Ok...cleaning the engine

[TheHonzaP5]

you guys are probably going to be laughing your butts of while reading this, but ever since I sunk my last 4WD in the lake (got water in the filter) I've been scared to wash my new P5 engine. Now, where is the dang air filter and how can I wash the car. I mean can I take a hose at it and let it rip or should I avoid a certain area?
Very worried individual, thanks

 

[alexlitov]

Air filter is the black box on the left.......

I killed my engine for a day after washing the engine on my '91 323 i don't know what happened thou.

Be nice if someone would know how to propery wash teh engine bay without getting water on something that will "kill" it temporarily.

 

[KYREDP5]

Don't spray the intake, alternator, etc. Let it dry before starting, and do it on a hot day so it will dry out good. That's my $.02USD

 

[Jim Frye]

I clean mine while it runs

When I clean the engine compartment, I start the engine, let the engine warm up, spray the whole engine area with GUNK engine degreaser, let it sit for a few minutes and then go at the entire area with a pencil nozzle on the hose. Having the motor running and warm while hosing things off, helps keep moisture from killing the electricals. It also allows the detergent to work better on the grime. Obviously, you don't aim the hose at the air intake and I try to keep from directly spraying the alternator vents.
A word of caution, GUNK discolored the raw aluminum cam cover on the '95 Miata. It's never done that on any other motor I've had, but I'll check it before I use it on the P5. Jim

 

[Kooldino]

How about a sponge and a soapy bucket of water?

 

[dj5tyle5]

how about getting it steam cleaned...like professionally....i think im too scaraed to do anything to my car.

 

[SomaMP3]

yeah, just to be safe.....i'd take my car to an professional engine detailing shop....they usually charge between 40 and 60 bucks here in Canada to do it.

 

[MP5Raycer]

my take on this

i have detailed engines for a long time and i have found the best solution even with my CAI on my P5 ..also the air bow is the black box on the RIGHT SIDE when looking at the engine lol .. but i have gotten so many compliments on my engine and the work i have done one my customers cars .... i take a big bottle of simple green and absoultly soak the entire engine it may take 3/4 of a full bottle but its ok ... and when you spray all the dirty areas and the grimey spots .. let it soak in andwhen it seems to start to dry take your hose adn with out the sprayer attatched just let the free flowing water run over the engine where you sprayed it and if need be (most times you wont) you can take a rag and rub some really grimey spots or dirty spots and it will come out like brand new .. it is awesome

 

[Jimyau]

Hey,
Anyone steamed their engine bay with water steam cleaner. What can and what cannot be steam with steam cleaner. Please list the procedure.

 

[TheHonzaP5]

Thanks for the responses people, really appreciate it!!!