Salt in engine compartment
filed in 87 Supra
Question: Now the long winter finally passed away. But it reminds me when I see the dirty engine compartment. Can I wash out the salt and dirt in engine compartment as I do for the exterior? Is that going to flush away lubricate or short electrical system?
Thanks for any advice.
Answer: I “used” to do this, but with the newer systems (electronic ignition, fuel injection, computer control) – it only took me one expensive experience to stop. Better dirty and running.
If you must have a clean engine compartment (and I’m one of those who has this compulsion).. I use “Simple Green” (can get it at KMART and most auto stores).. it is: non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, and green. It comes in a hand-pump spray bottle, and you just spray it on the dirt, wait a few minutes (heavy buildups I brush with a paintbrush) and rinse away with low pressure from a garden hose. This stuff seems to clean ANYTHING.. I demonstrated it to my wife, who quickly stole (and used up) my bottle, forcing me to buy another and hide it.
Been using this technique for about a year on my ‘87 Supra Turbo, and haven’t had any more expensive experiences! I can see your point- but I only meant the high-pressure RINSE, which is plain water. I don’t know who makes your car, but the GM and Ford connectors on all the points under my XR4Ti or my Chevy Cavalier (RIP) were quite weather proof, with individual sleeves for each lead and rubber “weatherstripping” surrounding each. The only things under my car hood are large-amperage +12v things like the battery, starter solenoid, plug wires (no problem for me) and a couple of solenoids. I grease all my “regular” connectors, but still, I think (MHO) it’s innoculous.
But, of course, I should have warned that YMMV.
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