Is it safe to wash down the engine with a gentle spray of water?

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).]

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).]

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).]

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.

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.

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!

quote Originally posted by Sage: Common sense wins out (hopefully!)

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

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 "

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.

I 'wash' my engine using a pump up garden sprayer. The wand allows me to reach the areas in and around the distributor and other areas that should not be soaked with water. I wash with a degreaser like 'spray nine'. The combination of the directed spray and cleaner does a great job. I have a second garden sprayer with water that i follow up to rinse the degreaser off. I use a leaf blower to dry.

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.

This^^

I only spray the transmission bell housing; removing the rear plug wires (V6), coil/shielding and intake tubes helps. Grocery bags over the top end, distributor and any openings. Dry any pool spots with a leaf blower. Reassemble and do the rest by hand, I use RAM cleaner, 303 Protectant and plain 'ol detail spray.

[This message has been edited by jonrev (edited 08-26-2024).]

I'm beginning to think I'm the only member of this forum with a less than pristine looking engine. lol

It just takes some common sense. No hard pressure. Use greased lighting and brushes. I have cleaned mine yearly since new.


This is not like some new engines with aluminum issues and more electronics.

I also use aluminum steamers and a hose nozzle with a soft shower mode. I blow dry with my master blaster airforce blow dryer.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 08-26-2024).]

quote Originally posted by hyperv6: It just takes some common sense. No hard pressure. Use greased lighting and brushes. I have cleaned mine yearly since new. This is not like some new engines with aluminum issues and more electronics. I also use aluminum steamers and a hose nozzle with a soft shower mode. I blow dry with my master blaster airforce blow dryer.

Is that an egr valve ?

quote Originally posted by hunter29: Is that an egr valve ?

EGR with GM cover.

quote Originally posted by hyperv6: EGR with GM cover.

Interesting, I've never seen that..

I installed this 35" Thermostatic Rain Shower/Massage System in my garage to wash my engine bay



A good cleaning from that baby adds about 5 HP.

quote Originally posted by hunter29: Interesting, I've never seen that..

The 88 I think had them as did sone other GM engines. They used to be all over eBay but I have not seen one for a whole. But I have not really been looking either.

Nice way to clean up the look. Just snaps on.

quote Originally posted by hyperv6: The 88 I think had them as did sone other GM engines. They used to be all over eBay but I have not seen one for a whole. But I have not really been looking either. Nice way to clean up the look. Just snaps on.

We have never seen the EGR cover on the OEM 88's, but have seen several on the 3.1's in the FWD cars.
Unfortunately, I don't know the years of the multiple Cavaliers in the junkyards that I have liberated them from.
My son put one on his Formula and I have one on my 4.9 Formula.

It's a nice touch in the Fiero engine bay, I don't know why GM didn't include it to trim out a nice looking engine.
Maybe they came along after the Fiero was out of production?

I remember scouring yards for Cutlass Cieras 10-15 years ago looking for those. This old thread has a few engines and models listed, mostly 3800-powered Buicks and Firebirds. I wonder if they could be 3D printed nowadays and withstand the heat.

Fiero Store also makes a metal cover but I've not seen one in person.

[This message has been edited by jonrev (edited 08-26-2024).]

quote Originally posted by hyperv6:

Man... that is amazing looking... it's like a work of art.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: Man... that is amazing looking... it's like a work of art.

Not hard to do. Just once a year cleaning.

No I don’t drive it daily now but in the 80’s I did.

I wish I had taken photos of the salt and snow On the car.

Some things like fine steel wool cleans heat shields. Aluminum cleaner the transaxle and Greased Lighting for the rest.

Being a Fiero and mid engined the engine becomes a focal point. Also with Pontiac dressing it up I like to have it clean.

Also when I put new wires on I cut them to the correct size. Many leave them too long.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 08-28-2024).]