Engine wash help

[Patrickgault]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some basic info on engine washing essentials. Is it necessary to remove the negative battery cable? Another critical components that I might cover or safe guard before I hose it down? Thanks...

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[Tilzbow]

For 44 years, I‘ve never done anything other than pressure wash at a coin operated car wash or with a pressure washer at home. First some soap and then a clean water rinse. I keep the end of the wand 18” to 24” away from the engine and don’t blast the area around the spark plug wires. I did work at a truck wash for 5 years and a car wash for a year during high school and college so I’ve got a few more hours behind a pressure washer than most.

The last time I checked we all drive our Broncos (and other cars) in the rain and the engine compartment gets pretty wet during those drives so it’s not something I over think and the engine is made to deal with some wetness. Now back when I owned vehicles with distributor caps and carburetors I had to be careful and sometimes pull spark plug wires off the distributor and dry them but that hasn’t been an issue since the late 80’s.

Within a few minutes another forum member will tell me all the issues this can cause but I’ll continue to wash as needed….

 

[Brian_B]

Just don’t use high pressure blasts directly on electrical fittings or sensors.

I use soap and low pressure (like right out of the hose no pressure washer) all the time, and on older vehicles have used pressure on the block to get oil and dirt knocked off. My Bronco had stayed clean enough so far that just soap + low pressure have been enough.

it also helps if you don’t soak your air filter, and don’t take a pressure washer near the radiator / condenser / intercooler as it can damage the fins

 

[Patrickgault]

I appreciate the feedback. I have always just hosed them off too, but I wasn't sure now that there's all the electronics involved. Thanks...

 

[Aonarch]

Best thing to do is use foaming engine cleaner. Put a plastic bag over the alternator and avoid spraying with high pressure at any sensitive areas.

Make sure the engine is cool, then use forced air to gently dry.

I'd then take it for a cruise to make sure the water gets dispersed/ dries.

That last step is crucial. I've seen people wreck engines, by letting them sit after washing them. Water seeps in.

 

[Bschurr]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some basic info on engine washing essentials. Is it necessary to remove the negative battery cable? Another critical components that I might cover or safe guard before I hose it down? Thanks...

This is the stuff to use!

 

[1st 75th ranger]

I appreciate the feedback. I have always just hosed them off too, but I wasn't sure now that there's all the electronics involved. Thanks...

yep as the others said
i work at a ford dealer and own a bronco mudding often
i soap on low then spray off everything except plugs air filter blow off valve etc ...i do leave running and have never had an issue

 

[iamcris]

Spray bottle filled with water and dawn dish soap until the color is light blue. Add Dawn last, gently swirl to mix. Spritz/make wet every engine compartment and use air to dry either leaf blower or compressed air. There is no cheaper or more effective method to clean your engine bay. If Dawn is safe enough for ducks (environmentally friendly) it's safe enough for your Bronco. Dawn is the absolutely the best degreaser for the least money.

 

[helifino16]

Engine wash was not included in the 'very specific' washing instructions from Ford?

 

[Big Pony]

Same as others… foaming cleaner, low pressure, avoid electrical connectors and air intake. I use a leaf blower to disperse water and always wash it with the engine running. The heat generated by the engine evaporates and dissipates excess water very quickly. Been doing this for over 20 years in all my vehicles and never had any issues. Bronco gets an engine wash every time I wheel in nasty conditions.

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