[nazali]

thoughts on this,

I was concerned that water was somehow getting into parts and shorting out or grounding cables and messing up the battery, as all probability was that battery was killed by the dashcam,

I'm wondering on engine bay cleaning by a detailer,

am a bit nervous, but any thoughts on whether I should do it OR do it myself
or any specific instructions I can give them to avoid any problems.

It has been raining since new battery and no probs !

thoughts

[John in VA]

From what I've read in your previous posts I'd trust this to a detailer that has experience cleaning engine compartments. Some avoid this task. Good luck!

[nazali]

txs and your reply was most appreciated

[harry.h]

I'd suggest going to the detailer as well. It's the best option to avoid mistakes during the cleaning process.

[jefe2000]

This weekend, I was having similar wonderings to the OP. I've been using products from Adam's Polishes for many years now; it seems to be a company run by a bunch of car enthusiasts, which helps me trust that their products will work the way the product label indicates. I also love their library of YouTube videos on exterior and interior detailing how-to's and tips'n'tricks.

I was watching through the video about engine bay detailing:

Their recommendation is to take a pressure washer to the engine compartment.

With all the sensors and electronics I can see in our engine bays, a pressure washer seems like the easy button for a Christmas tree array of CELs next time I start the car. This can't be how folks really clean their engine compartments? So I'd love to know how folks here approach a good engine compartment cleaning — or if y'all just leave it to the professionals.

[aerobod]

As long as you use a fan spray and don't hold the nozzle close to the connectors, there shouldn't be any issues. The engine compartment is open to rain passing through the radiator with air moving at highway speeds, so everything is sealed quite well.

I've been using a pressure washer generally monthly on the engine compartment of cars I've owned for the last 30 or more years, without any issues.

[John in VA]

Griot's Garage has the same recommendations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvg2...riot%27sGarage

[Kernel Kurtz]

I've used the pressure washer at the car wash on all my BMW engine bays with no ill effect. Just don't hold it too close.

Unless you have fluid leaks really it is only dust that needs to be rinsed off now and then. I've never even used any kind of cleaner. Just a quick spray every few months is all it needs.

[nazali]

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

I've used the pressure washer at the car wash on all my BMW engine bays with no ill effect. Just don't hold it too close.

Unless you have fluid leaks really it is only dust that needs to be rinsed off now and then. I've never even used any kind of cleaner. Just a quick spray every few months is all it needs.

^^^ best advise ever !

[nazali]

I think it's really hit or miss,

I always used to jet wash my engine bay, (but these were pre 90's cars)
I had problems with any post 2000 car though.

Engines are meant to get wet from rain or puddles, but not designed or built for power washing, otherwise your manual would say so.

I think the key is to use a modicum of care, I always wince when I try a jet wash LOL and only done it once on this car and very very carefully

Originally Posted by aerobod

As long as you use a fan spray and don't hold the nozzle close to the connectors, there shouldn't be any issues. The engine compartment is open to rain passing through the radiator with air moving at highway speeds, so everything is sealed quite well.

I've been using a pressure washer generally monthly on the engine compartment of cars I've owned for the last 30 or more years, without any issues.

[stlb5]

Originally Posted by nazali

I think it's really hit or miss,

I always used to jet wash my engine bay, (but these were pre 90's cars)
I had problems with any post 2000 car though.

Engines are meant to get wet from rain or puddles, but not designed or built for power washing, otherwise your manual would say so.

I think the key is to use a modicum of care, I always wince when I try a jet wash LOL and only done it once on this car and very very carefully

This how I clean mine. Looks long in this video, but he's going slow. All in less than 10 minutes.