Engine cleaning '94 325is

[BMWarrior]

Is it recommended to wash my engine? If so, what is the best procedure in doing so?

[Jeron]

Cleaning is good. I've seen lots of writeups on it. To do it right you need to pressure wash it. You need to get a list of things to cover with plastic and not to spray directly.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Borrowed/concours_corner-6.htm

[BMWarrior]

Thanks Moderator! I'll give it a shot.

[Rubatoguy]

One thing I would be careful about that is not noted in the article is to make sure your alternator is covered, as well as the pulleys.

I have had to replace engine pulleys after pressure washing - if you directly spray the bearings you can get water past the seals which will result in bearing failure.

Just one of those things you don't think about until after if happens.

One of the great engine cleaners I have found is S100 total cycle cleaner. It works great.

http://www.s100.com/s100_tcc.htm

[BMWarrior]

I'm not very comfortable doing a high-pressure wash with a hose and all now. Maybe I could use it for just a spot cleaning, here and there?

It'll take more time but I really don't want to wet something that I shouldn't. It sounds like there's many areas to potentially screw up.

[Rubatoguy]

I've had excellent results using S100 and just a garden hose. No high pressure needed.

The only time I have seen the high pressure hose really help is if you have caked on oil or grease. Sometimes using a bristled scrubbrush to break up the caked on gunk before you wash helps.

Also I like to spray the rubber parts with a good preservative after washing, since the soaps do tend to dry out the rubber parts a little.

Its really less hazarous than it sounds, and makes a huge difference.

I've always felt that you get better service by the mechanics if your engine is clean - I think the message that you take care of your car means they give you a little extra care and attention when they do work on your car.

[koya1893]

I am not sure what part of the world you are from. the reason I said that is because I am about to share with what old timers use to use to clean up dirt and oil accumelated on the side of the block due to leaky valve cover gasket of just oil. If you are aware of the fuel use on camping stove reffered to as "white gas" I use that, spraying it where I see oil or dirt mix with oil. It works like brake cleaner but better and cheaper to buy, around $6 for gl. at any department store selling camping equipment. Buy a spray bottle from Home Depot and use that or use one your old spray bottles from a tire cleaner or any old spray bottle to clean your car with. Give this a go. Testimonial, my Boxster S engine compartment is clean like new because of this and my 1984 318i is the same way. anytime these cars are on the lift they get the treatment. Give it a go and let us know what you think. by the way a great tool also to clean parts during any maintenance.

Ben

[Wayne 962]

Bad, bad idea. The engine is not meant to be washed. Water can get down into places that don't empty out and can rust components. If you're interesting in cleaning your engine, then simply use some Simple Green and some elbow grease. There are a lot of electrical components in the engine, and they are meant to stay dry...

-Wayne

[BMWCowboy]

BMW Strictley forbids pressure washing

[BMWarrior]

Yeah, I guess I meant a simple spot cleaning or touch-up but definitely not immersing anything in water. I've never been comfortable with the idea of engine washing which is why I posed this thread.

However, some of these parts and components are just filthy and it would be nice to spruce up the engine a bit. Thanks for the input you guys, I appreciate it and will certainly take heed to it!

[BMWCowboy]

What we do is spray on eng degreaser & let soak & with car running spray off with water hose~~>be careful not to spray where spark plugs are