how can you clean the engine

[dantec230]

hello i was wondering can you clean the engine with pressure washer i have a 2003 c230 and the engine is very dirty can i clean the engine with that

[Mercedes Benz of Florida]

Originally Posted by dantec230

hello i was wondering can you clean the engine with pressure washer i have a 2003 c230 and the engine is very dirty can i clean the engine with that

Today's High Pressure Washers are TOO POWERFUL. For Goodness sake, 3, 500 PSI !
Honestly you only need a Garden Hose and no more.

Better for you to grab a bottle of Simple Green, A Bucket of Car Wash Soap, a Paint Brush and some Microfiber towels and go at it in your Engine bay.

I spray the Engine first with water, then I spray my Simple Green where its needed and use the Pain Brush to massage the dirt away and hose it off.
I find that if I spend some quality time addressing the Engine Bay, it's just a matter of maintenance this point forward.
Afterwards I wash the Engine down with my Car Soap. Same soap I use on the Exterior Paint I use for the Engine bay.
Lot's of suds and hose it all down.
Be CAUTIOUS of your Electrical Sensors, Fittings.

NOTE; Better for you to post this under DETAILING tab rather than the
Safety tab.

[BF_JC230]

I agree - stay away from spray washers...my father and I alone changed out two family / friends computers and harnesses due to fried parts....

It is more a maintenance issue - take a long time at first with small tools, patience and a vacuum to get it clean - then keep it clean.

In 27 minutes some one will tell you to just spray it down...so it will be up to you
Jake

[cyberdyne]

If you engine is dirty to the point that it requires a pressure washer (Bad Idea!) you may look into having it professionally steamcleaned.

- Steve

[Peteski]

Once you get it clean - and I'll let the others address the how's of that job! - it easy to keep it that way. Everytime I wash my car I pop the hood to dry the edges; when that's done I clean a different exposed part in the engine bay - simply wiping off the dust & grime. It takes no time at all and you will then always have a clean engine & environs.

[cyberdyne]

Your engine bay will also stay much cleaner if your hood pad is in good shape, my old pad left a fine black dusting over everything that needed constant attention.

- Steve

[Pop]

I generally clean the engine with high pressure air (100+ psi) and wipe any areas that still need cleaning. I then spray the entire engine with a sealant to keep dirt from sticking thus making it easier to clean the next time.

[Bigraven]

Just make sure you don't use anything flamable! Simple green, rag and high pressure air is what I use to clean my engine, does wonders.

[oo_vette_oo]

I use Simple Green and a pressure washer (turned way down), to get rid of oil and grease, I use a bit of Gunk and a stiff brush. I do it twice a year. To keep it nice use Wax on the exposed painted metal and Armour All or tire black on the plastic parts. Two tips: keep your paint on the surrounding body wet and wear strong gloves, it's easy to get cuts from exposed metal.

[lvbenztech]

pressure washing is fine, just dont do it while its running and stay away from the a/c intake, c-class and e-class are ok but other models like R230 sl's or s-class that dont have a cover to prevent water from being sprayed directly into them, also a good idea to drive it after to dry it out, keep in mind water comming in the grill in heavy rain happens also, i pressure wash every car i do major service to, just a nice touch if you were to open the hood after spending $500 bucks, better then half smeared hand prints in the dirt all over everything.