just wandered if its safe to pressure wash the engine as its filth, and what possibly needs needs covering up .

There are probably lots of other things to watch out for, but off the top of my head - cover the intercooler (the fins will/might bend), the alternator, the alarm siren, ..... etc

ok cheers for that

give the engine a good going over with degreaser first.then wash.:thumb:

I'd say don't do it as a pressure washer will force water into all sorts of places it shouldn't go. TPS, MAF, all connectors vulnerable just for starters.

I've even heard its not a good idea to pressure wash wheels with high pressure washers as the water can force its way into micro pores in the tyres and damage the structure.

If you search the forum for 'cleaning engine', or something, you'll probably get the best info. I think that most people use some kind of degreaser and then hose off, using a garden hose rather than a pressure washer, followed by some kind of protective coat to prevent rusting etc. Like I said, try a forum search for some useful info :)

give the engine a good going over with degreaser first.then wash.:thumb:

Second that. Only light pressure on the wash. Only enough to rinse.

I normally use degreaser with a stiff dish brush then hose off. Works nicely.

Done it twice now and ive dried out my clutch slave cylinder which now creaks when its hot due to lack of grease!!

If you give it a good clean once and keeo on top of it, you shouldnt need to do it again.

D1ccy - You're right, you aren't meant to directly dpray the tyre sidewalls with the jet ass it can damage them.

i just want to do my red manifold on my sti

will never use a pressure washer as i ended up cracking the manifold on my gsi zafira cuz i left it running why i blasted it.....hold manifold and cold water dont mix

a brush and some gunk for the scooby and little water me thinks

have a look at the polished bliss guides. great way of doing it. the only difference i do is to have the engine running while i rinse it off and then dry it off with an air gun attached to my compressor. this way it dries out nice and quick. once you've done it go over with some 303 aerospace protectant.

Polished Bliss - Car Care Advice - How to safely clean and protect your engine bay (http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/guides_engine.html)

:)

Just finished cleaning my engine as per polished bliss guidelines and WOW.

It looks amazing - used a cheap £2.99 degreaser spray and a couple of old rags. Spray, leave 3 minutes, wipe and gently hose off. finished with back to black on plastics/rubber and wax on the paintwork. 20 minutes work and looks stunning.:luxhello:

see here as well, took me ages :)

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/members-gallery-5/625421-engine-bay-cleaning.html

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