Can we pressure wash engine safely?

[elykoj]

My engine and compartment are filthy, are we able to spray a cleaner and pressure wash safely without harming any electrical components or wiring?

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[JasNeo]

hell no

a pressure washer could CUT THROUGH electrical wires and rubber hoses

I'm sure they're talking about a pressure washer with a gentle nozzle on it and not a 3 micron wide stream of water

 

[ebatr24]

Yes, just keep your sprayer at a good distance and avoid spraying directly over your battery, ECU, Fuse box, and any exposed electrical connectors.

 

[ManitobaSI]

Cover electrical, alternator. Use garden hose. Water will get trapped in battery tray. Better to remove battery.
Take your time and cover stuff. Gentle garden hose and use cloths to wipe.

 

[Tobiman]

My retired neighbor advised me to wash the engine bay when the car engine temp is low so the block doesn't rapidly lose temperature and possibly crack.

 

[jabberwocker]

Is this worth the risk at all? So many electrical components who knows what may have been exposed and damage could be done.

 

[Jay19Si]

You’ll be fine. Just use lighter pressure and a wider nozzle like 40deg. A garden hose would be fine too. While you’re spraying just be smart about it, dont spray electrical areas for minutes and minutes, be quick or cover them up

 

[Romeoridgee]

Honda designed the electrical components/connectors to be water resistant. run engine while cleaning and youll be fine.

 

[boosted180sx]

you will be fine as long as you are smart with it and not put a 0 deg nozzle to blast it from like a foot away for prolonged period of time.

 

[ManitobaSI]

Engine has to be cool. Do it on a day where you can leave hood open to air dry. Do what makes sense.

 

[Cody FKH8R]

Dude just spray some simple green and rinse it with a hose.

 

[haltamer]

The cleaner / degreaser is what will do the work in the engine, not the pressure.

Just use a garden hose with a spray attachment; Soak the engine down with some strong snowfoam or dedicated engine cleaner, agitate with a brush then rinse off with low pressure.

High pressure is unneccesary and substantially increases the risk.

 

[SmokeGhost]

Ive used my garden hose with a spray nozzle from a distance. Then i use my air compressor and blow out all the water carefully. No issues.

 

[LBP]

Dude just spray some simple green and rinse it with a hose.

Seconding Simple Green, and also would like to suggest Purple Power. Both are great for engine bay detailing. Spray some on, let it soak for a minute, and hose it down. Takes care of most of the work for you.

As far as pressure washers, yeah you can do that so long as you're using common sense. Follow other poster's recommendations and you'll be alright.

 

[Guitar_stitch]

I routinely wash my engine bay with my 1700 PSI electric pressure washer on a 30 degree nozzle. I've had zero issues. If water gets into a plug and causes an issue, I'd rather it be in my driveway than when I'm driving around in the pouring rain.

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