Pressure clean the engine bay...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: S. FLorida, USA
2008 E320 Bluetec, 2004 Landrover DII
Pressure clean the engine bay...
...of a 2008 E320 Bluetec.
I'd like to remove that plastic engine cover and really give it a good cleaning without causing damage to electrical system or other parts. If so, what kind of engine cleaner is safe to use? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
TIA
Thom
I'd like to remove that plastic engine cover and really give it a good cleaning without causing damage to electrical system or other parts. If so, what kind of engine cleaner is safe to use? Any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
TIA
Thom
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 655
Likes: 1
I drive the racism out of BadDebt. ;)
personally, i just use a few microfibre clothes and a rubber/plastic cleaner for all the rubber and plastic..
if you're gonna pressure wash it, then tinfoil works wonders on molding around altenators etc... just don't directly spray at it...
if you're gonna pressure wash it, then tinfoil works wonders on molding around altenators etc... just don't directly spray at it...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Sir,
Please dont use a pressure washer to clean your engine. Your just asking for trouble. The pressure washer forces water into places, where you don't want. First ensure that the engine is cold first. You don't want to be spraying water on a hot engine, especially aluminum. Use Simple Green or some other type engine degreaser, and use a hose to simply rinse the engine. I have use this method many times on all of my Mercedes to include my E63 with it's airmatic suspension, just don't spray water directly into any electrical connectors. The idea is to clean the engine not to create electrical problems.
Please dont use a pressure washer to clean your engine. Your just asking for trouble. The pressure washer forces water into places, where you don't want. First ensure that the engine is cold first. You don't want to be spraying water on a hot engine, especially aluminum. Use Simple Green or some other type engine degreaser, and use a hose to simply rinse the engine. I have use this method many times on all of my Mercedes to include my E63 with it's airmatic suspension, just don't spray water directly into any electrical connectors. The idea is to clean the engine not to create electrical problems.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Protection of Electrical Components
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
• Avoid getting water in the spark plug recesses
Notes:1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed on something not included here; talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
Simple Green
Simple Green is corrosive and will react with bare aluminium causing hydrogen embrittlement (this is also known as stress cracking corrosion). As the cleaner gradually ferments it reduces the pH from its normal mildly alkaline state to acidic. Slow corrosion of the aluminium results, generating a little hydrogen on the surface.
Anaerobic conditions also generate hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide bio chemically, producing small amounts of methane. The aluminium probably has sufficient residual stress to be susceptible to hydrogen stress cracking, and this can be accelerated by the sulphide, which may lead to structural failure of the metal.
The most important electrical components are sealed ‘water resistant’, that is to say against low pressure, water splashing encountered in the course of daily driving conditions. As long as you avoid directing a strong stream of water (or a pressure washer at close range) directly into these components, you will be fine.
You need to cover various parts prior to using any cleaning products, sprays (water deterrent, formula 40(WD-40)) or water.
• Alternator
• Alarm Housing
• Intercooler
• Battery terminals (if not covered already)
• Induction kit cone (if you have one)
• Coil packs
• Electronic control units (ECU)
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port
• Air intake systems (exposed air filters) can be covered with plastic wrap and a rubber band
• Avoid getting water in the spark plug recesses
Notes:1. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it marque specific, if in doubt use a water repellent (WD-40) and exercise common sense
2. Use cling-film and then tin foil for the alternator, alarm housing etc as the foil is easier to mould and has greater protection properties. I suggest you use a plastic bag for the induction kit and just wrap it tight over the end to stop any water ingress.
3. For the intercooler the best way to cover is to get a flat sheet of cardboard and just cut it to size so it fits and covers the fins. Cardboard will normally protect the fins for the duration of the washing. It will get soaked so discard after the wash.
4. If you are uncertain of how to proceed on something not included here; talk with somebody who has marque /model /year specific knowledge.
Simple Green
Simple Green is corrosive and will react with bare aluminium causing hydrogen embrittlement (this is also known as stress cracking corrosion). As the cleaner gradually ferments it reduces the pH from its normal mildly alkaline state to acidic. Slow corrosion of the aluminium results, generating a little hydrogen on the surface.
Anaerobic conditions also generate hydrogen and hydrogen sulphide bio chemically, producing small amounts of methane. The aluminium probably has sufficient residual stress to be susceptible to hydrogen stress cracking, and this can be accelerated by the sulphide, which may lead to structural failure of the metal.
Last edited by TOGWT; Dec 22, 2010 at 06:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Thank you Sir,
For the education, I didn't know that simple green was corrosive. I've only washed my AMGs Ruth water only, as the engine never gets dirty, only dusty. You can eat off of either of my cars engines. Fantastic and windex works great, that's about the extent I go thru. I'm fearful that the water will screw up my aromatic system
For the education, I didn't know that simple green was corrosive. I've only washed my AMGs Ruth water only, as the engine never gets dirty, only dusty. You can eat off of either of my cars engines. Fantastic and windex works great, that's about the extent I go thru. I'm fearful that the water will screw up my aromatic system
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: S. FLorida, USA
2008 E320 Bluetec, 2004 Landrover DII
It seems the consensus is not to pressure wash. As I tend to err on the side of caution I will wash and rinse with low pressure water only.
Thanks to all for your replies and happy holidays as appropriate.
Thom
Thanks to all for your replies and happy holidays as appropriate.
Thom
