Ive been told to powerwash my engine in order to clean it up so i can locate an oil leak.



so does anyone know the proper procedures to do so? Just to make sure i dont damage anything electrical



i would have to assume you have to keep something dry...

the biggest things u have to worry about is getting water in your intake, and distributor, so ducktape a plastic baggie aroung your distributor and the intake filter if u have an sri. other than that have at it! lol

This post has been edited by Ryouxrs: Mar 27, 2009 - 12:41 PM

i had heard that i need too keep the engine running so i dont get water on the sparks




and what about the alternator? i feel like that is very exposed

>

well just use brake parts cleaner to locate where your leak is. but at the same time its a good idea to wash engine if you'd like.

when i did it. i dont remember duct taping/covering the alternantor. i covered up electrical parts that were under the hood like injectors and eletrical wires that were near injectors, duct taped throttle body. also use engine decreaser and shine.

u dnt have to worry about the alternator, it will be fine. DO NOT have the engine running when u wash it. u will almost for sure short something out or damage electrical components if you do, just cover those 2 things realy good, and u shouldnt have any problems.

Once washed is it safe to drive? Or should you wait till its all dry?

u could drive it right away if u seal off those 2 things

If by power washing you mean using a pressure washer, be careful around all the plastic clips for electrical plugs. the plastic will be very brittle because of years of putting up with the engine heat, alot of mine break off in my hand, so I wouldn't want to imagine what water at 2000psi would do to them.

IMO you'd be better off with a strong degreaser, maybe a sponge to scrub around and just a normal hose.

This post has been edited by samir0189: Mar 27, 2009 - 4:40 PM

Blow air with a compressor after you cleaned it so it will dry faster