Engine Wash?

Hey, I have a question. If I wanted to clean under the hood of my car, is there anything that I should do besides take a high pressure sprayer to it? Do I benifit anything from doing this or is it just for looks? (If I dont ever clean it out, will it effect anyhting?)

Thanks!

I wouldn't use a high pressure washer. Things are fairly water-proof, but there is quite a bit of electronics under there. I'd go for more of a careful hand wash.

Benifits? It looks better. May be easier to track down leaks in the future. That's all I can think of off hand.

Originally posted by Someguy
I wouldn't use a high pressure washer. Things are fairly water-proof, but there is quite a bit of electronics under there. I'd go for more of a careful hand wash.

Benifits? It looks better. May be easier to track down leaks in the future. That's all I can think of off hand.
plus the engine might run a little cooler and your mechanic will like you cause he won't get all dirty working on your car.
You could spray some engine cleaner or engine shampoo on first for better results.
And put plastic bags over the distributor cap.

Just to be safe you should cover all electrical/ignition stuff with plastic (saran wrap) and rubberbands, wash it by hand later. Getting it wet can decrease life. Don't worry about all the little electrical connectors, just the major ignition stuff.

Spray Simple Green all over the engine, use a brush and scrub all over, incl. the underside of the hood, and rinse thoroughly, using as little water as possible if that makes sense. Simple Green is a good degreaser that won't harm your paint.
When you're done, drive for 20 min or so to help dry it off. Then use some rubber dressing (like armor all...I use Meguiar's Shine) and wipe down all the hoses and rubber stuff. You'll love the results!!!

hmm..one small question guys, should the battery be covered or taken out?..or just leave it there and clean and dry it with cloth later on?

Actually I will try to disconnect the ground (B-) cable from the battery before doing all that stuff (make sure you know your radio code and other electronic that it might affect), then after everything is done and wipe dry, wait for a while or over night to dry with open hood (just to be safe) before driving.