To wash the engine or not? - Diesel Forum

jHanratt · 11-13-2009, 04:47 PM

I would like to shampoo the engine compartment on my 7.3 idi. I have done this to numerous other vehicles without any issue but I read that you can damage the injection pump on the IDI. It also has a banks sidewinder if that makes any difference. I plan to use a can of engine shampoo on the engine then wash with a hose and sprayer.

The problem is that it has 17 years of accumulated oil, antifreeze and grease on the engine and compartment and it smells when it's hot. This is a motorhome so diesel engine smells are not welcome inside.

Do you think it would be safe to clean it? What do I need to protect?

Thanks

cdnsarguy · 11-13-2009, 05:04 PM

Wash only a cool engine but most of us know that anyway....be sure the STEEL water drain on the valley pan is clear...... it is a 1/2 square hole behind the intake, with a turbo not sure how you would see it. Do not remove the STEEL plug just ensure the water will flow out and down the rear of the engine.

You could cover the GP controller or at least ensure it is blown clean/dry after. Try not to disturb the return lines between the injectors too much. DO NOT get any amount of water in the intake for sure turbo or non turbo......

chuckster57 · 11-13-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdnsarguy

with a turbo not sure how you would see it.......

I used a mirror when I was looking for a different thread, and I used a piece length of speaker wire to test for blockage. I would NOT use any high pressure wands either. Castrol make a product called "super Clean" that will eat just about anything and it rinses clean with out any pressure.

NH2112 · 11-13-2009, 06:23 PM

I've pressure washed hundreds and hundreds of engines, both gas and diesel, without any ill effects other than the occasional wet distributor - and I'm talking about using an industrial 3000psi washer, not the wimpy homeowner ones. Avoid spraying directly on electronics, avoid getting too much water in the air cleaner (squeeze the water drain before starting), and know that you might get belt slippage & clutch chatter for a few minutes after washing. Other than that, go to town on it. Give everything a once-over afterward to ensure no connectors were damaged or blown off by the water.

Snotzalot · 11-13-2009, 08:28 PM

A hot IP and cold pressure washer will give you the opportunity to learn how to replace an IP.

rotaryboots · 11-13-2009, 09:18 PM

I pressure washed my engine the day I bought it and cleaned it up so that it looks all clean again. Just made sure that I covered the more sensative parts of the engine and made sure the engine was cold and then dry before I fired it again.

NH2112 · 11-13-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snotzalot

A hot IP and cold pressure washer will give you the opportunity to learn how to replace an IP.

Not really, thousands of humvees with thousands of the same DB2 pump the IH diesels use have forded thousands of cold streams, rivers, or even washrack pits over the injector pump without damaging the pump. It's only a little less of a wives' tale than the one about batteries discharging when set on concrete.

Snotzalot · 11-13-2009, 09:41 PM

I personally have seen damage to 7.3 IP's from pressure washing. If you wish to pressure wash go right ahead.

oldschool2 · 11-26-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH2112

Not really, thousands of humvees with thousands of the same DB2 pump the IH diesels use have forded thousands of cold streams, rivers, or even washrack pits over the injector pump without damaging the pump. It's only a little less of a wives' tale than the one about batteries discharging when set on concrete.

hey he is right i done the same dam thing we let it warm up a little bit say 5 min and thin use a water hose we use gunk engine bright you dont have to let it warm up and its best not to and use a parts cleaning brush that helps alot