Short question...
04-03-2006, 10:14 AM
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I'm going to give my engine a wash tomorrow since i got my car back after a week in service for some hood repainting and front bumper. And they worked very very dirty, alot of dust on the engine and aslo on the leather so i'll make sure to give her the full treatment. Exterior, interior, engine, polish and wax.
Before i proceed to wash my engine is there smth particular i should do before? I know i don't have to do anything important, but well any advice is well taken.
I'll make sure the engine isn't stressed before the wash so that it won't heat up too much, also i'll be using a jet wash (pressure), and with warm water.
Thanx.
Before i proceed to wash my engine is there smth particular i should do before? I know i don't have to do anything important, but well any advice is well taken.
I'll make sure the engine isn't stressed before the wash so that it won't heat up too much, also i'll be using a jet wash (pressure), and with warm water.
Thanx.
04-03-2006, 10:52 AM
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My Ride: 2015 535D M Sport
I'd only do it when the engine is stone cold for two reasons. First, putting water on hot metal can cause it to fracture. A slim possibility at best, but why risk it? Second, any steam produced could possibly penetrate the electronics and raise all sorts of hell.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
04-03-2006, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by gwf545' post='264104' date='Apr 3 2006, 01:52 PM
I'd only do it when the engine is stone cold for two reasons. First, putting water on hot metal can cause it to fracture. A slim possibility at best, but why risk it? Second, any steam produced could possibly penetrate the electronics and raise all sorts of hell.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
Just water? Did you use any type of cleaner? Thanks.
04-03-2006, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by gwf545' post='264104' date='Apr 3 2006, 09:52 PM
I'd only do it when the engine is stone cold for two reasons. First, putting water on hot metal can cause it to fracture. A slim possibility at best, but why risk it? Second, any steam produced could possibly penetrate the electronics and raise all sorts of hell.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
Also, I am not sure using a pressure washer is a good idea. The water pressure could knock an electrical connector loose or force water into an area where it might do some harm.
I've hosed (low pressure) down my e39 and e60 engines when cold without any ill effects. I suggest doing just that.
04-03-2006, 11:15 AM
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I've power-washed engines on all my cars, including E60 many times without any ill effects ever. Most modern engines are well protected from water - just do not spray directly into plugs, generator, air boxes, or battery (not a concern with BMWs). The engine should be barely warm, almost cold. Spray some water on the engine, let it sit for a minute or so, then go over major surfaces with fine soft brush w/car shamoo or something similar, then wash it all off. Give a final blast for a rinse. Let it drip, and then start the car - let it warm up, shut down the engine and wipe the engine bay with soft cloth.
04-03-2006, 11:27 AM
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Diesel engines and water is not a good combination! My manual says that I should not use high pressure water on my engine...
I just wipe the dust of my engine with a wet kitchen cloth, everytime I wash the car, and then some WD40.
I just wipe the dust of my engine with a wet kitchen cloth, everytime I wash the car, and then some WD40.
04-03-2006, 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by TexaZ3' post='264122' date='Apr 3 2006, 10:15 PM
I've power-washed engines on all my cars, including E60 many times without any ill effects ever. Most modern engines are well protected from water - just do not spray directly into plugs, generator, air boxes, or battery (not a concern with BMWs). The engine should be barely warm, almost cold. Spray some water on the engine, let it sit for a minute or so, then go over major surfaces with fine soft brush w/car shamoo or something similar, then wash it all off. Give a final blast for a rinse. Let it drip, and then start the car - let it warm up, shut down the engine and wipe the engine bay with soft cloth.
04-03-2006, 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by E60Sim' post='264129' date='Apr 3 2006, 10:27 PM
Diesel engines and water is not a good combination! My manual says that I should not use high pressure water on my engine...
I just wipe the dust of my engine with a wet kitchen cloth, everytime I wash the car, and then some WD40.
I just wipe the dust of my engine with a wet kitchen cloth, everytime I wash the car, and then some WD40.
04-03-2006, 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by BetterMakeWay' post='264133' date='Apr 3 2006, 02:29 PM
ok...i got it. I dunno, after all i think i'll stay away from the water, but what's wd40?
Anyway, a littel water won't hurt the engine, believe me, it will be just fine.