i have a 6hp/2300 PSI pressure washer. i would like to pressure wash my engine/underhood area. i had a valve cover leak, couple of the valve cover screws loosened up and it was leaking. i tightened everything up again but now its covered with a crapy, oily residue and i want to clean everything. i want to make sure i keep the water out of the engine. i run an open style air cleaner element. whats the best way to make sure water stays out of the throttle body/and breather unit. i have a 305 TBI, i want to get it clean without risking damage to anything.

 

Use a plastic bag to cover up the breather and the air pump.The air pump will rust solid if you get water on it too often.

 

Also keep away from the dist, and be prepaired with compressed air to blow water out of electrical connections.

 

Be careful doin this... I F** up my engine yesterday by washing it... now it cuts out around 43 mph...

 

i used to work at one of those quick lube places, and we often has oil spills into the engine bay. This is a fire hazard, and cars shouldnt drive out like this.

Pressure is not your freind when youre trying to keep water out of tiny cracks and holes. Water and oil dont mix, however, if you hold water and oil in the same place, the oil will rise to the top.

Use a garden hose with very little pressure, and just rinse parts of the fenderwell until oil washes away. If this doesnt work, use some dish detergent.

If youre careful though you should have no problems using the pressure washer. Just cover the throttle body, any electrical stuff near the engine, and spray away (NOT ON THE ENGINE).

Remember when it rains, a fair share of water gets into the engine bay, and the car still miraculously does not blow up.