It is essential to understand that when it comes to engine cleaning, this activity can often do more harm than good. Although it might seem straightforward to wash the engine and its components under the hood, the reality may be surprising. This task requires surgical precision. Why? You’ll find out in this article!
The Purpose of Washing a Car Engine
In essence, the area under the hood should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Apart from the engine itself, many other associated components do not tolerate dirt, dust, or moisture well. However, it’s important to note that engine washing has both benefits and drawbacks.
The benefits of washing a car engine include:
- Maintaining the engine’s aesthetics at a high level,
- Cleaning and unblocking essential engine air vents,
- Identifying fluid leak locations,
Detecting other defects.These obvious advantages aside, washing also reveals defects not only in the engine but in other, seemingly unrelated components.
However, engine washing can have several disadvantages, such as:
- Moisture in the ignition system, causing starting issues,
- Humidity in air filters,
- Damage to electrical and electronic components near the engine,
- Moisture and damage to electrical cables, especially those that are worn,
Humidity in exposed mechanical mechanisms.As evident, engine washing, although often necessary, demands great care to avoid causing breakdowns rather than performing a cleaning. Sometimes, an engine wash is essential. How should it be done?
Preparing Your Car for Engine Washing :
Before washing the engine, it’s crucial to properly protect the drive unit and other components in the compartment. What should be remembered?
First and foremost, never wash the engine while it is hot. Spraying cold water on a hot engine can cause serious damage, such as cracking the cylinder head. Additionally, washing a hot engine poses a risk of burns.
The electrical system must be protected. This is particularly crucial for vehicles with gasoline engines, which require a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
Thus, a gasoline engine is equipped with spark plugs, coils, high-voltage cables, and a distributor that is sensitive to moisture. Diesel engines have a more straightforward and water-resistant configuration.
High-voltage cables, the distributor, and other ignition system components can be shielded with cling film. Rubber bands and tape might also be useful.
The alternator, control computer, and fuse box should also be protected. Disconnect the battery terminals. The battery can either be covered or removed from the engine compartment during cleaning.
Protecting the intake system is advisable too. The air filter must be kept dry. It can be removed and placed in a cover after washing.
Washing a Car Engine :
It’s important to recognize that a high-pressure cleaner, though effective, is not always suitable. It could damage the engine, particularly older models, which may suffer from seal damage or water infiltration into sensitive mechanisms. Caution is necessary. Additionally, using overly harsh cleaning chemicals should be avoided. While they may remove old and stubborn dirt, their application requires careful consideration.
Also, be aware of the risks and effects of an overheating car engine, including the symptoms to watch for.
Cleaning the oil pans and undersides of the engine is advisable. However, areas in contact with sensitive components might not always be safe for such cleaning. In these cases, manually washing the engine to precisely remove impurities is preferable to mechanical washing, which poses considerable risks. Special care should be taken when cleaning exposed drive and toothed belts. These are durable elements, but they can deteriorate and fail prematurely if exposed to harmful chemicals. Similarly, caution is necessary when cleaning areas that use seals, as improper cleaning products can damage these seals, compromise connection tightness, and cause defects.
Choosing the Right Engine Cleaning Fluid :
It’s essential not to use common household cleaning agents, like dish soap, or aggressive chemicals that can damage plastic or rubber parts of the engine.
A specialized engine cleaning solution, designed to be safe for the engine chamber’s components, is the better choice. A good engine cleaner should effectively remove grease and oil without harming rubber components, ensuring that seals remain intact.
Post-Washing Steps :
After applying the cleaning fluid, the engine must be rinsed with water. This can be done using a water-soaked sponge, a garden hose, or a low-pressure washer, being careful not to direct water at electrical components.
Avoid starting the engine immediately after washing. Allow time for the water to drain and let the engine dry for a few hours, preferably with the hood open. Accelerate the drying process using a compressor or compressed air, if available.
Is DIY Engine Washing Advisable?
When washing the engine, it’s crucial to consider water-sensitive components, such as the alternator, filters, and fuel electronics. Despite some protections (except for the alternator), exposure to water, especially under pressure, could impair their function. So, is it better to wash the engine yourself or leave it to professionals?
Given the risks involved, entrusting this task to someone with the appropriate equipment, knowledge, and awareness of the potential hazards might be wise. Professionals can also provide valuable insights into your vehicle’s condition, offering an opportunity to learn more about its state.
Therefore, while engine washing might seem straightforward, it requires confidence and the assurance of safety. If in doubt, seeking a specialist’s assistance is recommended to avoid any risks.