engine compartment? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MSL · 09-21-2003, 07:24 PM

I was wondering how you all go about pressure washing your engine compartment i am not sure what steps to take to do mine and need to know.

79BIG10 · 09-21-2003, 08:57 PM

Make sure to take a large plastic bag like a gallon size freezer bag and cover your HEI cap. This will help prevent getting moisture in there. Best to have your engine not hot but cold or just warmed over would be best. You don't want to take a chance of cracking a head or block with hot engine and cold water. Take your time and use a good degreaser and liberally spray it on where it needs it. Then spray off with pressure washer. Make sure to get it rinsed off completely. This will help when painting later on.

**N2TRUX** · 09-21-2003, 11:39 PM

I always go to the coin-op car wash to do mine. I get 2-3 cans of Gunk "Engine Brite" degreaser. It's the best stuff I have found. I spray the Gunk on first, then close the hood, and wet the truck down while the Gunk is soaking in. Then I set the dial to the engine (or wheel) cleaner setting.
I don't blast the engine at first, I just spray it without pulling the trigger. This puts a small amount of pressure on the really dirty areas.
When it's all clean, I turn the dial to soap, and blast it down good, then soap the entire truck too. After that I rinse everything down good, and head for the house.

Normally when I get home, I wash the exterior again, and hand dry it. This may seem like over kill, but I don't want to leave any trace of the engine cleaner on my paint....

gchemist · 09-21-2003, 11:43 PM

Don't wash it if your engine has been running more than 15 minutes. You'll crack a block or head really quick. If the engine is at operating temp don't spray directly at the engine. Keep a slight wave motion. Don't use GUNK on a HOT ENGINE!! The fumes can serious damage to your lungs, eyes and nose!
Use a car wash with hot water.
I spray an engine cleaner in the bay then let it sit for a while. Then I go wash it off.

**N2TRUX** · 09-22-2003, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gchemist
Don't wash it if your engine has been running more than 15 minutes. You'll crack a block or head really quick. ....

So if I am driving down the road for more than 15 minutes, I should make sure I don't hit a water puddle? I wouldn't want it to crack my block now would I?

Spraying the water directly on a cast exhaust manifold could cause it to crack. I really doubt it is going to hurt an engine block...

MSL · 09-22-2003, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the info guys.

bigd65 · 09-22-2003, 09:04 AM

i wash mine all the time, i dont cover nothing and i leave it running. if you leave it running it wont crack nothing and then leave i drive it around so the ignition dries out good. i have been do it this way for YEARS. the air cleaner gets wet so i just replace the filter. of coarse my truck dont leak anything so i onle wash the engine bay around the time the air filter needs replaced anyways.

LOHRTBT · 09-22-2003, 01:09 PM

DONT spray your alternator or any electrical connections either

bigd65 · 09-22-2003, 10:18 PM

yall keep saying dont do this and dont do that. i have done this for years and on EVERYTHING i have ever had and have NEVER once had a problem. AS LONG AS YOU KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE YOU SPRAY IT.

JUST MY EXPERIENCE, good luck with it

**old Rusty C10** · 09-23-2003, 11:09 AM

the only othr thing i can add is that i take a small stiff bristle brush with me so i can gt crap off the motor that the power wash and the gunk cant get loose alone

Prerunner1982 · 09-23-2003, 11:23 AM

If i am not mistaken, doesnt it say to use GUNK on a HOT engine? that helps break up the grease. I dont cover my dist. i just dont lay on it with the spray. (also you can use wd-40 in your dist. to displace the water). I too have heard about no using water on a hot block, i can understand on glass and such, but like N2TRUX said, what if i am driving down the road.. which i have done quite a bit with not problem. maybe if the heads were aluminum or such. But like almost everything else... everyone has thier own way of doing it... so to each his own.

LOHRTBT · 09-23-2003, 11:59 AM

I wanna see you shoot a stream of high pressure water in your alternator...running or not. Im not saying they cant get wet...they can...but its not good to blast them. I guarantee you that if you shot your dist. with high pressure water and it got in there...you would be screwed. Disassembly and drying out in order. I never cover anything because I know what not to hit on. But that is just me.

bigd65 · 09-23-2003, 06:37 PM

well i guess i just wasnt understanding the way you were saying cause i dont cover anything eather.but i do wash the dizzy and the alt. and have never had a problem with it.

82 Silverado 4X · 09-24-2003, 04:39 PM

Just a quick note to this post.
I saw that many suggestions were given and all were sound, but no one mentioned that GUNK Engine Degreaser is flammable. If you plan on using it or any other kind of engine cleaner read the can.
Don't spray it on a running engine and don't try to start the engine until the engine cleaner has been sprayed off.
I almost lost a 71 Fiat to this error in judgement.

LOHRTBT · 09-24-2003, 04:44 PM

I never use GUNK...it stains and strips paint in the times I have seen it used.

**N2TRUX** · 09-24-2003, 06:49 PM

In defense of my post regarding Gunk, read my procedure again. I spray the (non-running) motor to let it soak. Then I close the hood, and "wet" the entire truck right away. If a bit of Gunk did get on the paint, this cleans it off right away. This also softens the blow if you splash some on the paint when you start rinsing.

I DO NOT hit it with high pressure right away, or spray it directly when I do. I use the tire cleaner/degreaser setting on low pressure, then rinse everything off with soapy water first, then follow with clean water.

And as I stated in my first post, I follow all this with a hand wash at home. This process has worked for a lot of years, and I have never cracked a block/head/exhaust manifold. I have also never got the dizzy wet enough to prevent starting....

09-21-2003, 07:24 PM	#1
MSL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So.Oregon Posts: 765	engine compartment? I was wondering how you all go about pressure washing your engine compartment i am not sure what steps to take to do mine and need to know.

09-21-2003, 08:57 PM	#2
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Make sure to take a large plastic bag like a gallon size freezer bag and cover your HEI cap. This will help prevent getting moisture in there. Best to have your engine not hot but cold or just warmed over would be best. You don't want to take a chance of cracking a head or block with hot engine and cold water. Take your time and use a good degreaser and liberally spray it on where it needs it. Then spray off with pressure washer. Make sure to get it rinsed off completely. This will help when painting later on. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

09-21-2003, 11:39 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	I always go to the coin-op car wash to do mine. I get 2-3 cans of Gunk "Engine Brite" degreaser. It's the best stuff I have found. I spray the Gunk on first, then close the hood, and wet the truck down while the Gunk is soaking in. Then I set the dial to the engine (or wheel) cleaner setting. I don't blast the engine at first, I just spray it without pulling the trigger. This puts a small amount of pressure on the really dirty areas. When it's all clean, I turn the dial to soap, and blast it down good, then soap the entire truck too. After that I rinse everything down good, and head for the house. Normally when I get home, I wash the exterior again, and hand dry it. This may seem like over kill, but I don't want to leave any trace of the engine cleaner on my paint.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-21-2003, 11:43 PM	#4
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Don't wash it if your engine has been running more than 15 minutes. You'll crack a block or head really quick. If the engine is at operating temp don't spray directly at the engine. Keep a slight wave motion. Don't use GUNK on a HOT ENGINE!! The fumes can serious damage to your lungs, eyes and nose! Use a car wash with hot water. I spray an engine cleaner in the bay then let it sit for a while. Then I go wash it off. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

09-22-2003, 09:04 AM	#7
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,938	i wash mine all the time, i dont cover nothing and i leave it running. if you leave it running it wont crack nothing and then leave i drive it around so the ignition dries out good. i have been do it this way for YEARS. the air cleaner gets wet so i just replace the filter. of coarse my truck dont leak anything so i onle wash the engine bay around the time the air filter needs replaced anyways. __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

09-22-2003, 07:13 AM	#6
MSL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So.Oregon Posts: 765	Thanks for the info guys.

09-22-2003, 01:09 PM	#8
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	DONT spray your alternator or any electrical connections either __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

09-22-2003, 10:18 PM	#9
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,938	yall keep saying dont do this and dont do that. i have done this for years and on EVERYTHING i have ever had and have NEVER once had a problem. AS LONG AS YOU KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING WHILE YOU SPRAY IT. JUST MY EXPERIENCE, good luck with it __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

09-23-2003, 11:09 AM	#10
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,345	the only othr thing i can add is that i take a small stiff bristle brush with me so i can gt crap off the motor that the power wash and the gunk cant get loose alone __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

09-23-2003, 11:23 AM	#11
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	If i am not mistaken, doesnt it say to use GUNK on a HOT engine? that helps break up the grease. I dont cover my dist. i just dont lay on it with the spray. (also you can use wd-40 in your dist. to displace the water). I too have heard about no using water on a hot block, i can understand on glass and such, but like N2TRUX said, what if i am driving down the road.. which i have done quite a bit with not problem. maybe if the heads were aluminum or such. But like almost everything else... everyone has thier own way of doing it... so to each his own. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

09-23-2003, 11:59 AM	#12
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	I wanna see you shoot a stream of high pressure water in your alternator...running or not. Im not saying they cant get wet...they can...but its not good to blast them. I guarantee you that if you shot your dist. with high pressure water and it got in there...you would be screwed. Disassembly and drying out in order. I never cover anything because I know what not to hit on. But that is just me. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

09-23-2003, 06:37 PM	#13
bigd65 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Clute, TX. Posts: 1,938	well i guess i just wasnt understanding the way you were saying cause i dont cover anything eather.but i do wash the dizzy and the alt. and have never had a problem with it. __________________ 2004 Silverado Crewcab 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo 2017 Chevy Tahoe

09-24-2003, 04:39 PM	#14
82 Silverado 4X Genuine Chevrolet Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South West Pennsylvania. Posts: 582	Just a quick note to this post. I saw that many suggestions were given and all were sound, but no one mentioned that GUNK Engine Degreaser is flammable. If you plan on using it or any other kind of engine cleaner read the can. Don't spray it on a running engine and don't try to start the engine until the engine cleaner has been sprayed off. I almost lost a 71 Fiat to this error in judgement. __________________ George 82 Silverado LWB 4x4 350 SM465 NP208 77 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet 400 TH350 NP203

09-24-2003, 04:44 PM	#15
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	I never use GUNK...it stains and strips paint in the times I have seen it used. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

09-24-2003, 06:49 PM	#16
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	In defense of my post regarding Gunk, read my procedure again. I spray the (non-running) motor to let it soak. Then I close the hood, and "wet" the entire truck right away. If a bit of Gunk did get on the paint, this cleans it off right away. This also softens the blow if you splash some on the paint when you start rinsing. I DO NOT hit it with high pressure right away, or spray it directly when I do. I use the tire cleaner/degreaser setting on low pressure, then rinse everything off with soapy water first, then follow with clean water. And as I stated in my first post, I follow all this with a hand wash at home. This process has worked for a lot of years, and I have never cracked a block/head/exhaust manifold. I have also never got the dizzy wet enough to prevent starting....



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