Hi guys just abit of advise really, im gonna clean my engine bay this wknd and ive got all the detailing equiptment i just want to know im gonna jet wash under the bonnet as in just spray all the engine cleaner off, is this ok to do, should i leave the engine running and do i need to cover anything or avoid anything in particular

Cheers Tim

I'd never jet was a cars engine, other people may do it though, a high pressure power washer on electrics is asking for trouble if you ask me? Is there any instructions on the back of the engine cleaner? Steam cleaner could be the way to go if you really want to get the engine bay sparkling!

 i was thinking that but i was just goin to give it a quicj pray nothing major and drive it off to let it drive just wasnt to sure

 water + electronics = trouble..................

Get some AG Machine cleaner spray it on a cold engine leave it for 5-10 mins..  The spray a bit more and use a spft brush to agitate the dirt really get in all the tight spots.   Then from about 3-4 feet away light spray the jet wash or just use a hose without jet wash and you will be fine mate.  Been doing it for 12 years never had a problem those that get the jetwash alternators etc from about 2 inches away have the trouble...

been doing my 6 pot for quite some time with no grief, you just have to use a bit of common sense and it will be fine

Andy

Cheers guys thats been helpfull think i might cover my engine in the ag engine cleaner then lightly hose it down that sounds the best option, ill avoid all electrical and the coilpacks are covers by the engine cover

Thanks Tim 

done mine with a steam cleaner and some tfr. come up really good! left the car running and used a air line at the end to blow the standing water away.

done my birds car aswell no problem with that either. 

I think you're asking for trouble mate.  I'd never spray water over my engine & electrics.

I'd suggest using the more time-consuming sponge and cloth method - this will still get it sparkly clean, but with no risk to important components...

Wigster. 

yep, bit of elbow grease never hert anyone and does just a good job in my eyes.

mr_wigster:

I think you're asking for trouble mate.  I'd never spray water over my engine & electrics.

I'd suggest using the more time-consuming sponge and cloth method - this will still get it sparkly clean, but with no risk to important components...

Wigster. 

Yep, that is good advice.

Spend more time on the bits you can see, like the bottles, plastic covers, and just do a quick wipe over actual engine parts.

You could always cover the alternator, battery, aftermarket alarms etc. with a plastic bag or cling film. I have seen some people use aluminium foil, which I never understood as that can still conduct electricity, right, and could even cause something to short out.

I know someone who has a garage which prepares their vehicles to a high standard. Jetwashed 100's of engines and not a single problem. Don't stand too close or go overboard on it and you'll be fine. He always has the engine running and leaves it running to dry off.

I can only suggest the sponge method

Hafizur