My engine bay looks like ****. Theres mud absolutely everywhere and i want to get all of it off. ive been wanting to powerwash it but been told that it can cause problems with the engine. But if it has mud n **** all over it is water really going to do that much worse? I am not going to sit there and scrub every little piece with a toothbrush.

Ive been thinking spraying simple green everywhere and letting it sit, then lightly hosing it off and covering up any important parts(alt, fuse box, coils, etc.)

Here's what it looks like.

 

It can be worse.. might not start. That being said I've been powerwashing my engines for over 10 years and nary a problem, YMMV. Powerwashing introduces much less water onto the engine than using a hose due to the spray being so much air instead of all water. A side benefit is the air/water comes out with more force than a hose.

 

I figured it would be ok to do that even though ive heard stories of powerwashing them to cause issues. I guess theres really no other way to do it.

 

I've always powerwashed my vehicles engine bays, just use a low/mid pressure setting, dont hold it point blank and try to stay away from thin rubber hoses and wires...

 

Damn I thought my engine bay used to look bad.. We have a hot water faucet on he side of my house and I hook the power washer up to that and it cleans it right up. I've heard it could cause problems, but I've never had one

 

Ya mine looked the same way when I got my Truck, I used some Engine Bright and a power washer didn't have any problems. I then took Armour all and wiped it all down. Looks pretty good now.

 

I powerwashed mine when I got it, then used compressed air to blow all the cavities I could reach. Started it up and let the engine heat do the rest.

 

Looks like i'll be powerwashing it tomorrow. Along with doin that damn oil change i keep putting off.. Ill post up some pictures when i'm all done to compare before and after.

 

I have always been told that dealerships use steam to get the engine bays so clean. Is that true?

If so, I wonder how much they woud charge?

 

I do mobile detailing but never done that. haha

Mine has been kinda bad before but about half as much mud as you have. I'd get a wheel brush from Autozone or whatever and use a APC or simplegreen. Your probably going to have to do it a couple times since you have so much mud tho. Just make sure your engine is cold