washing down engine

What I do is to cover the Alternator with a plastic bag then wash the engine bay with a degreaser.
Don't use a high pressure hose (Karcher etc), garden hose works fine.
Dont spray directly onto fuse boxes etc.
Don't spray the degreaser directly on fan belts.
When you're finished and its dried off, give the whole engine and bay a spray with WD40 and it will look like new. Also prevents any alloy components from corroding.

Cheers, John.

i use a a bit of CT-18 ?? truckwash degreaser in a 'pressure' spray bottle (diluted with water obviously) .. leave it on 2 mins.... spray off with hose... repeat again... and engine bay comes up schmick..

SJF

I used to do the same with WD40 or CRC but be aware over time they will harden an crack the coating on some electrical wires. Found this happening in both the automotive and marine industry.We found lanotec was a good replacementas it also leave a thick protective coating.
rgards Ross

wash the engine bay out after every shift just hose it all out a good run afterwards will dry out any sensative bits

SJF
I agree it was a great weekend! The party on Sunday night was good as well!!

As well as ALL of the above we also run the truck up on diagonal wheel ramps... one under right front and one under rear left to raise the suspension upo and give you some room. Then get under with a hose and wash everything.... the top of your fuel tank/s, diffs gearbox etc.... anywhere that salt/sand can accumulate. When the truck is finished we run the tralier up on the ramps and do the same... It's worth the effort!

OK - this may put a dampner on things: where did you wash your car? At a public carwash? From memory there was a place at Rainbow Beach that also added a soluble oil in the water to "protect" the car from salt. Trouble is, the water is recycled and if not filtered (this may have changed - I have not used that service iin years) will be full of salt. And guess where that salt goes...

Not real keen on public car washes that recycle water - unless I know that the water is treated against salt contamination.

/viz

Salt is not a problem where I live, so the best option for me is the engine and wheel degreaser at Car Lovers. I gave the engine bay a go with the degreaser, and then the high pressure soap, followed by the rinse. It did an excellent job, and cost all of $2. The 1992 BMW engine bay looked like new and have not had electrical issues. A Jap vehicle may not be as resistant to such treatment ;-)