Washing Engine (Page 1/3)
hunter29 AUG 22, 05:32 PM
Is it safe to wash down the engine with a gentle spray of water?
Patrick AUG 22, 05:38 PM
I wouldn't. There's never any shortage of people who have ignition problems after getting water in their engine bay.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-23-2024).]

Vintage-Nut AUG 22, 05:50 PM
Like many engines, the main keys are the 'pressure'; covering the distributor/sensors/exposed wiring/etc. and always with a cold motor; never 'spray' water on a hot engine!

Edit
I believe you want to wash the engine because oil leaks....
*Use a degreaser {mainly below the heads} / soak it / rinse the engine with very low-pressure water {avoid excessive pressure} / remove any covers you put on and warm the motor to dry it or drive it a few miles...

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 08-22-2024).]

hunter29 AUG 22, 11:03 PM
Still chasing oil leaks, the oil is down below. Think its more than the O ring.

I live in a high dust environment, dirt road. My car will get dirty just sitting in the garage with the doors shut.

I wipe things down but water would work better for all the small stuff . Not keen on the idea thou..

[This message has been edited by hunter29 (edited 08-23-2024).]

fieroguru AUG 23, 06:58 AM
I pressure wash my engine bay all the time. Hot or cold, doesn't matter. It is a later model swap, but I also did is back when I had a 2.8.

If this causes an issue, find it and fix it so it doesn't leave you stranded when driving in heavy rain.

olejoedad AUG 23, 09:18 AM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:

I pressure wash my engine bay all the time. Hot or cold, doesn't matter. It is a later model swap, but I also did is back when I had a 2.8.

If this causes an issue, find it and fix it so it doesn't leave you stranded when driving in heavy rain.



Same here, I hit it with the pressure washer with no problems.
Sage AUG 23, 08:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:


Same here, I hit it with the pressure washer with no problems.



Times 3.....I just don't "aim" for any electrical items! Plastic bags works for covers on coil, dist, etc.. Common sense win out (hopefully!)

HAGO!

Patrick AUG 23, 09:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by Sage:

Common sense wins out (hopefully!)



You'd think/hope so, but...

Dennis LaGrua AUG 23, 09:01 PM
I hose wash with soap a parts brush and just keep the flow away from the distributor ( coil pack on my swap) breather and C500 connector. Connectors are typically waterproof but if soap gets in there could be problems. I don't believe that you have to worry about plain water. Did you ever look at the engine after driving in a rain storm. Stop at a light and everything gets soaked. Get going again and the air flow gives the engine a wet-down.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

fierofool AUG 24, 02:18 PM
I wash my stock 2.8 and my DIS 3.4 with engine cleaner and a garden hose adjusted to a light fan spray. I've never protected any particular part and have had no problems. Not saying it couldn't happen, though.