as anyone done it, I mean using a Karcher Jet wash? Should I do it?
washing the engine bay
- Thread starter lalinsorinoco
- Start date
You can but I don't use a jet wash, I use a low flow hose.
@andyglym Thanks Andy, I just watched a video on youTube of a guy washing a Z3 using a jet gun. I was thinking how the electrics (starter motor etc) would react to such treatment! Have a look1
Last edited:
I don't for the very reason you say. A lot less going under the bonnet of cars of this age but a high pressure jet wash could well get into electrical plugs etc if not masked up. If you clean the engine bay with a low flow hose on a regular basis there's no need for a jet wash. I spray Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner liberally then agitate with a brush then wash off as said. Mop up any pools then spray Autoglym Vinyl spray liberally, shut the bonnet and leave until all other jobs are done open bonnet and wipe down with a micro fibre cloth.
Tanks @andyglym yours look very nice, and yes, I'll take your advice. Many thanks mate!
Pleasure mate and thanks.
I use a product called “Scrubbing Bubbles” which I have bought in Florida. Similar products are are available in the UK. Simply spray on, allow to stand to loosen the grime and gently rinse off using a rose on a garden hose at low pressure. I use this on a warm engine.
Tony.
ps. I have a can ready to bring home.
Tony.
ps. I have a can ready to bring home.
Thanks Tony!
You certainly can, but like others have said I would probably recommend just regular hose pipe pressure and a bit of scrubbing if necessary.
I would only use a pressure washer if the bay is a disaster, let's say trying to clean a big oil spill or something along that nature. You'll most like be safe enough but might not be worth the risk.
Water in some of the old connectors could manifest issues a while after the fact and you could be looking at chasing electrical issues long after you forgot all about that wash! Happened to a friend of mine, a connector corroded and he spent weeks chasing a temperamental dashboard. That wasn't a Z but still...
I would only use a pressure washer if the bay is a disaster, let's say trying to clean a big oil spill or something along that nature. You'll most like be safe enough but might not be worth the risk.
Water in some of the old connectors could manifest issues a while after the fact and you could be looking at chasing electrical issues long after you forgot all about that wash! Happened to a friend of mine, a connector corroded and he spent weeks chasing a temperamental dashboard. That wasn't a Z but still...
My mate decided to use my pressure washer on the engine of his old Mk2 Golf GTI when I was inbetween washing my car. He drove off later and called me up after getting half a mile down the road with a dead engine. It ended up getting towed to the local scrappie 
If your going to use a pressure washer in the engine bay make sure you know what your doing.
If your going to use a pressure washer in the engine bay make sure you know what your doing.
I don't know what I'm doing, so I won't take a pressure washer to it lol. Thanks for the advice!My mate decided to use my pressure washer on the engine of his old Mk2 Golf GTI when I was inbetween washing my car. He drove off later and called me up after getting half a mile down the road with a dead engine. It ended up getting towed to the local scrappie
If your going to use a pressure washer in the engine bay make sure you know what your doing.
I was given a tip from a fellow Z4 owner at Zedfest to use tyre cleaner foam. it brought the engine up ok I think.
Attachments
I use Cif bathroom mousse, was recommended on here and worked for me
That's the equivalent of the Scrubbing Bubbles I first used. I think it was Robert @mrscalex who researched and found the Cif product.
Tony.
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Points
- 178
- Location
- Newport, South Wales,UK
- Model of Z
- Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
I used a pressure washer on both my Z3 and Z4, I wrapped the alternator up in a plastic bag to keep that dry, Worked for me ok using car shampoo followed by a rinse. The Z4 was extreamly dusty under the engine top covers, the car seems to suck dust into the engine bay more than the Z3.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
Rhino Goo to clean and Rhino Shine to finish. Brilliant stuff its popular with the motocross people. I use it on the Zed engine and the mountain bike, plus its fully biodegradable.
Looks lovely!!
Personally, I don't see any necessity to use a pressure washer, hand wash always worked fine for me. All you need is a good all purpose cleaner and some brushes as well as some sort of rubber care, e.g. 'Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber Care' or 'Meguiars Hyper Dressing'. This procedure may not be as convenient as a pressure washer, on the other hand you don't risk damaging sensible parts.
This guy uses a steam cleaner additionally:
View: https://youtu.be/xoMZphrQSqs?t=20m33s
This guy uses a steam cleaner additionally:
Thank you