Anybody had done this?
I know there is two ways to do this.
The hard way - lots of towels and degreaser
The easy way - power spray at car wash station

I think i want to do 1/2 1/2 of each way cause I read or heard somewhere that I have to cover all the exposed electronic part if I want to power wash it.

Now my question is, where are all the exposed electronic parts on a C43 1999. I know 1, the ABS unit on the driver side behind the headlight. where else?

Talking about degreaser, that should be a problem for any mechanical moving parts for sure such as the pulleys upfront. Would relubing with WD40 adequate?

 

Fairly damp terry towel and wipe down when engine is cool.

 

I made the mistake of pressure washing a 1981 Fiat X1/9 (college car). The water got into the harness that leads to the ECU. After a few days the ECU freaked out and the car went into a "limp home" mode.

Hopefully MB's don't have a design flaw like my X1/9 did but it's always good to look very carefully at every connector, harness or sensor to see if there are any obvious paths for water.

Some sensors have tiny pin-hole openings in the body to provide an "atmospheric reference", eg, pressure transmitters. These do not like getting water into them.

 

If the engine is not too greasy, spray One Touch Tire foam all over the engine. After the greasy spots have softened, wipe the off and do it again. I do mine every 3-6 months. It takes 1/2 can and 5 minutes.

 

^^ word, and if you want that shine/protection then try some meguiars hyper dressing. the more diluted, the less shiny the solution. the higher the concentration of the product, the higher the shine. just mix with water. oh and 99amg.. is that you in that picture? if so, you've done a good job

 

LOL!

Her name is Andrea Guerro. Took me months to figure out who she was.

 

Due to liability problems I've never been keen to use HP water or steam to clean an engine bay, especially when it can be done in 25 - 35 minutes by hand safely.

Cleaning Methodology:
•Remove any excess debris, leaves and etc from the hood, grille or air-vent openings
•Spray all electrical connectors with WD40, which repels water.
•Use cling-film or Saran wrap elastic covers to cover any sensors, electrical black boxes, electrical devises that could cause an electrical short-circuits if subjected to water spray.
•This will not guarantee that you won’t cause a problem when cleaning an engine bay but it will greatly reduce the risks.
•Start and run the engine to get it warm, not hot, this will enable the de-greaser to work more efficiently on a warm surface.
•Apply an engine de-greaser (Autoglym Engine Cleaner) or a citrus-based general cleaner (P12S Total Auto Wash) by lightly spraying the lower parts of the engine first and then working upwards.
•Enable the cleaner to work by allowing dwell time (but do not allow to completely dry)
•Do not allow the de-greaser to dry or remain on painted surfaces, and be sure to dilute with water before drying with a cloth.
•For heavily soiled areas agitate with a nylon engine cleaning brush and a diluted citrus-based cleaner (P21S® Total Auto Wash)
•When the grease and grime is dissolved and you're ready to remove it, spray with a light (garden type) pressure water hose.
•Use the blower side of a vacuum (avoid area that may be sensitive to a forced air flow) or allow the engine compartment to air dry and then thoroughly wipe down all accessible surfaces and then remove cling-film or aluminium foil.
•When everything is dry apply a vinyl/rubber protectant to hoses, shields and wires, and spray engine parts with CD2 Engine Detailer or Groit's Spay on Engine Gloss
•Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth and apply a wax/sealant protection to painted surfaces.
•Apply a vinyl dressing to hoses etc

JonM