[m4gician]

Hey,

I've got a 1700psi electric PW. Is it usually safe (pending I cover up the electricals, alternator, air intake and distributor) to blast the engine (semi-warm) with my PW?

I've done it on older vehicles with little problem, I don't want to do this to a customer's car if it will cause major damage.

I'll be using the adjustable wand so it's not the full 1700 psi.

[Usjdmtuner]

you probably can but I think its very risky... I just use regular hose and its fine...no need for PW... PSI of water might be forced into areas where you dont want to...

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

While many may say you *can* PW an engine as with any step I take I NEVER take the chance...

Look at it this way, what is pressure washing doing for you? = Saving time... What risk does using a PW pose? = Potential engine damage.... I think you see where I am going.

Least invasive method does not only apply to paint correction.

Again, many will probably tell you it's ok BUT I suppose it really is the overall thought process of the detailer that comes to the surface in this situation

[HAN]

I honestly thing pressure washing is safer than a steady stream of water from a hose, due to the fact that a pressure washer is spraying mostly air, not water. Just keep a safe distance from the alternator and any exposed wiring and you should be fine.

Just my .02,

Pete

[richy]

Originally Posted by HAN

I honestly thing pressure washing is safer than a steady stream of water from a hose, due to the fact that a pressure washer is spraying mostly air, not water. Just keep a safe distance from the alternator and any exposed wiring and you should be fine.

Just my .02,

Pete

[togwt]

Engine Compartment Steam / High Pressure Water Cleaning:
High-pressure steam cleaning can force solutions into the engine harness sheath and associated cables, causing unusual problems that would not have occurred otherwise. Once steam is applied to a cold metal surface it condenses and becomes water that may be in a place that it cannot be easily removed from.

To say that a modern engine compartment is water-proof is a little naive; as it normally only experiences very low pressure water that is splashed up from the wheels. Modern vehicle engine harness multi-plugs and related sealing measures are not designed for the discharge velocity and force of typical commercial steam / high pressure water cleaning units. Further, cleaning solutions with the high-pressure discharge can leave conductive and often corrosive residues deep within the harness and cables.

Most engines are rarely so encrusted with automotive residues and dirt that normal, low-pressure degreasing methods fail to provide proper, efficient cleaning. High-pressure engine water / steam cleaning are unnecessary and should be restricted to extreme cleaning jobs, such as commercial trucks, off-road vehicles, etc.

[J BELL]

My vote is for a steady stream of water from the end of the hose...then coat with a good degreaser or APC and you will get the results you need...its just not worth the risk if the above method will get it just as clean in my opinion

	APC All Purpose Cleaner

[Jimmie]

Originally Posted by HAN

I honestly thing pressure washing is safer than a steady stream of water from a hose, due to the fact that a pressure washer is spraying mostly air, not water. Just keep a safe distance from the alternator and any exposed wiring and you should be fine.

Just my .02,

Pete

and the ammount and pressure of the H2O is easily controlled by distance.

[Usjdmtuner]

i mean we all know what PW does... it is force pressure on anything it touches.. so water that is force into anything potentially will cause trouble.. thats all i can say...

[POPPAJ]

Just did mine today! Cover the electrical boxes and intake with hd foil, spray with Gunk Gel and have at it at the coin-op. Never a problem. The secret, excess in moderation.

Finish off with CD-2.