Life hack of the week: how to properly wash the engine compartment of a car. How to clean the engine compartment of a car How to clean under the hood yourself

You can have different attitudes about your property, where you live, and also about your car, but the need to wash it is undeniable and as obvious as house cleaning. Sooner or later, any car owner is faced with the need to wash the engine and engine compartment.

There is a lot of prejudice about the fact that such procedures can harm the wiring or sensors, which is why we will consider the basic rules that will help you complete this rather time-consuming and complex job.

A clean engine is a guarantee best cooling, as well as reduced wear on bearings and pulleys due to the absence of abrasive particles. In addition, a cleaned surface allows timely detection and elimination of leaks of working fluids, and also prevents dust and dirt from entering the air intake and heater filters.

In addition, a layer of dust or oil deposits complicates the control of the level of working fluids, since expansion tanks become opaque. Contrary to popular belief that washing will negatively affect the operation of electronic systems, the opposite can also be argued, since dirt deposits are a good conductor, which causes voltage instability in the network, the occurrence of current “leaks” and intense battery discharge even when the car is not running.

Like any serious procedure, washing the engine compartment has both undeniable advantages and the risks associated with it. In most cases, this method is used to give the car a marketable appearance before selling. However, neglect of elementary rules can lead to serious malfunctions, the elimination of which will require impressive costs.

Preliminary preparation

Before starting work, you should pay attention to weather. The air temperature should be as high as possible to ensure intensive evaporation of moisture, since many nodes and connectors do not provide natural drainage. Otherwise, you need to take care of the presence of a heated box.

It is noticed that best result achieved when the engine has been preheated slightly by running on idling but not before operating temperature, otherwise there is a high risk of a difference in thermal expansion between the parts from exposure to cold water, which in the worst case can lead to warping of the cylinder head. This softens the thick oil film and reduces its adhesiveness.

The next important point is to de-energize the electrical wiring by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery, which, ideally, is best removed altogether. After that, insulate the most important elements of the power supply network, such as the generator, starter and fuse box, using thick polyethylene and tape. Of course, these parts are periodically exposed to excessive moisture during rain or the passage of deep puddles, but you should not abuse their reliability.

Special attention should be given to the sensor mass flow air and a lambda probe, since these elements are very expensive and very susceptible to moisture ingress. The washing procedure itself can be performed using a regular garden hose, but it is better to use washing machine, which will create enough pressure for intensive cleaning.

Concerning modern cars, stuffed electronic systems, then this approach may not be justified, since the number of electronic components may not be pre-calculated, and hidden modules will not allow them to be secured in time.

If you are not sure that all systems are reliably protected, you can use a relatively new method - dry cleaning, which does not involve the use of water. In this case, a special foam or spray is applied to the surface to be cleaned, after which a strictly defined time is kept and the surfaces to be cleaned are thoroughly wiped from the remnants of contaminants. This process is very time consuming and requires a certain endurance and skill. In addition, not all surfaces have free access, so in addition to the advantages, it also has significant shortcomings. But back to the traditional ways of washing the engine compartment.

It is worth remembering that effective cleaning is possible only when you use a special detergent, otherwise you will not be able to resist the oil film mixed with dirt with a simple pressure of water. Typically, such a product is pre-diluted in water with a ratio of 1 to 3, followed by spraying in the engine compartment.

Particular attention should be paid to the completeness of dissolution of powder products, since undissolved particles can cause streaks when dried.

We immediately dismiss outdated methods of cleaning aggregates with the help of fuels and lubricants, since this is an extremely dangerous and unhealthy process, the effectiveness of which leaves much to be desired. In addition, these substances can have a negative effect on paintwork body in the engine compartment, which will lead to a negative aesthetic result.

The format of detergent in the form of an aerosol is very convenient, which does not require prior dissolution with water, and the intensity of its application can be adjusted locally, depending on the degree of contamination. Do not abuse excessively aggressive substances that can damage Rubber products, drive belts or braided wires, always use car chemicals strictly for their intended purpose.

Taking into account Russian specifics most cars in our country are equipped with engine crankcase protection, which can interfere with the process, since all the dirt washed off will be on it and will be clearly visible in the future. Therefore, before washing, it will not be superfluous to dismantle it.

Washing process

It must be remembered that the pollution in the engine compartment was exposed to high temperatures for a long time, as a result of which they acquired a certain resistance to external influences and aggressive environments, therefore, in addition to treatment with a detergent, mechanical washing will also be necessary.

A soft nylon brush can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas. If we are talking about constantly heating engine parts and exhaust system you can use an aluminum brush. Never apply excessive force as this may cause scratches and leaks.

After cleaning, you should see a lot of foaming. Do not delay the process until the cleaning agent begins to dry, as in this case the resulting film will be as difficult to remove as the original contamination.

After you are sure that the main contamination has been removed, you can proceed with the flush. Try not to direct a powerful jet at the critical components that you have isolated, carry out the process in stages, starting from the back of the hood and smoothly moving to the engine and attachments. Don't forget that back side headlights of your car has a special hatch for changing light bulbs. Ideally, it should be airtight, but this does not imply resistance to the intense pressure of the washer, therefore, in order to avoid possible problems and fogging headlights, try to bypass this knot.

After the detergent has been rinsed off, engine compartment must be dried thoroughly. For the final wash, it is better to use this hot water, the temperature of which is not less than 50 degrees. At this time, attention can be paid to traces of corrosion on the crankcase or heat shield, which should be eliminated using heat-resistant paints or enamels.

End of process

After the remnants of the cleaning agent are removed, allow excess moisture to drain down, and then proceed to remove the protective polyethylene and wipe the critical nodes.

It is worth remembering that moisture can dry out in connectors and hard-to-reach places for several days, so it is advisable to treat them with compressed air. Otherwise, the oxidation products will lead to precarious work equipment and potential damage.

Since it is often necessary to remove the motor guard when washing, water may enter the candle wells, which is why they should be blown with compressed air, which will avoid tripling and uneven work. Do not rush to start the engine immediately after washing - make sure that you wipe all surfaces from excess moisture, use a fan heater to dry, wait a while for natural drying.

After all the above procedures, it is necessary to start the engine at open bonnet and let it run for a long time.

Be prepared for the fact that upon completion of the work you will be faced with the need to replace rusted clamps that were not visible under a layer of dirt, and now they are badly spoiling appearance, as well as the coloring of individual parts. You should also not abuse this procedure, since the engine compartment does not need frequent washing, which is associated with risks of damaging electrical equipment.

To solve problems with cooling, it is enough to flush the radiator and replace the antifreeze, and to eliminate electricity leaks, process the terminals and connectors special composition. Do not forget that the identified centers of corrosion, having lost their natural inhibitor in the form of an oil-mud film, will begin to actively “bloom”, which will require their immediate treatment. If the potential risks and difficulties did not frighten you, feel free to get down to business, guided by our recommendations. In any case, the result is worth it.

An article on how to properly wash the engine compartment of a car. Important recommendations, description of the washing procedure. At the end of the article - a video on how to properly wash a car engine.

The content of the article:

You washed the body of your car, and it shone like new, delighting the owner with cleanliness and bright tints of light. But now you lift the hood, and ... Oh, the year of May! What a nightmare! The engine, electrical equipment, parts and assemblies of connections - everything, literally everything is covered with such a layer of dirt and dust that one simply loses one's hands. How to deal with all this?

The importance of washing your car under the hood

You can’t even dream of trying to eliminate all this disgrace without special tools: this is not a bookshelf - you can’t wipe it with a damp cloth. And, meanwhile, the dirt under the hood of the car must be regularly removed.

Dust is a poor insulator, but a fairly good conductor. electric current. This means that electrical equipment will be under constant threat. short circuit and current leakage.

A layer of dirt on the engine also does not bode well, because dirty engine heats up quickly and therefore wears out faster.

The worst thing is that this pollution cannot be avoided. No matter how high-quality the seal on the hood cover is, it will not protect against dirt, because all the impurities are mainly stuffed from below, from the side of the wheels while driving.

So, whatever one may say, one cannot do without cleaning the engine compartment. But at the same time there is good news A: It is not necessary to do this every day. Experienced car enthusiasts As a rule, the cleanliness under the hood is cleaned twice a year - in summer and when preparing the car for winter.

Of course, in order to carry out this procedure, experience is needed, and in the absence of such, the tips and recommendations that you will find in this article are quite suitable.

How not to wash the engine compartment of a car

To begin with, let's talk about negative examples that can often be observed among negligent motorists, that is, about what you can’t do.

It is impossible to mercilessly spray the entire engine compartment with the agent, especially under high pressure, because the drug gets where it should not go: on the generator, wiring and other components of electrical equipment - these parts do not tolerate water and chemical solutions.

Do not wash off the applied preparation and dirt with too powerful a jet of water. Water has an all-pervading property, which in this case can only damage the car. At the same time, do not forget that the heat and noise insulation on the inner surface of the hood is rather fragile, and therefore a powerful jet of water can break it.

You can not wash the space under the hood on the street in the cold season. Water can get into the moving parts of the engine and freeze. For example, if the starter freezes, turning the key can burn the winding of its engine, as well as burn the battery.

Do not start washing under the hood without first removing large debris from there. e.g. dry leaves. Otherwise, the drainage holes for draining water may become clogged, and then during the next wash or rain, many important details may end up in an aquarium.

And now let's talk about what can and should be done while washing the engine compartment. As already mentioned, contaminated parts under the hood of a car cannot be cleaned with a damp cloth. For this you will need special means and equipment.

Choosing a detergent

If you are not an enemy to your car, then in this case you will not use tools like kerosene or gasoline to clean the engine and other parts under the hood. Under no circumstances should this be done. Homemade detergents are also undesirable, because they are ineffective.

For such purposes, you will need special chemicals designed to wash the engine. There are two types of such liquids: universal and specialized:

1. Universal liquid is designed to remove any contaminants without exception;
2. A specialized fluid is used for contaminants of only a certain type.

According to the type of content capacity, these funds can be divided as follows:

• in plastic bottles;
• in aerosol cans;
• in a glass container.

Of these three types, we recommend choosing products in plastic bottles and aerosol cans. Firstly, they are much more convenient to use, and secondly, they are safer.

Pay special attention to the manufacturer - products of unknown brands are best avoided.

Among the most famous and popular brands, we recommend Motor Cleaner. This is a fairly effective universal detergent that is designed to clean motor block and other parts of the engine from smudges of grease, oil stains, from adhering dust and other contaminants.

This preparation is based on highly effective surfactants and alkaline agents. He does not have unpleasant odors because this product does not contain kerosene.

Necessary equipment

Washing under the hood of a car can be done in the following ways:

• with the help of Karcher;
• washing with a rubber hose connected to the water supply;
• hand wash.

Karcher wash. The most common type of car wash, but when cleaning the engine compartment, care must be taken not to damage parts of the electrical equipment and not flood the engine with water. Therefore, the pressure of water is transferred to a sparing mode.

Washing with a rubber hose- recommended type of sink under the hood. The pressure is small, but effective for washing away dirt.

Hand wash. The safest for the entire engine compartment, but at the same time the most time-consuming.

Before washing the engine compartment, it is recommended to do the following:

1. First of all, it is necessary to dismantle all removable screens and plastic parts.
2. Do not forget to stick information plates and inscriptions on all elements of the engine compartment.
3. Monitor the temperature of the engine, which should be between 30-40 degrees before washing. On a hot motor, the detergent will evaporate, and on a cold motor, the effectiveness of the agent will be reduced. It is desirable that the water temperature also meets the specified standards.
4. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, and pack the battery tightly in polyethylene. In the same way, carefully cover all connectors, terminals and all electrical equipment with polyethylene, which can be fixed with adhesive tape.

The process of washing a car under the hood

Washing the car under the hood is carried out as follows:

1. First you need to apply the necessary layer of detergent chemical to the engine. On open parts, you can do this with a brush, and where this is not available, use a sprayer. The pressure of the sprayer should be minimal.
2. After applying the product, it is necessary to withstand the time specified in the instructions.
3. Don't be in a hurry to rinse chemical composition. Be sure to make sure that all the dirt is saturated with the solution and limp. As soon as this happens, carefully wash off the detergent along with the dirt with a low pressure of water, either from a mini-washer, or with a hose connected to the water supply, or manually with a special sponge. If you wash by hand, do not forget that in this case not all places will be available, so you can combine washing methods. After you wash off the solution along with the contamination, analyze the result, and if it turned out to be unsatisfactory, repeat the entire procedure from start to finish.
4. At the end of washing the engine compartment important point the engine and other components dry out. You can do this with a compressor. The higher the air pressure, the better. Dry the starter and alternator first. Then blow out all the ignition coils and other parts of the electrical equipment.
5. After washing the engine compartment, you have to thoroughly wash the entire body of the car to remove detergent residue from all surfaces.

And finally - important recommendations regarding washing:

• washing the engine compartment is not a task of paramount importance in maintenance car, so do it only in cases of emergency;
• avoid unprofessional washing with units with powerful water pressures, but if you decide to use them, keep the pressure to a minimum;
• pay special attention to the choice of means for washing under the hood of the car;
• carefully prepare the sink area to protect battery, contacts and connectors from the action of water;
• don't count self-washing the engine compartment is too easy a procedure, as it may seem from the outside.

Conclusion

We hope that the information provided in this article will help motorists find answers to many questions that arise in connection with car maintenance, especially questions related to washing the engine and the entire engine compartment. We wish everyone clean and serviceable motors, as well as safe road!

How to properly wash a car engine:

To do this, you need a pressure washer, compressed air, an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser, a brush, tire black, several plastic bags, masking tape, a washcloth, and a microfiber towel.

It is best to clean the engine compartment when cold or warm engine. Open the hood and remove all leaves and debris with your hands and compressed air before it gets wet. Then wrap plastic bags around the generator, battery and other electronic components, securing them with masking tape. This will save them from direct water ingress.

Use an all-purpose cleaner or brush degreaser to remove oil deposits and dirt from easily accessible parts, and then wash them off with high pressure water. Use the minimum amount of water and then use compressed air to remove water from hard to reach areas. Wipe surfaces dry with a terry towel.

Carefully remove the plastic bags so that the water that gets on them does not get on the clean units. After the engine compartment is completely dry, coat the plastic and rubber parts with tire ink and wipe off excess with a microfiber towel. Then start the engine to make sure everything is in order and help the moisture evaporate faster.

It is not necessary to wash the engine compartment every week, but on average once a year it would be nice to knock dust and dirt off power unit and wiring pipes. The most important thing in this process is an understanding of where water can be supplied under pressure, and where it is highly undesirable.

In particular, if you have a motor covered in a layer of dirt, I would not recommend trying to wash it off with a jet of water. Today on the market there are many different chemicals to wash away dirt, which will help to avoid trouble from a jet under pressure. In especially advanced cases, chemistry and water will not help, so in particularly hard-to-reach places, you can resort to using a brush. It is advisable to take a brush with nylon bristles: metal pipes, wiring, etc. can be damaged.

Immediately before the washing process itself, it is necessary to observe several mandatory procedures. Let's list them.

The first thing to do is to close all air intake points, i.e. open channels. How to close - focus on the place, you can just use a rag, you can use foam rubber - the main thing is that moisture does not get in.

The second is to check and isolate as much as possible all electrical connections. In particular, fuse boxes, wiring to the headlights, candle wells (by the way, it would be nice to close them with something, after pulling out the coils / wires) and all additional wire connections - an alarm siren, additional relays etc. (I would recommend covering them with cellophane, and fixing the cellophane with tape or tape).

Must see engine compartment for torn and cracked anthers, pipes, bare wires, etc. If, for example, you have cracks in the anthers of CV joints, then water that has got under pressure inside will quickly turn the CV joint into an unusable unit. Also, a pipe that has begun to crack under the pressure of water can at the moment turn into a torn one and draw this water inside.

If you have no problems with all of the above, and you have closed all the places from moisture, I would recommend that cars that are equipped with air conditioners and climate controls unscrew the top fasteners of the engine cooling radiator (usually these are two bolts) and look between the air conditioner radiator and a motor cooling radiator - fluff and dust often get stuck between them, and together they form a “cotton pad” that interferes with the natural airflow of the radiators. If you still have a “down pad” formed there, there is a reason to immediately rinse it there too, only with running water, without pressure, so as not to spoil the radiator cells.

Sooner or later, you will have to think about how to properly wash the car engine, whether it should be done at all, and how this procedure will affect the operation of the car in the future. Each expert expresses his point of view. Consider all the pros and cons regarding engine washing.

Positive sides:

1. Dirt and oil accumulated under the hood have a negative impact on the operation of electrical equipment. Electrical wiring and other electrical mechanisms may fail. Even a small short circuit is possible, which will subsequently cause a fire.
2. A dirty engine is much more likely to overheat than a clean one. Because of high temperature V lubrication system there is a decrease in the viscosity of the oil, which will subsequently lead to boiling of the engine.
3. Fire safety. Oil stains that have accumulated under the hood of an unwashed engine can catch fire.
4. Sell ​​car with clean engine much easier, because the presentation is of great importance.
5. There are difficulties in the maintenance of the motor. Due to dirt, the owner of the car may not notice some malfunctions, which subsequently lead to serious damage.

Negative sides:

1. Care must be taken when handling flammable engine cleaners.
2. Foreign cars usually have a hard time enduring this process, especially on the part of electrical equipment. Water can get into electrical mechanisms even through plastic packaging.
3. It is necessary to carefully choose the service service, because the operation of your machine depends on the competence of the workers.
4. If the motor is cleaned independently, poor-quality drying is possible, which can lead to a short circuit in the wiring.

It should be noted that car manufacturers allow washing the engine in exceptional cases. Each motorist must determine for himself the degree of necessity. Also, do not forget that dirt will never cause such harm as a strong jet of water.

On the video - is it worth washing the engine and how often:

Engine wash procedure

Engine cleaning technology

You can wash the "heart" of your car from dirt and oil in a specialized service station, or you can do it yourself. However, not every car owner knows with what and how to wash the engine. This process is quite complex and requires certain skills. There is a technology that must be followed when cleaning the motor:

• it should be warm, about 30-40 ° C, it is advisable to warm it up and muffle it before washing;
• the alarm and air intakes must be covered from water ingress;
• everything must be closed with plastic bags and secured with tape;
• only special detergents can be used for washing;
• the product is applied to the entire motor, after which you need to wait a while for the dirt to get wet;
• then with a brush wash everything hard-to-reach places engine;
• the motor is rinsed, if necessary, the operation is repeated on uncleaned areas;
• after that, you need to remove all protective polyethylene material;
• dry the motor
• start the engine and make sure it is working properly;
• wipe off all spills.

When washing the engine, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the oil pan and cylinder block. Particular attention should be paid to cleaning high voltage wires, because the dirt accumulated on them contributes to the leakage of current to ground. In the future, this can lead to problems in starting the engine and disrupting its normal operation. You also need to wash the spars, hood and mudguards. Remember that only on a flyover can you wash the oil pan with high quality.

Detergents and drying equipment

There are several types of substances intended for car washing:

• universal means - needed to clean the entire car;
• special - necessary for cleaning certain parts of the machine from different types pollution (the engine is washed with them).

You need to know that in no case should you use washing powders and any other household cleaners. The engine is washed only with the help of special substances intended for this.

Adherents of the old methods for cleaning use diesel fuel and gasoline. It should be noted that after such a wash and subsequent start from the engine for half an hour there will be a strong White smoke and you will smell fuel. It is strictly forbidden to carry out washing with the help of gasoline, because a fire can occur from the slightest spark.

Any equipment that is used for cleaning must have a minimum pressure. It is best to dry the engine with a compressor. If it is not available, you can use a vacuum cleaner in blowing mode or a can of compressed air. It is necessary to dry the electrical connections well and blow off all the contacts, and if desired, treat them with an aerosol with an anti-corrosion effect.

We clean the engine at specialized service stations

If you cannot wash the engine yourself and use car washes for this, you should not immediately completely trust them with this procedure. It is necessary to learn about the quality of the services provided, as well as the professional skills of the employees. Shouldn't give it away important mechanism anyone.

It is necessary to find out how this process will be carried out, and whether devices will be used high pressure.

Many motorists are wondering whether to wash the engine with Karcher or not. We can give an unequivocal answer that its use is highly undesirable for the following reasons:

• a powerful jet can wash away all the inscriptions on the motor nodes, as well as break through the insulation on the hood;
• it is impossible to protect the ingress of water into the candle wells, relay housing, distributor;
• the liquid that has penetrated into the motor does not go anywhere and subsequently causes corrosion.

If you still use Karcher, then you need to use compressed air to remove unnecessary moisture. Remember, it's best not to use a pressure washer, but instead use a more gentle cleaning method for your engine.

It should be noted that if your car is under warranty, once every 3 years you need to wash its engine at a high-quality service station, so that in the future you can make claims for malfunctions in its operation. It is better for owners of old cars to clean the engine on their own and very carefully, in compliance with all the rules. If you still resort to the help of car washers, try to be present at their work.

diesel engine

By design diesel engine not too different from an ordinary gasoline-powered one. Reinforced only valve parts to perform heavy loads. Can it be washed diesel engine? When washing, it is almost impossible to disable it. The only thing that can happen is that the fuel hoses will fly off from the high pressure, and the system water gets in. If the engine was poorly lubricated during assembly, oxidation processes will begin.

The battery, starter and generator can be washed indefinitely, nothing will happen to them. It is enough to dry them for a few hours, and you can move.

Summarize

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that it is allowed to wash the car engine, but this should be done only if necessary. In this case, you must fully adhere to the technology and follow all the rules for cleaning the motor. Avoid using high pressure washers. At the last stage, everything must be thoroughly dried so that there is no water left anywhere. If you are using the services car showroom, you need to choose responsible firms with highly qualified specialists.

On the video - tips on how to properly wash the engine:

It is necessary to approach the engine cleaning procedure with great seriousness and responsibility, because the quality of washing your engine will subsequently affect its operation. If the cleaning of dirt and oil is not done properly, this will lead to the failure of the main part of your car.