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Power Washing MY Engine

From time to time I've driven past a self-service car/truck wash.  What would be the negative effect of using such a place to wash off the engine in our motorhome?  Has anyone done this?
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #1 –
You have a electronic engine. You want to be very careful what you get wet!!!!  Brett Wolfe recently commented on a similiar post, but can't remember which forum.  I would be asking him something like that.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #2 –
Yup, I would NOT do it.  Even on a non-electronic engine, you have a lot of components that should not get hit with high pressure water:  alternators are completely open (they have to be for air to cool them).  Starters are water RESISTANT, not water proof to 500+ PSI.

And on electronic engines, you have the ECM and large numbers of plugs that are water RESISTANT,  not water proof to 500+ PSI.

Best advice, use some WD-40 on a rag and then a clean rag to dry.  It may take longer and not look quite as nice, but it will sure run better for longer.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #3 –
What happens to the engine and electronics when you are blowing down the road at 70 mph when it is raining cats and dogs and the highways are partially flooded?
I think that a properly aimed pressure washer will clean the area without damage.
I think that I would rather have a water caused failure in a controlled situation than on the open road in the rain or snow.  I have pressure washed engines in all of my cars, boats and the RV after spraying soap in all areas.  Just don't be a loose cannon!
I also think that a clean engine is a happy engine!
If you have a new leak or a minor seep, you can see it on a clean engine easier.  Also if cracks, loose fittings or a problem starts to develop, I don't know anyone who would go "touchie-feelie" if all is covered in dirt encrusted oil or slime.
Just don't put the nozzle point blank at orifaces, vents, caps or the seams at the bed/engine cover.
IMHO

Michael Baldacchino
'97 40' U320

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #4 –
Michael,

BIG difference in PSI between driving 70 MPH in driving rain and a 500+ PSI pressure washer.  Water RESISTANT connections easily takes care of the driving part.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #5 –
What was recommended to me by the Turbo Diesel Register (Dodge Cummins trucks) was to spray the engine down with Simple Green or some other degreaser let it soak in and then rinse with a hose.  It may take multiple applications to get the engine clean.  Make sure whatever product you use is safe for metal.  Purple Power has a version that is only designed for glass and is not recommended for metal.  Most RV parks will not let you wash vehicles so you will have to take it to a car wash that handles trucks & RV's.  While many of the degreasers claim to be environmentally friendly the grease they are removing is not.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #6 –
Seems Cory Rucker or somebody at FOT recommended the Simple Green, hose method when I inquired about a pressure washer. The reasoning was the same as Brett's. I had just acquired a new pressure washer and found the hard way not to get too close to the decals, (I had a 99 then).
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #7 –
Simple Green, garden hose, repeat as needed is what Steve used to clean our engine and compartment after "the tech who will never step within sight of our coach again" did our last change and forgot to reinstall the oil fill cap properly.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #8 –
I had mine in at cummins and they will steam clean it for you.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John Sichenze –
I had mine in at cummins and they will steam clean it for you.

Ball park charge for this service by Cummins?

After reading your answers, power washing of my engine won't happen as long as my name is on the title.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Power Washing MY Engine

Reply #10 –
I am with Wolfe on the high pressure washing, but  more important is spraying cold water on a hot engine is not what I would do, expensive castings do strange things with sudden temp changes.
 
Also high pressure cleaning can cause damage by the same feller that would damage an anvil with a feather.

As with most issues, a little thought and common sense is the best defense.

Dave M Va