Washing the machine?

[Charis IQ3]

Anyone ever tried to wash the machine with  water or any cleaning products?

[dash]

Do you mean the engine? 

[FROSTYBALLS]

What do you mean by 'the machine'? The engine?

[Charis IQ3]

Ow yes my bad... I mean the engine has anyone ever tried washing the engine? 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Depending on how dirty the engine is, one could use either a specialist engine cleaner (eg Gunk) or car shampoo. Rather than something like a pressure washer or jet wash, a bucket, brush and sponge may be better. 

One needs to be really careful around the electrics - fuse boxes, coil pack, lights, etc.

Unless it is absolutely filthy, I would be inclined to leave it.

[craggle]

I give my car a couple of good cleans a year with a pressure washer, normally in the spring and autumn, in between the normal cleans of the body work. I jack the car up, remove the wheels one at a time and then pressure wash under the wheel arches and under the car to lose the accumulation of built up dust and mud from the roads. 

I always pressure wash the engine to remove the dust and leaves that get under the bonnet. I've never had any electrical or ignition problems on any of my cars doing this and I much rather see a clean engine that one that has never been cleaned. 

As the engine on my iQ is oil tight as well I've never needed to use more than the water from the pressure washer but spilt oil etc can be cleaned up with engine de-greasers then pressure washed off again.

 

Craig.

[glensouk]

This the worst thing you could do to your engine. The pressure washer will force the fine dust and grit into the bearings etc on the accessory drive and force the grease out causing premature wear on these components . You should only use a gentle hose.

Glen.