For Patrick and Dave -
It's pretty common for mechanics and shops to pressure wash engines either
before (preferred by me!) or after working on them. Most all dealers do this on
all their used cars to make things look sharper, and it's not much of an issue
IF IT'S DONE CORRECTLY. To me, this means you securely wrap all electrical
components that can be damaged by water intrusion - the generator or
alternator, the distributor, voltage regulator, etc., and of course, make
doubly sure to seal off the carburetor. I do this by stuffing clean non-linty
rag into the open throat, then taping securely a double sheet of fairly heavy
plastic around the opening. Heavy duty trash bags are good for this use.
You have to use some common sense in using any pressure washer on a vehicle, as
you can do anything from blowing off paint to disintegrating small parts if you
hit them hard with the stream. To get a really clean engine, do all your
protective measures, then use engine cleaner (Gunk), let her sit awhile, then
use the washer. If you have compressed air, a followup blow drying is a real
good idea.
Be aware that you will be blowing cruddy water all over your immediate world
in this process, some jurisdictions may take a dim view - watch your runoff.
You will have to do a detail on the exterior after you have the innards
presentable.
Water in the plug wells - use paper towelling as a wick, you can get it to wick
right up and out of the wells with a bit of trying. Get the hair dryer out
there afterward to get it the rest of the way - you have to be willing to heat
it up, then the remaining moisture will evaporate.
Happy housecleaning!
Kate Justet Triplett
Kate's Custom Gunleather
Monroe, Washington
Proud mother of a soldier
and owner of "Lucille" 1968 Crown 4 door HT
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