[DSapseid]

Ive just open my bonnet to upgrade the headlight bulbs and noticed that the 'big sqaure thing' (really technical i know ) right at the front of the engine is coverd in all sorts of crap is ok to use the pressure wash on it or a can of compressed air or just a sponge and water or leave it well alone.

Cheers
Dan

[minisoopercooper]

you can jet wash in the engine bay - I did but ended up loosing some of the bar code stickers on the cowel - other than that it was fine.

try with a spounge 1st and then if you have no luck try the jet wash.

Paul

[memphisto]

This is what the AA in Ireland had to say on the subject:

The AA is warning motorists not to pressure wash their way to a breakdown when cleaning the car. The widely used high-pressure washers, available at DIY stores for domestic use, can cause serious damage to cars if not used properly.

"You should never take a power hose to your engine, but some people do.” Says Emma Caulfield, Controller AA Roadwatch. "A bit of grime on the engine does the car no harm. The electrical connectors under the bonnet are highly protected by the manufacturer, but they are not designed to withstand being blasted by high pressure washers."

Typical faults which can develop can range from the car simply not starting after having been washed, to warning lights appearing on the dashboard, windscreen wipers operating when not expected to, or the car's lights not coming on at all.

The danger of using high pressure washers to wash the car does not stop at using them to clean the engine, they can also cause problems when cleaning the outside of the car. The high pressure can force water through seals into the boot or interior. Water can find its way into CD multi-changers and may damage them.

Today's cars are much more complex than 20 years ago when they simply had one computer to run them. Modern cars tend to have 40 or more computers, meaning that there are more possibilities for complex problems. High pressure power washers can force water into fuse boxes, relay boxes and connectors which can be found all over modern cars, and can cost hundreds of euros to repair.

My friend had to call out the RAC after he pressure washed his 02 Renault Espace engine, thankfully all was OK after it had dried out.

[shiredweller]

Agree with AA in Ireland.

[Rakey]

tyre cleaner does a good job removing stubben marks and oil from the engine block, but do stay away from electrics

[Root Ginger]

Get a good engine degreaser. Cover any open air filter and any electrical bits with tin foil.

Cover with degreaser and leave a few minutes. Rinse off with a stream of water (not pressured water). A watering can would be even better than a hose.

For any tough bits of grime; use the degreaser again and agitate with a brush.

[minisoopercooper]

obviously common sense prevails here and I didnt blast the electrics and avioded them