I did a search and no one really asked this before or atleast I did not see it. When cleaning the engine, I'v heard many ways it should be done. One way is to let the engine run, the other is to start it right up as soon as your done cleaning it, and the other way was to let it sit after you have cleaned it. So which one sounds the best, I know that cleaning the engine while the engine is warm is not good so that ones out of the question. So which one do you do ? And does anyone cover up the spark plug cover on the b16 when cleaning it ? I heard some people tell me you can get water down these holes.


[Modified by 90blackcrx, 2:19 PM 2/20/2003]

 

No one has any imput ?

 

I leave my motor running.

aj

 

hmm, I heard thats not good for the engine. Anyone else.

 

Well, of course it's not good if water gets in the engine. Water doesn't compress. Just make sure the intake piping is tightly clamped. Also make sure you stay away from the wiring.

If you're that worried, just use the old method of Simple Green and a cloth.

aj

 

The reason I heard it was not safe, was because if the engine is hot and you spray cold water on it, it could warp or crack. I'm not to worried, just wanted to hear what people thought.

 

Yup

Hot Block +
Cold Water = BAD

The thing is Ive never acually seen this happen. I understand the reasoning behind it, but then alot of us drive in the snow dont we. Sooo.........

Just to be on the safe side, probally best not to do it.

 

A lot of times the cleaners themselves will say to use on a cool engine so the cleaner doesnt get cooked onto the block and then cause discoloration. I have many many times went to the car wash and sprayed down the engine (with cleaner that can be used on hot engines) and then hosed it off. There are so many things people say to block off or cover up so they dont get wet all I do is make sure that I dont spray directly onto anything important IE: Distr,wiring,air cleaner.etc... But I have yet to crack a block or warp a head nor have I had a problem with shorting something out. You have to think how many car washes out there have the under body pressure wash and so no one thinks water get onto anything under your hood??!! The only time that I have ever had a problem with eitehr going through a car wash or spraying off my engine was with my 85 CRX and when I went through drive through car washes my distr use to get wet from the under body pressure wash and then cause my car to miss like crazy until it was mostly dried off. I have sprayed directly onto my distr. (not very good but none the less) with my 91 CRX and have yet to have a problem with anything.

 

Ok thanks, my engine is pretty clean anyways but I just wanted to hear what you guys thought.




[Modified by 90blackcrx, 2:37 PM 2/22/2003]

 

I recommend using Simple Green Degreaser, first of all.

1) normally cover my Distibutor, and electrical equipment, it just common sense.
2) Then I spray Simple green all over the engine and let it soak, scrub the dirtier area's. Let it sit for about 15 minutes
3) Spray entire engine bay down, let it sit for a few minutes, then start her up

Try that

 

can i ask if there is a benefit of starting it up right away? are you just saying its ok to start it up right away or do you recommend it for some reason?

thanks

 

I start it up for 2 reason's 1) To make sure it still runs, and 2) To dry the motor off

 

well it will air dry itself. do you do this to prevent rusting or something?

 

u don't want water sitting anywhere on your engine. It can go places you don't want it to. It happend to my buddie he pressure washed his engine bay and then let the car sit. He had a bunch of electrical probloms afterwards. If you let it run for a little while it will evaporate all the water under the hood.


[Modified by cr-x si, 2:08 AM 2/23/2003]

 

good info to know -- thanks to both of you

 

Aww I'm glad something good came of this post.