Community Forums

RJOL · 08-07-2016, 10:59 PM

I'd like to hear from those of you that have cleaned up your engine/generator compartments. My 2002 has pretty dusty/dirty compartments, and I'm thinking of using my pressure washer to clean them up. Any thoughts, cautions, or other advice?

Dtwallace · 08-07-2016, 11:45 PM

Warm up generator first (warm but not hot), Spray WD-40 on all electrical connections, into the windings area of genset if going that far, but try to never spray water directly into generator windings or control box.

With all electrical connections wet with WD-40, you can start you cleaning.

Try to never concentrate water pressure on any connections, or water hoses. High pressure water can damage hoses, cutting right through them.

Keep your spray moving and remember, you are not going to get this area completely clean like new the first time.

Allow Generator to dry at least one hour before starting. Use of air blower is helpful to dry connections, or WD-40 can be used again for this purpose.

After starting, allow to warm up to regular operating temperature before placing on line. Excess WD-40 will smoke off of hot surfaces.

The engine is the easier one as far as water is concerned.

(Warm but not hot)

If possible, locate your ECM, normally on the side of the engine, spray it with WD-40 where ever you can reach.

Then the alternator connections and other exposed electrical connections, it's ok to spray WD-40 into the alternator.

Wash engine trying not to concentrate water into any electrical connections.

Engine can be started immediately to speed up drying if needed.

Excess WD-40 will smoke off of hot surfaces.

After shut down, inspect hoses and belts for leaks or damage that could not be seen prior to cleaning.

This is the way I've clean my equipment for many years.
The only deviation is if engine cleaner/soap is need to remove hard on grime.
Just remember, WD-40 is your best friend when it comes to keeping you electrical connections out of trouble, but still a bad water tight connector may leak allowing water to get inside. An air blower is very helpful, and will speed up drying.

DTW

RJOL · 08-08-2016, 06:37 AM

Thanks for the info... I won't have warm water, as my pressure washer is hooked up to my outdoor faucet. I may use soap injection, into the spray. I'll be sure to use lots of WD-40. I will also adjust the spray pattern so that I'm not shooting out a concentrated stream. I don't expect to get it clean, but it will knock down a lot of the dust/dirt.

Algoma · 08-08-2016, 07:09 AM

DTW has some good advice but personally I would not use a pressure washer. I use a regular hose and spray head. If you use the pressure washer keep it away from the radiator fins as these are easily damaged.

RJOL · 08-08-2016, 07:21 AM

I have a pressure washer that I can control the force/pattern coming out. I'm not concerned with cutting or bending something... Just wanted to know if there are places that water should be avoided (electronics, etc.). There must be a way to clean up this area... Maybe steam clean???

Dtwallace · 08-09-2016, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

DTW has some good advice but personally I would not use a pressure washer. I use a regular hose and spray head. If you use the pressure washer keep it away from the radiator fins as these are easily damaged.

John,
With care you can clean your radiator, air charge cooler, and hydraulic cooler without damage with the pressure washer.

Observing the air flow routing, (straight into these items) always spray straight in and (never across the fins). Use your highest flow nozzle, not highest pressure. And the nozzle no closer than 24 inches.

You'll be surprised at how well this works. I also clean A/C units this way, and you don't need very high pressure.

A lot less time and less water to get the job done.

DTW