with high pressure but as long as you don't directly spray your air filter or any electrical components for too long then you will be fine. Just keep in mind that you are to lightly rinse the motor with soap and water and you will be fine.

 

Most of the coin op car washes have a special engine wash mode. Uses some pretty harsh detergent and low pressure. Try not to get any on the paint. I would wash the engine bay first and then the outside just in case you get any cleaner on the paint. I am not sure if tje detergent will harm the paint but in my opinion it smells like it would...

 

just dont get up super close and you'll be fine. auto stores sell engine de-greaser too if you really want to. but your answer to your original question, go for it

 

We used to do this at the shop I worked at. The BIG way to reduce any damage or not being able to start your truck when your done is to have your truck running when spraying down under the hood. After its washed out spay armor all over everything. Then shut the hood and let the motor idle for a bit. It will actually steam clean the inside. Good luck

 

Try to keep water away from the coils. If water gets down in the plug pockets, it can short out and burn up the coil packs.

 

Don't trust a pressure wash. Can and will push water in areas it would not get. Wouldn't do a hot engine either. Hot manifolds and heads etc. I use either orange cleaner in a spray bottle or the Foamy Engine Brite you buy at Walmart etc. Cool motor and garden hose not turned wide open. Then start it and let it run until engine temp comes on. As far as Armour All I did that once years ago. Stuff stuck to it like a magnet. had to clean motor again to get it off. I have used a spray can clear lacquer paint. Can do hoses and just about everything. Leaves a deep shine and seals. Old school show car owners used it.

 

Be careful with getting water into the alternator, the belt tensioner pulleys or they may start squealing in the future. I used to wash my engines but now I just use rags to wipe them down after having to chase noise pulleys and/or tensioner pulleys on tow of my vehicles. Just being extra careful.

 

Use your garden hose on a light spray just to wet it and use an old wash mitt and soap and just wash all the plastic down and whatever else you want clean then rinse with a light spray, fire it up right away and take a drive around the block and come home and wipe down the left over water then well as far as armor all if you want to attract dust go for it but I would try to find something that dries instead of leaving that greasy looking coating. If you do after the armor all soaks in for a few hours or even a day go back in there and rub it all like you are polishing it, the excess armor all should come off then also you should not collect as much dust. Good Luck.....my wife just wipes down the engine bay every wash, looks better than new.

 

Man. you guys must all live in places that it never rains.
I wash my engine all the time. With a hose. On full. never, ever had a problem. I just try to minimize the hit around the fuse boxes and air cleaner opening. I di spray it with a foaming engine cleaner before hand while it is hot then let it cool just enough to not hear any hissing. Rinse and then start it up to dry it off.
Or you can go to the dealer and have them do it.