Car engine wash? (how much, home, move)

[Fr Anastasios]

Greetings!

I took my car in yesterday to get a cover replaced on a part of my engine because oil was leaking. There was also the possibility that other fluids might be leaking. The mechanic suggested that I go get the engine professionally cleaned (on the outside of it). He said that some car washes have an optional engine clean upgrade, but he didn't give me any examples. The reason he says he suggested this is because there is some residue on the engine he said and if I get it cleaned, that way when I come back for the next oil change, it will be obvious if there are any other leaks or not by how clean the engine is. It seemed logical to me, and the thing does look kind of dirty, so I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion as to where to get this done and how much it might cost.

Thanks!

Fr. Anastasios

[wolfcub]

Don't waste you money on "professional" clean. Go to the carwash, wash the engine off at teh do it yourself wash and viola, clean!! I do it all the time.

[underPSI]

Just use a water hose, soft-bristle brush, and some Simple Green diluted 1:1. I wouldn't use a pressure washer under the hood. Pressure washers tend to push the water into the electrical connections.

[T|K]

Originally Posted by underPSI

Just use a water hose, soft-bristle brush, and some Simple Green diluted 1:1. I wouldn't use a pressure washer under the hood. Pressure washers tend to push the water into the electrical connections.

I have used pressure washers tons of times under the hood of cars with no issues at all.

[saturnfan]

Be careful. Water in the wrong places can cause much electrical grief.

Get it done right.

[wheelsup]

There are sprays that coat your engine, then you gently spray off. They are generally of the foaming type.

Available at any auto parts store.

What was leaking? Valve cover?

[DanBev]

Originally Posted by Fr Anastasios

Greetings!

I took my car in yesterday to get a cover replaced on a part of my engine because oil was leaking. There was also the possibility that other fluids might be leaking. The mechanic suggested that I go get the engine professionally cleaned (on the outside of it). He said that some car washes have an optional engine clean upgrade, but he didn't give me any examples. The reason he says he suggested this is because there is some residue on the engine he said and if I get it cleaned, that way when I come back for the next oil change, it will be obvious if there are any other leaks or not by how clean the engine is. It seemed logical to me, and the thing does look kind of dirty, so I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion as to where to get this done and how much it might cost.

Thanks!

Fr. Anastasios

Go to car wash and use pressure washer,I did mine today at home with my pressure washer,just routine I do.I use to wash mine all the time in car wash.

[sacredgrooves]

I used to enter my classic cars in car shows, and I am quite versed in detailing as a result. Get engine cleaner from the auto parts store, and get a steam shark II from Sears. Spray the foaming cleaner on, heat the steamer up and use the attached wand to steam everything off. You want to warm the engine up prior to aplying the cleaner as it will greatly help remove the grime giving a warm surafce to begin with. It will take roughly an hour so depending on how dirty it is, but it will work miracles. Pressure washing....done it many times but the risk of it getting into your electrical or distributor cap is a real possibility. It is also possible, though rare, to push water into the cylinders themselves. Water does not compress and you will learn all about hydro-locking if it happens to you. (new engine)
Best of luck!

ps - I used this a lot for my Jeep CJ7 as well....they have infallible reputations as oil leakers and it helped me keep track of them all lol.

pss - You will LOVE a steam shark. It can be used for all sorts of cleaning. (showers come to mind....use mine all the time there)

[underPSI]

Pressure washing....done it many times but the risk of it getting into your electrical or distributor cap is a real possibility. It is also possible, though rare, to push water into the cylinders themselves. Water does not compress and you will learn all about hydro-locking if it happens to you. (new engine)

Lol, I tried to warn 'em.

[wolfcub]

Originally Posted by underPSI

Lol, I tried to warn 'em.

Have used commercial car wash since the 80's and have never had an issue. you do not aim at one spot and no problems