ok, there was a rain the other day, and i was driving on this just-paved road beside a construction site, and everything seemed ok so i was going at about 35MPH then WHAM, i ran into about 6 inchs of water, worse, it was very dirty water, so i took the car back and washed it

i was just washing my car, and i found out the whole engine compartment was filled with dirt spots here and dirt spots there, how do i clean them off?? some of them are in very had to reach places like the firewall etc....

 

try using some simple green and letting it soak then use a hose ...the simple green is only an option ... u can try a hose first ....ohh and make sure u do this when the engine is cool.....cold water hitting a hot engine block can cause it to crack.

 

so are you saying that it is safe to hose the entire engine compartment without doing any damage to the electronics??

 

just cover the battery.....even though it has a cover just incase...everything else should be protected except i'm not sure if the alternators in these japanesse cars are covered or not...

 

there are specific solvents you can buy that will loosen the dirt , and then hand wipe the engine compartment with a wet, squeezed rag! DO NOT soak your engine compartment in water! and no the alternator does not have a cover. i know it's work, but it must be done that way. kman

 

i spray mine and have done so with both my cars without any problem but if you worried just use a wet rag like someone suggested and wipe it down or if you want take it to some one to have the engine cleaned.

 

as long as the engine is warm or cold, it should be fine, just hose it down, and simple green can be used since it is non toxic...just wipe the excess water after you are done with it... Ive done it like 5 times on my car and like 3 times on my sister's 2001.5 Passat...

 

kman
i've read at some detailing sites that you CAN hose the engine compartment?? as long as you cover some areas (just for peace of mind)

anyways, that's the only solution for me because the dirt is around the firewall, i cant reach into those places