is it safe to wash engine bay??
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Joined: Apr 2011
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2011 M Class 300CDI
is it safe to wash engine bay??
Hey guys i would like to wash the engine bay on the 2011 ml300CDI just wondering is it safe to wash the engine bay??? Just lightly spray it with water and give it a nice scub?? Anyone done this before thanks!! what would i need to cover up to prevent water getting in important parts.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Florida & North Carolina
2008 ML320CDI 4Matic, 2006 C350
Just did this on mine with no incident Removed engine cover, light water spray, and then wiped off with towel.
In order to prevent any residual water I missed from causing any potential problems, I took it for 10 mile spin at 55 mph.
In order to prevent any residual water I missed from causing any potential problems, I took it for 10 mile spin at 55 mph.
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 205
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From: Denver / southern AZ
'11 ML350
I did this on my old '99 ML430; just a hand scrub and hose rinse at home - no high pressure at all. A couple years later an electrical connector failed from corrosion (can't remember which one exactly, except that it was an expensive repair). Hopefully, the W164s are more water tight under the hood.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 359
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From: Kelowna, BC
'09 ML550
Engine bays get dirty, so I can't imagine a manufacturer building a vehicle whose engine cannot be washed.
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 205
Likes: 3
From: Denver / southern AZ
'11 ML350
Engine bays get dirty, so I can't imagine a manufacturer building a vehicle whose engine cannot be washed.
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
2011 M Class 300CDI
Engine bays get dirty, so I can't imagine a manufacturer building a vehicle whose engine cannot be washed.
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
From the owner's manual:
"Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents. Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax, should be applied to the engine compartment after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax."
Hmm do you have a different manual?? I actually reda through my manual and there was nothing in the engine section and the care and maintenance section.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 43
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From: Reno
2010 GL450 and 2016 GLE350
It's in the 2007 manual under "Vehicle care / Engine cleaning, p.406. However, it's next to impossible to protect all the electrical connections from moisture, and as stated above by eeferber, electrical problems will result on down the line. I know from experience...........
A cloth dampened with a strong grease cutter will do the job far better and safer than spraying water around the compartment.
A cloth dampened with a strong grease cutter will do the job far better and safer than spraying water around the compartment.
Last edited by Keyser Soze; Jun 22, 2011 at 12:19 AM.
