SLROC Forum

Hello,

  my engine bay seems to be pretty much covered in mud - am I safe jet-washing it or is that a bad idea?

  The radiator/intercooler is also plastered in mud - can I jet-wash them without damaging them?

Thanks,

Paul

On the engine I would say you are ok with a jet wash, just don't go crazy on electrical parts! If it is a petrol it will probably need to dry out after.

Use a garden hose and brush on the rad, the fins damage easily.

Assuming it's a diesel, Paul it will be fine to pressure wash it. I did it with my old 200TDi Defender and it started first time. I'd be a bit careful with the radiator, though, as Steve says. Maybe just a hose would be better for that. Do it when the engine's cold!!
Geoff

I use 'Muck Off' and a gentle hose pressure.
Works great.

Hello all,

  thanks very much for your advice - it's a Td5, but I'll try and spray around the electrics as best I can.

All the best,

Paul

Hi, love the 110, looks great.

Watch for light fingers when you leave the shackles on the vehicle & the like.

Re, 'engine washing'.

Take care.
I would use 'Gunk' or mountain/motor bike, 'Muc- Off' etc.
Some cheap cleaners from your Motor Factor are 'much cheapness' & good, eg 'Comma' de-greasers.

Or something thats a 'Water wetter', that Detergent that allows dirt to soften.
Watch for the corrisiveness of Squeezy & soap powder/dish washing powder because they have salt/sodium in.
(i like 'Pound Shop' Shampoo or baby shampoo for a more gentle, non corrosive soap)

Soak & loosen dirt,
be very very carefull near alloy, rad fins etc.
Dont jet wash with any force, loosen dirt & be gentle.

After cleaning, re-protect everything,
not WD 40 please,
'Finnigans Wax Oyl' spray (clear) ?8,
 or Dry Motor Cycle Chain Dressing etc.
Waterproofs electrics perfectly.
(dont use some petroleum prducts on some rubbers of plastics)
Vasoline can be great tho.

Even 'White Grease' on metal surfaces could be good & Red Brake grease on Rubber.

Some oil or grease on the metal parts & alloy under the engine compartment.
A layer of dirt can then protect again on top of the lubrication.

Washing off protective films (that oily mess can be good) can leave metal very prone to rust/corrossion.
(looks bad IMO)

Remember 'Capillary Action',
never over oil,
 it can leave stuff less lubricated than no oil.

WD40 'water dispersant' is Satan, Does everything but does nothing really well.
Think of a push bike chain,
spray it with WD40, cleans off the water as it should,
also strips off the lube/oil/grease,
one week later the chain is a rusty mess & no use.

Sorry long story,
 short job done less often, if done correctly.

george

Hi George,

  that's a definitive answer if ever I saw one! 

  Thanks for all of that - I'll take it all on board when I finally get a chance to have a go at the mud caking my engine...

All the best,

Paul