Another engine detailing question...

[rockford33]

In my new Subaru's manual, it specifically states to never wash the engine. I am pretty sure this is just legal nonsense. One thing I have noticed its that there is an awful lot of plastic covers above and below the engine (the whole bottom of the engine is covered with a plastic pop outpanel to get to the oil filter!). Anyway, I popped the hood this weekend and things were still fairly clean (only have 3500 miles on it). I would like to keep it clean though. To dress things up, could I just go ahead and spray some CD2 Engine Detailer on everything without hosing the engine down? I figure if I keep it protected, it might never get real dirty. I did use some 303 to dress stuff up (also tried some Natural Look). Didn't really like the look of either. Some of the plstic is more of a charcoal gray, so it doesn't get that nice clean black look. I also had problems with on of the hoses being really blotchy no matter what I tried. Any thoughts/comments are welcome.

 

[Don]

I definately wouldn't spray a cleaner on and not rinse it off. Since the engine is already clean, you wo't need to do anything major with it. Just get some APC and make about a 50/50 mix, spray the engine down & wipe the areas you can reach with a cloth or soft brush, then rinse the engine with a garden hose with the spray nozzle removed.

Some suggest taking the car for a drive after the wash, so the heat and airflow can get the water out of any electrical connections.