So I was changing my oil today and I noticed how dirty/muddy it was under my hood. Is it bad to hose down the engine and around it?? I've never had to do it before and I'm mainly concerned about all the wiring. Pretty simple and straight forward question...

Good idea? Bad idea? ...you tell me

Thanks!

 

I wash all my engine bays, I just make sure I cover the CAI, alternator, fuse boxes, that's what wal mart bags are good for. I use a product called orange blast, spray the engine down with it , soak for a few and sray water lightly over everthing. Then get my leaf blower out and blow dry. then lastly, crank it up and run it for a few minutes.

 

Awesome!! Thanks! I just wanted to make sure

 

Awesome! Leaf blower = Hair dryer for Jeeps!!

 

Yep it works. I do it too lol

 

I have cleaned everything I have owned with a pressure washer with no problems. I presoak with Simple Green, but other products should work fine. I stay away from or cover the air intake. The fuse box cover is sealed already with a rubber seal. Most other electrical connections are weather tite connectors. I like the leaf blower idea for drying, never thought of that one.

 

O'reilly also sells some stuff called engine foam. Put plastic bags over the battery, alternator, intake and ECU. Spray the foam on and let it sit for 15mins. Then spray with a pressure washer (try to stay away from the sensors and anything important). Dry with a towel and then use 303 or armorall for a spruce up and it will look better than it did off the dealership....

I do it every couple of wheeling trips.

 

Autozone and oreilly sells a degreaser called "purple power". This is what I have been using for years as a auto detailer.

 

Yep, love purple power. Great stuff.

 

I'd get it steam cleaned. Less water under the hood.