Things to avoid when washing engine bay
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 8
Things to avoid when washing engine bay
Hello,
2020MY here. Going to get the car detailed soon. One of the service included is washing engine bay. They didn't mention whether it is power wash or hand wash with hose and brush. Is it save to do so either way? It sounds not ideal with all those electrical components getting wet potentially firing them.. should I skip or go for it?
2020MY here. Going to get the car detailed soon. One of the service included is washing engine bay. They didn't mention whether it is power wash or hand wash with hose and brush. Is it save to do so either way? It sounds not ideal with all those electrical components getting wet potentially firing them.. should I skip or go for it?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 205
From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
I've been doing it this way for many years:
1. Cover the alternator with a plastic bag.
2. Spray on degreaser (I really like the yellow one from Harbor Freight).
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse with pressure washer using at least a 40-degree nozzle, from a distance of 1-2 meters -- never up close.
5. Repeat a few times as needed.
No brushes required. I usually do this every two years, and everything comes out clean with no electrical issues.
1. Cover the alternator with a plastic bag.
2. Spray on degreaser (I really like the yellow one from Harbor Freight).
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse with pressure washer using at least a 40-degree nozzle, from a distance of 1-2 meters -- never up close.
5. Repeat a few times as needed.
No brushes required. I usually do this every two years, and everything comes out clean with no electrical issues.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 31,846
Likes: 6,198
Hello,
2020MY here. Going to get the car detailed soon. One of the service included is washing engine bay. They didn't mention whether it is power wash or hand wash with hose and brush. Is it save to do so either way? It sounds not ideal with all those electrical components getting wet potentially firing them.. should I skip or go for it?
2020MY here. Going to get the car detailed soon. One of the service included is washing engine bay. They didn't mention whether it is power wash or hand wash with hose and brush. Is it save to do so either way? It sounds not ideal with all those electrical components getting wet potentially firing them.. should I skip or go for it?
I've been doing it this way for many years:
1. Cover the alternator with a plastic bag.
2. Spray on degreaser (I really like the yellow one from Harbor Freight).
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse with pressure washer using at least a 40-degree nozzle, from a distance of 1-2 meters -- never up close.
5. Repeat a few times as needed.
No brushes required. I usually do this every two years, and everything comes out clean with no electrical issues.
1. Cover the alternator with a plastic bag.
2. Spray on degreaser (I really like the yellow one from Harbor Freight).
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse with pressure washer using at least a 40-degree nozzle, from a distance of 1-2 meters -- never up close.
5. Repeat a few times as needed.
No brushes required. I usually do this every two years, and everything comes out clean with no electrical issues.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
2019 GLC 300
I understand why you might think that deionized (i.e. H2O with impurities removed) water might be preferred because it does not (readily) conduct electricity, however I have to think that the water would become contaminated (and ionizable) as soon at it came into contact with the grime that you are trying to wash off.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 31,846
Likes: 6,198
I understand why you might think that deionized (i.e. H2O with impurities removed) water might be preferred because it does not (readily) conduct electricity, however I have to think that the water would become contaminated (and ionizable) as soon at it came into contact with the grime that you are trying to wash off.
Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 208
Likes: 77
From: Canada
2017 & 2022 GLC 300 4Matic
Well.. because my vehicle is not classic model car for showing under the hood at a festival,
no one look at my engine bay except myself or rarely mechanic.
I used to clean it twice with a degreaser spray and water, decades ago, but not anymore since, No benefit.
Only if the dirty spot needs to be cleaned for future diagnosis, like oil leak,
I use paper/cloth towel with alcohol spray or break cleaner. That's all.
no one look at my engine bay except myself or rarely mechanic.
I used to clean it twice with a degreaser spray and water, decades ago, but not anymore since, No benefit.
Only if the dirty spot needs to be cleaned for future diagnosis, like oil leak,
I use paper/cloth towel with alcohol spray or break cleaner. That's all.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,969
Likes: 2,179
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I think that a clean engine bay makes a technician respect your car more. Maybe it inspires them to do a better job.
Maybe the inverse is more accurate, though - a dirty engine compartment shows that you don't care.
My engine bay is pretty tidy, with only dust and a bit of road spatter. It only takes a hose to make it look nice.
Maybe the inverse is more accurate, though - a dirty engine compartment shows that you don't care.
My engine bay is pretty tidy, with only dust and a bit of road spatter. It only takes a hose to make it look nice.
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