is it really okay to just spray water all over your engine bay to clean/rinse it?
Posted by deadasscrouton@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 17 comments
rufusalaya@reddit
What everyone else said but also don't do it on a hot engine, do it when the engine is cold.
Agitated_Occasion_52@reddit
What happens when a car is heat soaked and then drives through heavy rain?
SPreston01@reddit
You realize the engine stay relatively dry even when it rains right? Yes some small amount of water may get in but that’s a tiny amount when compared to rinsing with a water hose.
Agitated_Occasion_52@reddit
Talk about bringing a dead horse back from the grave.
UrH0pes4ndDreamz@reddit
The rain doesn’t hit the hot metal of the engine
rufusalaya@reddit
Most of time, nothing bad. Not all the time though.
I'm always amazed that I don't break stuff more quickly in deep water crossings off-road. On the other hand, I've had factory manifolds crack for seemingly no reason let alone spraying them when they're hot.
You can do it, I just don't recommend it because the rapid cooling can break stuff.
JCDU@reddit
What do you think happens under there when you drive in the rain / splash through a puddle?
Yes, within reason on modern cars they're designed to get wet - obviously squirting water up the air intake or pressure-washing electrical connectors is not a great idea but a wash down is fine.
Maniaccmike@reddit
The splash guard stops it??? Dummy
0kShr00mer@reddit
Were you exposed to lead paint as a child?
Any_Philosophy3678@reddit
We’re you dropped on your head as a child?
How did that feel? Not very good, did it?
Please stop making such childish comments!!!
UnholyPineapples@reddit
You got him good!
DumbestAutoTech@reddit
I did a YouTube video covering this a while back, featuring a fairly low quality car that could be considered to be particularly vulnerable to engine washing. There is even a part where a naysayer in the shop is heard saying it will never run again, lol.
https://youtu.be/nyMS_AiKcdI
cofferson@reddit
He said "oh you got lucky" 😂
cashinyourface@reddit
Everything in a cars engine bay is made to be water resistant up till a point. I wouldn't actually hose down the main engine block if I didn't have to (and definitely don't use a pressure washer on it). If you have the patience, cleaning with a degreaser and a rag goes a long way and will probably provide better results.
Miliean@reddit
The car's engine compartment is already exposed to the elements. It's hard to see because the engine bay is so packed with "stuff" but the reality is that it's exposed from the front as well as the bottom. This is to aid in airflow for cooling as well as allow access for repairs.
So the engine is not so much "inside" the car as it is attached to the outside, then a tiny cover is placed over it. There might be some plastic bits that shield it from the worst of rocks and stuff but the assumption by manufacturers is that the area may/will get wet.
Having said that, it's not "waterproof" as there are air intakes that you don't really want sucking in water.
But in terms of washing the engine bay that's fine. The bigger danger is if you use a pressure washer. Because of the high pressure, it can force water through some seals that are not intended to withstand high pressure (such as electrical connectors). But if you are just spraying from a distance, it's fine.
dMage@reddit
Usually a degreaser that sits on the for 15 minutes plus power washer should do the trick and it's safe. Don't go super close on the water so the spray isn't super strong. Instead use 2 degreaser bottles. Once you finish be sure to turn on the engine and run it for 15-30 minutes and that will dry all the water.
Don't spray it down the intake or anything like that, you can block those off with towels. I sometimes block the computer with towels too, otherwise you're fine. Plenty of YouTube videos on how to do it, check it legit street car Corvette cleaning video, guy does a great job explaining it
Source: I do it all the time, just did it again last week.
SlamndStanceSpeed@reddit
Particular parts of the engine should be protested even after one off roads as those engine will get extremely muddy or dirty. But just hosing the engine off may not be enough. using an engine detailer that will lift up the dirt and grime off the engine with the use of a larger or small brush will help remove and restore the new engine look. granted this should be done at least once a year soon after purchase. So yes you can just hose it off but some parts will need to be covered or wiped/dried afterward.