Power washing diesel engine. Precautions to take?

[Rev. Roy]

I have mine professionally cleaned every year. They use a steam cleaner instead of a power washer. It looks brand new when they're done. I do this because it is easier to notice if you have something leaking plus grease/oil build up increases your fire risk. On a side note, never use a power washer on the radiator because it can damage the fins. I hose my radiator out every few months.

[DRM901]

Originally Posted by blueeyedme

Why? I've honestly never washed any engine in my entire life.

It allows me to do a more thorough inspection. A clean engine shows oil, antifreeze, etc. slow leaks readily.

[walbee]

Originally Posted by Rev. Roy

I have mine professionally cleaned every year. They use a steam cleaner instead of a power washer. It looks brand new when they're done. I do this because it is easier to notice if you have something leaking plus grease/oil build up increases your fire risk. On a side note, never use a power washer on the radiator because it can damage the fins. I hose my radiator out every few months.

Of all the suggestions, I’d most agree with this response.
Whether your engine is an older mechanical model or more current common rail electronically controlled machine, high pressure cleaning isn’t the way to go.

I have a couple of Cat 3208’s in my boat. Prior to painting them, I washed each with Formula 88 Degreaser, available from Lowe’s, rinsed with a water filled garden sprayer. The Formula 88 is environmentally friendly and very effective.

High pressure washers blow a lot of air around along with water and and loosened debris making a mess of adjacent surfaces and also makes cleanup challenging.

[Reprobate]

Originally Posted by walbee

Of all the suggestions, I’d most agree with this response.

Whether your engine is an older mechanical model or more current common rail electronically controlled machine, high pressure cleaning isn’t the way to go.



I have a couple of Cat 3208’s in my boat. Prior to painting them, I washed each with Formula 88 Degreaser, available from Lowe’s, rinsed with a water filled garden sprayer. The Formula 88 is environmentally friendly and very effective.



High pressure washers blow a lot of air around along with water and and loosened debris making a mess of adjacent surfaces and also makes cleanup challenging.

That's your concern with power washing? Brings to mind one of Grandpa's favorite sayings when addressing one of my many project mishaps, "You have to be smarter than what you are playing with."

[gream]

Warm engine first. Turn off. Spray down engine with degreaser, let sit for 2-3 min. Restart engine, then gently wash off with garden hose. Let engine run for a few more minutes. That's it! No need to cover anything.

[akgourmet]

nobody is going to read this far, but here is a Ford diesel technician showing you how to clean your engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-T3UwlBvaA

[Rzrbrn]

Thx for the video. I use a spray wand on my garden hose, but henceforth I will not hesitate to judiciously use a high pressure spray at the carwash.