I'v been detailing for about 4 years now, every car thru the shop for our dealers gets the engine washed, 4200psi spray, (stay away from steam cleaners, and its best to do it cold, steam will create condensation in places it shouldn't, and this can cause alot of problems). I'v had trouble starting 2 vehicals in 4 years and over 4,000 vehicals. So yea, I'd spray it down with a good degreaser, engine bite, w/e, and wash the hell out of it.

 

so you also see no problem with an uncovered alternator then, yes? do you also recommend washing it with the engine running?

 

Yea its not going to hurt the alternator, but I don't know about leaving it running. I don't, I usually try and let them sit for a while so that the engine cools off. Seems to me like leaving it running is a bad way to go. Can't be good for it to be that hot and be doused in water.

 

I've always been told to steer clear of the coil packs/distributor and leave the engine running.


These could all be old wives tales for all I know.


From a mechanical standpoint it seems that it would be best to wash it when it's cool and cover anything that water could get into and cause problems. For the most part, most modern cars these days are pretty well protected from the elements.

 

simple green enigine degreaser and some cd2 enigine detailer

 

Ok...I've heard every side of this. I wish I could get a difinitive answer. Leave the engine running. Don't run the engine. Don't use cold water on a hot engine. Cover the electronics. Don't need to cover the electronics. Steam clean. Don't steam clean.

ARRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

It's like everything else in life, it seems. Something is good for you one day...the next day, that same thing will kill you.

 

this video will explain how to do it and i trust these guys they are pros at what they do...


http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/cleaning_motor.cfm

 

i have sprayed mine off but i dont spray the coils to much. for the most part just use common sens if it is ele. part then dont flood it out real bad. if the motor is off turn it on unless it is goign to be tore down then i would take the sensors off of it and then do it just to make sure i dont have them sitting with water in it.

other wise i jst use the normal .25 car wash when i do teh wheels and tires i will spray the wheel and tire cleaner in to the motor also. go do the rest of the wheels and then i shoot it with soap and rinse it off. I have never had any car ever have a problem. other then the older cars with points and the first gen HEI's dont like water to much.

but if you get water under the cap on them it is a easy fix dry it off with atowel and then shoot some W-D40 in it. it will repel the water out of the cap and allow it to start.

goo dluck!