Engine Cleaning

I never spray water under the hood.

For those areas that need cleaning i use brake parts cleaner in a spray can, it evaporates quickly

For larger areas i hand pour Purple Power degreaser on it. Let it soak. Then pour boiling water over it to rinse.

Water won't hurt an alternator or AC/clutch! Don't hit it with a pressure washer so that a jet of water blasts past the bearing seals, but other than that its harmless to an alternator or AC clutch. If you've ever had an AC clutch apart, the electrical wiring (just a magnet coil) is completely encased inside a plastic potting compound. Alternator wiring is entirely magnet wire which is coated and waterproof, and even the exposed brush/sliprings won't be harmed by a little water. Heck, offroaders submerge their alternators routinely, and lots of regular street cars have the alternators down where splash from puddles can get to them.

snip

If the stuff under the hood of my vehicles can't handle a bath every now and again, I would not want them; I may not be able to get home if there is a thunderstorm! I hate to work on things I can't see for the grim. If you have to open up many of the components, you will need to do a little housekeeping to avoid getting unwanted crap where it should not be. Troubleshooting and maintenance goes a lot quicker if it is reasonably clean. As for those who never want the engine compartment clean, it's obvious you do not do your own maintenance. Mechanics hate filthy engines and some won't even touch it for some repairs until it is cleaned - at your expense.

Lugnut

The only thing I have ever really seen to be a problem is when water condenses in or enters the distributor cap. I have seen this many times.

I would not want to tempt fate with the alternator, although, as was said, they are made to be resistant to the occasional dousing.

And it IS a lot nicer to work on a clean engine than a greasy one.

No, the job is a little bit cleaner but not easier. Yes, I do a lot of my own work and I used to clean my engine at the car wash every couple of months. It's a waste of money and time.

Hmmm, you seem to be saying that a clean engine makes a big difference in how the engine runs and how long it lasts but you can't measure any difference.

Name a problem caused by dirty valve covers or caked-on crude on the oil pan. What problem would dust and dirt on the fire wall cause?

Jack

| On Wed, 2 Jul 2008 21:56:44 -0700 (PDT), | snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com wrote: | | >Just make sure you don't get water into the alternator, AC clutch or | >other open electrical parts.

And I suppose you don't drive in the rain, either?

Long as the car don't care, I don't mind! If the car can't take it, I'll be in something else next time.

Lugnut

One of the few times it's ok to use always: It's ALWAYS easier to work on a clean engine.

Riiiiight.

I can.

Heat buildup.

Nothing. But then, the firewall isn't the engine,

Are you REALLY that clueless?

Ignore it and it'll go away?

I don't know where you live, but keeping an engine compartment clean cuts down on the corrosion and that does make things easier.

I've never found a need to do it that frequently.

Go play games somewhere else. It's plainly clear what I said.

Why those specific ones? Why not road salt coating brake lines?

As are some warranties! LOL

And JC Penney's receipts.