If I was to power wash my engin?

What do I cover/keep water away from? Also, do you guys have any tips on doing a extream clean on the motor?

Thanks,
Derek

 

Do not shoot the stream at any of the wire connectors or the electrical components (CDI box, turn indicators, ignition switch,etc...). Another area to avoid is the head bearings and wheel bearing seals. And don't shoot water up the exhaust if you can help it. Cover them with a plastic bag or some such device. Tape off anything you don't want high pressure water hitting, blue tape is ok for indirect spray.

 

I've got a jug of engine degreaser for pressure washer that I use. It does a great job. I bought it years ago, so I don't remember where I got it. I'm almost out too, need to look into that.............

The usual pressure washer rules apply - don't use a fine stream, up close, in one place long enough to strip the finish or anything like that. Of course you don't want to cut through the spark plug wires.

I leave my seat on so I don't get water in the air intake. Otherwise I don't worry about what gets wet.

You may want to start it up immediately after washing. If it aint gonna run wet 'tis better to find out in the driveway than in the rain 100 miles from home.

 

Make sure you pull off the cover for your front sprocket after your done because it holds water in there.

 

If you were NOT to powerwash your engine.......
you might be happier. I've used Gunk, let it soak for 15 min and washed it off with the garden hose. I have a power washer but am reluctant to use it.
If you do, follow all the previously mentioned tips (No concentrated streams) and keep your distance. A power washer will strip paint off in the blink of an eye, and burn through plastic like a hot knife. If you must...easy does it!

 

I have never power washed mine but have only used various brushes, soap / cleaners and a garden hose to rinse. I have used the car wash before, but on rare occasions. I can usually just rag off anything and don't even like to use water if I can avoid it.

 

This worked very well for me.
I've got one of those wands that hook to an air compressor, and a tube that goes into your cleaner.
Only I hung the line in a quart of the bug, tar,wax remover from a paint department.
Talk about cleaning off the old sludge, it melted right off the motor.
Mineral spirits would probably do the same thing.