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Old 03-18-2023, 01:13 PM   #1
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Power washing diesel engine. Precautions to take?

Thread title says it all I think. I have a small 1100 psi electric washer that I would like to take to the engine. Is this a problem?
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Old 03-18-2023, 01:18 PM   #2
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I sure wouldn't do it. Too many electronic connections, pulley/fan bearings, alternator, etc.


Use a can of WD-40 and a roll of paper towels to degrease/clean.
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Old 03-18-2023, 01:20 PM   #3
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Only that you are going to blow grease all over the underside of your hatch covers and insulation.
And one miss with the wand will shred the insulation. Better to warm the motor, three cans of gunk and gently hose it off.
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Old 03-18-2023, 01:53 PM   #4
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I've pressure-washed my engine several times(using my electric small suitcase pressure washer) i cover the alternator, ECM/TCM and try to avoid any plug connections with the HP spray. I pre-treat with foaming engine cleaner, and use air conditioning coil cleaner on the radiator sandwich then wait 15 minutes to wash.
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Old 03-18-2023, 03:43 PM   #5
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A pump garden sprayer with degreaser. Avoid getting degreaser on the caustic scale on aluminum radiators, condenser other coolers by completely covering them really well or use non-corrosive cleaner like Simple Green Extreme. Pine oil cleaner can clean really well it's only sightly on acidic scale.
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Old 03-18-2023, 04:45 PM   #6
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About once a year while washing the coach, I spray the engine and surrounding area with 409 or something similar. I let it set for a few minutes and then just use the garden hose to rinse everything off. No high pressure and isn't much different than running in the rain.
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Old 03-19-2023, 12:12 AM   #7
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I would NEVER power wash an engine, gas or diesel. Use a commercial engine cleaner first and then wash gently with water. Cover any air intakes, alternator, etc. and do not spray the cleaner on the belts or radiator or condenser cores.

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Old 03-19-2023, 12:34 AM   #8
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Drive down a highway in a heavy rain and see how much power washing your fan and tires do to your engine.

Then you won't have an issue power washing your engine.

I worked at a yard wast composting facility, the power washer was our best friend.
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Old 03-19-2023, 07:41 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twinboat View Post
Drive down a highway in a heavy rain and see how much power washing your fan and tires do to your engine.

Then you won't have an issue power washing your engine.

I worked at a yard wast composting facility, the power washer was our best friend.

This is a great analogy, lots of water sprays up when driving down the hwy in a heavy ran going through any type of standing water.



I worked in mining, we used pressure washers on all the equipment, it was a critical step in maintenance just be able to work on it. It was messy, the guys doing it wore slicker suits and got covered, but it was a necessary step.
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Old 03-19-2023, 07:50 AM   #10
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Drive down a highway in a heavy rain and see how much power washing your fan and tires do to your engine.

But, driving in the rain will NOT put 1,100 PSI on those electronic and electrical components.


Many are water resistant, not water proof.


And, I would treat modern electronic controlled engines different than the old mechanical ones with far fewer "potential points of failure".
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Old 03-19-2023, 07:53 AM   #11
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I gently pressured washed my Cummins ISL and got several warning lights after. The lights went away after the engine warmed up but I won't ever pressure wash again.
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Old 03-19-2023, 08:20 AM   #12
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We pressure wash all our engines on the farm. Rarely have a problem.
I pressure wash my Duramax engine about every 6 months. Never had a problem.
If there is a component that has a bad seal, it will show up whether you pressure wash, use a gentle stream from a hose, or just run through wet weather.
I would rather find it when at home in my driveway.
Do what you want, several methods work just fine.
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Old 03-19-2023, 08:28 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfe10 View Post
But, driving in the rain will NOT put 1,100 PSI on those electronic and electrical components.


Many are water resistant, not water proof.


And, I would treat modern electronic controlled engines different than the old mechanical ones with far fewer "potential points of failure".
Good thing that pressure washers pressure and spray patterns are adjustable! Also takes a little common sense in what not to focus pressure on.
As said before, use or don't use, both options work fine.
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Old 03-19-2023, 09:18 AM   #14
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I don't use a pressure washer anywhere on my MH. Regardless of how 'weak' the stream of water is, it might still drive water where it should not be, either inside or outside.
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