Redline37

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys. I have indeed used the search button but got no definite answer as to if its ok to clean my engine bay with a hose. I currently use a small spray bottle to clean my engine bay, but it takes a lot of effort to get through the whole engine bay. What I want to do is rinse out my engine bay with a hose, spray some p21s cleaner, let sit for a minute or two, agitate any non loose dirt, rinse, and dry. I have done some searching on google and found that there have been problems with rinsing bmw engine bays. From what I have read, they have to cover certain component with plastic bags to ensure that their car will start without a problem. That and leave their cars running while cleaning the engine. So, my question would be, is it ok to clean the engine bay as-is or do I have to cover any certain parts from the water? I see that most of out wires have weather strips and covers. I have Injen CAI and Hyper Grounding Kit installed on the car. Thanks.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

I've cleaned it exactly as you mentioned. Except I didn't leave the engine running or cover up anything. Don't squirt the hose directly into the alternator. Make sure the caps are on everything tight. I've had no problems, cleaned the engine bay about 3 or 4 times like this.

HB4LTHR

I have the cleaned the Gs engine bay as well as my corvette's with a hose. Here is the pratice I follow:

1) Spray your favorite all purpose cleaner on the engine bay.
2) Scrub the really dirty parts of the engine with a brush.
3) Before turning the water on, start your engine. The reason for this is that if the engine starts to sputter, you simply move the water off.
4) Gently spray water on the engine. Please note I said "gently". I didn't say flood the engine with water.
5) When done, turn off the water and engine and use a leaf blower to blow out the majority of water out.
6) Wipe any remaining water left with a rag, dress the hoses and any other plastic items.
7) You can also apply sealant to any of the underhood painted areas

You can now sit back and enjoy the results

Redline37

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys! I will go ahead and clean my engine bay tomorrow.

ShyTown91

iTrader: (1)

let us know how it goes and take pictures
i would be terrified of doing this.. theres just so much that could go wrong :/

Redline37

iTrader: (2)

care to explain what could go wrong from this??

ShyTown91

iTrader: (1)

I have no idea to be honest. Its just personally I would be scared to spray a hose right onto my engine. But if reputable members such as BB are doing it then I guess its ok. All Im saying is that I would trust myself doing it haha

bingpwr

iTrader: (4)

Just cover up alternator and intakes (if applicable) with plastic bags and spray away.

Redline37

iTrader: (2)

We'll, I cleaned my engine bay with the hose today, and it looks great! I didn't cover up the alternator or intakes because they were too deep under the engine bay. I went ahead and sprayed P21s, then agitated the dirt and rinsed off lightly with the hose. After drying everything, the car started without a problem. Thanks guys!

evilpanda

dumb question: when you guys say 'lightly hose with water' do you guys use a regular hose or something with a nozzle with like 'mist' 'flat' option.

hispeed-lowdrag

iTrader: (7)

There's really not anything that can go wrong. Unless you hold the hose right next to the engine bay and spray water directly into the intakes or something. But if you do that then you deserve to have something go wrong

Nope I use my normal hose...I have the foam gun from Detailed Image so I just take off the foam reservoir and shoot a full stream of water over the engine bay

Obviously I'm not gonna sit there and hold it on one spot for a long time but there is really nothing wrong with just spraying a hose into your engine bay

evilpanda

oh ok, just wasnt not sure since i've never really done it to any of my cars.

hispeed-lowdrag

iTrader: (7)

Yeah no worries mang

Seriously unless you are holding the nozzle right in front of the engine bay and spraying it trying to flood the intakes or spray the alternator or something, you will be fine