lawrence Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 After a little off roading recently, my engine is now a lovely sand colour and could really do with a clean. Nothing too over the top, but i could at least do with been able to see the engine for the muck. so what is the best way to do it, I'm going any where near my disco with a preasure washer, so will a normal hose pipe and sponge do the job. What about soap, just like washing the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 What have you got against pressure washers? If you're sensible and don't point it too close at delicate wires, ignition leads and dizzy if it's petrol, the air intake etc, you should have no problems. I expect a hose pipe will do a reasonable job too, but still observe sensible precautions as above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam001 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 If you want it clean, the only option really is a pressure washer. If it's a tdi then it's a no brainer, just point and shoot, if its petrol, just do a little prep work first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawrence Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share Posted February 22, 2011 my only reason for not wanting to use a preasure washer is, i have just had to replace my radiator as the previous owner had destroyed it by using a preasure washer on it. All the fins within sight of the grill were missing. So aslong as I am carefull then i should be fine. Okay I'll give it a go over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam001 Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Yeah you shouldn't blast the radiator, when i clean mine I still use the pressure washer but from a good distance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynall Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 You can clean rads with a pressure washer but you have to make sure you are square on to the fins otherwise they will bend and if rotten as i suspect yours were they will get blown away. Lynall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big tim Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 I use TFR and a hose pipe works a treat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyb Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 Second vote here for some TFR in a planter sprayer. Leave for a bit them jet wash off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrRob Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 What's TFR? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barmiebrumie Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 What's TFR? Traffic Film Remover The stuff you get in jet washers Damm good stuff but dont use it neat on your paint work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdunthorne Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Probably a stupid question but for a V8 what prep work fo I need to do before washing the engine bay out?? Are those 'engine cleaner' chemicals any good or just water and brush?? Again sorry if this is a stupid question Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BogMonster Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Jizer or Gunk are both good spray on and leave for a couple of minutes then a quick woosh with a pressure washer. Avoid high pressure onto/into anything obviously electrical and you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrRob Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Traffic Film Remover The stuff you get in jet washers Damm good stuff but dont use it neat on your paint work Cool. Who sell it? Halfords? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Don't laugh, ...... but soak engine by squirting Mr Muscle cleaner (yellow squirty Container) and then let in soak for 5 mins, do again, then hit it with a Pressure washer seems to bring engine up a treat Bonus is also a Lemon fresh smell when on tickover Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdunthorne Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Am i right in thinking that if I wrap the alt, batt, distributer, fuse's and anything else obvious with carrier bags and gaffa tape then all should be fine??? Just being careful not to pressure too much water at the spark plugs. Is that it??? Mick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8Dougie Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Can I ask, a silly question maybe, but is it best to have the engine running (but probably not at fully operating temperature) when pressure washing. My thoughts are that it will then be more resilient to heat, and if it should die during the clean, you might have an idea of where you pointed the water! Just a thought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 Engine off and don't worry about covering alternator, dizzy etc; just don't blast water right at them. A bit of splash won't do too much harm. If the engine was hot to begin with, you'll probably end up with some condensation inside the dizzy cap, in which case just dry it out with some rag/paper towel when done and all should be well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smego Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 What is wrong with good old parafin, garages have been using it since the days of steam for cleanin off oil and it's cheap! paint on leave for a bit then hose off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDO173 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 What is wrong with good old parafin, garages have been using it since the days of steam for cleanin off oil and it's cheap! paint on leave for a bit then hose off. Cheap?!! Parafin costs more per litre than petrol/diesel and is basically a by product/less refined version of gasoline. Criminal it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monkeyb0y Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Lol at the Mr muscle one....although I bet it works the best!....can just imagine that weedy bloke off the advert I'm marrigolds stood by a lifted and grizzly clawed disco...lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinn76 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I can second the Mr Muscle, used it myself when Lidl's aint got a cheap oven degreaser (names gone from me now but its in an orange spray bottle and only 70 odd pence IIRC) Both work just as well as Gunk/Jizer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyb Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I have also used Mr Muscle and the like as well. TFR in a professional capacity and Mr Muscle 'at home' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mahon257 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 feebay... Domestic Steam Cleaner.. New: £60 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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