Pressuring Washing Engine

[Gert]

Is it ok to pressure wash my venture engine? I'd like to wash it to keep the outside of the engine clean. I've done this on other cars and seemed to be ok, but I just want to make sure. Any comments would be appreciated.

[shooter_va]

I wouldn't use a pressure washer. Here is a quote from someone on a different forum.

"I simply use "purple power", or simple green, soak the whole engine bay with it, and rinse it off with a hose. I soak everything. I have never had a problem with all the vehicles I have owned.

Don't worry about covering the alternator or other stupid stuff. Just soak it all and when it's clean, put a good coat of armor-all detailer's advantage tire foam on everything. It'll look just like the day you bought it."

Just make sure the engine is warm at the most and not hot.

[463]

i put the washer to the spot free rinse and with the hood up i wet the engine down with 24 to 36 inches from the tip to engine surfaces,the blow it dry with a shopvac blower and wipe it down good. then take some rubber protector and rub down the plastic and rubber parts. then for the next few months i just spot free rinse and blow out the engine bay and thats given me a factory fresh look in the engine dept. ( spot free rinse leaves no water spots, thats good), 463

[fjclaus]

Is there anything wrong with power washing? I have a small $89.00 washer from Target that I use to clean the driveway with. Can I add Simple green to the washer and soak the engine then power wash it off?

[16th hippy]

problem with "power washers" is the damage they cause to plastic/rubber wires and such. if it has a LOW setting, like the spot free rinse at a car wash, then maybe it will work ok. otherwise, would be better off using a regular garden hose with just your thumb on it lightly. my personal opinion is to NEVER wash an engine unless it is about to be pulled/installed, or if you are tracing a leak. even then, i get some brake/parts cleaner and use that.