Myles Posted April 16, 2015 Report Share Posted April 16, 2015 Is it safe to spray wash an engine in a class C RV with the engine wash setting at the car wash? The engine has accumlated road residue under the hood. I know there is a setting at the car wash for engine cleaning but don't know if it is safe to use. Myles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted April 16, 2015 Report Share Posted April 16, 2015 Care around electronics is needed as above, I also like to save the washing until the engine is cool enough that the water doesn't crack hot manifolds and such. If it is really nasty a can of spray engine cleaner as a pre-treatment and a short soak can make the job easier and reduce the need to spray at high pressure. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce t Posted April 16, 2015 Report Share Posted April 16, 2015 We drive a 2013 Ram. I asked the dealer/service manager about cleaning the engine. The answer was a big NO. They said they wouldn't even think of it due to all the electronics that are everywhere. No guarantee that everything is sealed. I like my stuff clean and it annoys the heck out of me every time I lift the hood. But I'm not prepared to take the risk. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lots2see Posted April 17, 2015 Report Share Posted April 17, 2015 I remember reading a while back about somebody cleaning the engine on their V8 car and pretty much destroying a bunch of electronics which required removing manifolds and everything. I'd be real careful if it were me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SIBERNUT Posted April 17, 2015 Report Share Posted April 17, 2015 Whatever you clean, don't direct the spray at any seals, such as the input of the steering shaft, pump pulley shafts, etc. 2000 Volvo 635 A/S, N-14 Cummins"The Phoenix"'03 KA 38KSWB http://s918.photobucket.com/user/sibernut/library/?sort=6&page=1Furkids- Sibe's CH. Sedona & Tseika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted April 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2015 This is such a helpful forum. My sincere thanks to all who took the time to reply. After carefully reading through all of the helpful replies, I think I will just learn to live with things as they are and simpy wipe around the edges of the engine compartment. Not knowing anything mechanical other than where to check fluids and fill, I'd simply be asking for problems I wouldn't know how to resolve without the services of an auto technician! Myles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 No high-pressure wash, your water hose is another matter. IMO it is safe to use, along with one of the available engine spray cleaners, you may keep your engine compartment clean. Wrap the alternator in plastic to keep it dry. Do not spray water directly on any electronic boxes. I always take a short drive afterwards to heat the engine and dry out everything in the compartment. 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 I have been using Extreme Simple Green for my motor washing. There was an article about the stuff in Motorhome Magazine a couple of years ago, using it for cleaning radiators in diesel pushers. As it is aluminum friendly, it also used in the aircraft industry. Found it at a Fastenal store across the street from the airbase in Yuma, AZ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce t Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Every wire under the hood has a connector. Can you be sure that all connector are water proof? I have a rag and a long arm. Not long enough at times. It's a pain but better than getting electrical gremlins. regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 I keep all of the engines on our cars cleaned and have since the early 70's. Just use a little common sense, low pressure (regular water hose) and stuff a rag into the air intake (don't forget to remove it....). Yes, I know about electronics and cars but my Camry hybrid is also kept clean. Modern engine compartments are designed to get wet....not everybody lives on Arizona. 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdonlybob Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 I rarely wash any engine. Gently blowing off dust and so on with an air hose works well if you do it regularly. Too many things to potentially damage just for the sake of looking clean. If your engine gets very very dirty, you usually have oil leaks, or some other problem that should be corrected. As always, JMHO. Cheers, Bob 1989 Safari Serengeti 34'Towing a 1952 M38A1 Military Willys Past HDT owner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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