I did a quick search but did not see a answer. The truck gets parked for extended time sometimes. A mother ground squill thought it would be the ideal place to build a nest and have a litter. Six little ones. Removed the nest and little ones-dog helped. Is it safe to power wash ?

 

I wouldn't recommend power washing due to the massive number of electrical connections under the hood. I would try to clean much as possible with compressed air and the rest using a water hose. Next time throw a bag of moth ***** under the engine compartment to keep the critters away during storage.

 

You have got to get rid of the squirrel urine or another family will move in. Maybe use a spray bottle of lysol or other anti bacterial cleaner, soak the areas, wipe off and repeat. I have not found moth ***** effective - tried coyote urine - from hunting supply store and that seemed to work after a good cleaning. I also have a series of beds of nails which I put on flat areas under the hood when the truck is not being used for some time. Let the nails rust - few squirrels get tetanus shots.

 

Another trick you can do is to remove the battery,clean, and when done spray down with denatured alcohol.....when it evaporates it will take any moisture with it from electrical components and connections

 

Quarter car wash will do the trick. Electrical connections on modern cars a designed to be weather proof. I wouldn't directly spray the fuse box and such. Some cars have a little icon on the fuse box indicating such.

 

I've never ever once hurt a car by pressure washing the engine bay. Just be smart and don't hold the water on any single area for extended lengths of time and avoid the areas you might think are suspect like the alternator and fuse box.

However, I've had amazing experiences with this . Really helps to get into all the nooks and crannies and I don't have to use high pressure water with one of these. Just saturate with your cleaner of choice, agitate, and rinse off.

 

Just out of precaution I would cover the PCM and alternator with plastic bags. Other than that hose it down it won't hurt. Keep in mind when you go off roading or water wading water, dirt and mud will splash up into the engine compartment so spaying water on it is no big deal.

 

Thanks for all of the replies