I was gonna wash my engine on the weekend, and I know to cover some obvious things like the air filter and stuff, but I was hoping someone could take my pic and just circle the stuff that needs to be covered. I just want to make sure I don't get anything wet that shouldn't be.

 

my guess would be...

filter, battery, alternator and wires, and the wires in the back left hand corner. not sure what else?

 

I detailed for Mercedes, Suzuki, Subaru and dodge, and the only thing we covered if it was applicable was the CIA. We never had the car running while we sprayed. I've never had an issue in the 9 years of detailing either, even when I did my RA.

Cover the filter and make sure the motor dries off completely and you'll be fine

 

Also don't spray water onto a hot engine. Wait until it's cold before you clean it.

 

Yeah, I need to drive to a DIY car wash so I was gonna get there, let it sit and vacuum it while it cools down then cover it...spray it with an engine cleaner....wait 15 minutes (like the instructions say) , hose it off, then idle for 15 minutes to dry.

 

The only time I'd ever heard of a car getting messed up after an engine shampoo was when this ford escape at my old work had it's fuse box (under hood) get soaked and fried out. That was a fun bill for that employee to pay haha. Point and case.. make sure the fuse box is sealed. Cover your intake's filter, the rest should be fine to degrease and spray off quickly.

 

Definitely double bag your intake and just to be safe I'd cover the fuse box and terminals. Don't spray directly on any electrical connections but that's really all I can think of...

 

Thanks Kroelav....I need to cover the alternator as well, right? is that on the side by the valve cover?

 

Meh
I just spray it all lol

 

I'd wrap up your tps as well it's on the opposite side where the throttle cable connects to spring looking mechanism.

 

Anything other than the filter is overkill. All the sensors are weather proofed sonar long as you don't hold the spray directly on the connections for more than a couple seconds you'll be fine. If you want some extra insurance you can wrap them all but in my personal opinion and experience it isn't necessary.

 

Thanks guys....I wasn't sure how waterproof the sensors were and stuff. I'll prob be a little extra cautious just cause i never did it before. I'll post a pic after it's done.

 

Exactly this. Filter is the only thing that matters, everything else can get wet, just avoid hitting the electronics directly with high pressure water.

 

As everyone has stated, just the filter will be just fine. Good luck.

Disclaimer: If your car catches on fire and blows up I assume no responsibility.

 

Done I used some Mothers Back to Black on some of the hoses. I just covered the distributor and the air filter. I coulda scrubbed some parts a little more, but now i'll know for next time.