I always go to the self serve to wash my car... theres always an option for "engine cleaner"...

I'm wondering if it's really safe to pressure wash the engine bay with this.

I was thinking too much would get wet & I probably would get stuck in the car wash.

 

I wouldn't use it because when you wash under the hood of the car it is good to leave the hood up and leave the car in the sun to dry for a while before starting again.

Also the car is already at maximum operating temperature and there is a good chance cool water might come through.

 

You probably wouldn't get stuck but you could have some Alternator and starter issues down the road if things get too wet

 

I have used it at the big splash on Robert street in west. St. Paul, it is not high pressure when you switch it over to that, but to rinse you would have to use the rinse selection which is,

I have used it with great result, so to each thier own, I have always left the car running while doing it

 

I second that. For years I have always washed under my trucks hood, daughters Malibu and no problems. I have a warm engine, shut off the motor, spray on the canned engine degreaser chemical I brought with me and let it dwell for about 3 minutes (important you let chemical soak and do it's job releasing the grime) then start the vehicle and do kind of a glancing spray rinse nothing really direct onto anything for very long. If you use their engine cleaner, you can't really let it soak in very long as the clock is running so to speak. Never have been left stranded yet, popping the hood and letting things dry I agree with unless perhaps your doing a longer trip to town or something.

 

The one I used before was low pressure too. You could always take some plastic bags and cover the altornator and coils and fuse boxes. Then just spray lightly in those areas

 

i've always wondered about engine cleaning, if you search around you usually get mixed thoughts about water and the engine bay. Mine could use a good cleaning, might consider it next time im at the bay. Use some engine degreaser, spray it on when i get there and let it soak and then rinse it off.

 

My engine really isn't "dirty" it's just got dirt haha.. okay it's a little bit dirty but not really greasy..

Maybe I'm better off with some can cleaners and the hose in my backyard?

This is the one I'm talking about haha... must be your car I see by the liquor store -_-!!!
Even after I moved I still drive over there to wash my car ;D

 

it is one of the better one's i have gone to, it always seem to have good pressure even when a ton of people are washing thier cars, the soap has never ran dry, decently clean! and i have found money there on like 4 different occasions!

I actually went lastnight to give it a spray down and a wipe down with quick detailer, i usually try to get there at night, less people to deal with, i can take my sweet time cleaning stuff... i've claybared, washed and waxed my car in a bay at night,

i don't think thats me not too big of a drinker nor work at one lol

i can see that car wash from my apt, you should let me know some time when your in the area and we can meet up,

 

If I lived that close to you Justin, you would be detailing my cars every other month :p