Hello I was considering washing my engine but I'm not sure what should i cover or what try not to get wet.

Any tips or suggestions ?

 

If you have a custom intake cover it with a towel.

 

I do not have custom intake. but besides that is that all i have to do ?

 

Cover the alternator and any electrical connectors or sensors I would assume. Water into those means bad news. Don't go overboard with the water either.

Haven't done it myself, but have seen several failures. Just take it easy and you should be fine.

 

Use an engine degreaser, let it sit for 20 min and rinse with a garden hose, not a power washer.

 

That's all I do and then hand wash

 

I'd suggest doing it by hand with a degreaser and then a light rinse with a hose or bucket. Too many horror stories about issues arising after pressure washing. Besides, washing grease off an engine is like washing blood off a heart!

 

cover alternator battery terminals (if you have the cover just cover the hole) and all electrical connectors you see.

Do over do it with the water though and you should be fine.

My dad did it once without covering anything just avoided the alternator and battery (riksy I know) but it was all fine.

 

Cover Brake and Steering reservoirs.

 

i guess ill just go with a wet rag and do everything by hand lol

 

Hopefully, your engine isn't too grimy and oily.....as that would indicate leaky gaskets and seals. If it's only just residual dust and normal surface stuff, then gently utilizing a spray bottle....mist the surfaces with a degreaser such as "Simple Green" or "409", then wipe off what you can by hand. If still needing to get at the nooks and cranies , respray a second time, let soak a bit and refill the spray bottle with "HOT" water..........spraying only the worst areas. Use common sense being extra careful around any electrical connectors as previously mentioned, then hand wipe everything again. I've had some past problems with attempting to blast the crud off of other car's motors in the past, causing bigger problems than a bit of dirt on the engine. Just be careful !!!

 

You could also use a steam cleaner to break up tougher spots if you're careful and have a small nozzle.