Never wash the engine?

rockford33

rockford33

New member
Just bought my first new car ever last night. A 2005 Subaru Legacy GT sedan, Regal Blue pearl. Reading through the owners manual last night, I noticed it said to never wash the engine! Is this just lawyer paranoia, or could there be a justifiable reason? Also, will the use of CD2 dry out the rubber hoses (or anything else) in the engine bay at all?

P.S. I think the dealer did a horrible job of cleaning the car (yes, I am anal and I think everyone else here is too). Looks like he dried the car with a dirty mop on the top of the trunk. It is going to get a mini detail this weekend (wash and wax). Full detail after my honeymoon in two weeks and before the winter.
 
I would think that is just the legal 'get out of jail free' card on the engine washing. it covers their butt in case someone hoses out form under and screws something up. The mfg. can have a crutch to fall back on by saying that it was in the manual not to wash the engine. I think you'll be fine if you want to wash it.
 
I've never read the manual on any of my cars or at least that part. I have to say its a legal thing because some people might just open the hood and start to spray water all over the eletronic parts. That alone could mess something up big time. You never know what people aer going to do.
 
Hmmm nice choice of car! Thinking of one since its a hatchback and useful for all my supplies :) How's the power? Feel? I hear the tranny isn't very arranged nicely. Price isn't friendly either :( But a good step for Subaru. I think Subaru put that into the manual to cover themselves since its quite dangerous to do Engine Details. I would only do engine details if I knew the arrangement of all the parts.
 
funny you bring this up . ive quit detailing engines recently. i took my 02 gmc sonoma to the dealer for some work and they got a wire wet while changing out something .well they fried my computer and had to replace it . this was a wake up call to me . i cant afford to put myself at risk for this when im only getting $25.00 extra to detail an engine . i was warned by the company i get my supplies from that this should be left to dealerships and those equiped to deal with a problem .. as much of a rebel as i am i realized i better quit when im ahead.:bigscream :phone: :rtfm
 
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When you drive in rain, snow, slush, mist, anything with water in it, the engine gets wet. Granted some engines are protected better than others. I remember Mercedes actually "encapsulated" their engines a few years ago on some models. Pickups seem to provide the least engine protection. How is the unavoidable deposition of a wet, cold salt slurry any worse than cleaning an engine with light spray from a hose? I use a general purpose cleaner like 409 (spray bottle), let it soak for a few minutes, start the motor and rinse everything off (underside of hood too) with a hose set for a gentle spray. Let the motor run for a while after, then spiff things up as you please. Never had a problem. Don't expect I ever will. How's that for complacency? If manufacturers had a problem with wet engines, they'd only sell cars in Arizona, and then only to people who garaged them during "monsoon" season.
 
Woob said:
Hmmm nice choice of car! Thinking of one since its a hatchback and useful for all my supplies :) How's the power? Feel? I hear the tranny isn't very arranged nicely. Price isn't friendly either :( But a good step for Subaru. I think Subaru put that into the manual to cover themselves since its quite dangerous to do Engine Details. I would only do engine details if I knew the arrangement of all the parts.
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I actually have the sedan and the power is nice. Can't really get on it yet because I am still in the break-in period. Feels really nice and I think the interior is a major step up from previous Subarus. Price isn't too bad considering the market they are trying to get into (BMW, Audi, etc.)

On the engine detailing, it is probably only something I would do maybe once or twice a year. I figure as long as I am careful where I spray, I should be ok. It has a lot of covers on top of the engine, plus I think a cover underneath the engine. I will have to look atthe engine more closely before I start spraying things down.
 
Our 2000 GTP gets a wipe down with a damp towel after every wash job. It's just part of the routine. Mo exceesive water and no problems yet. There are some engine pictures in my gallery that show what can be done with regular care.

If you do wash the engine, I don't think you will have much problem if you use low pressure and stay away from electrical components and wiring as much as possible. My 1998 Pontiac Tran Sport has had the engine sprayed several times in its 136,000 mile career. It is very difficult to access all the underhood stuff on the van so I spray it with S100 Total Cycle Cleaner diluted with 30% water and just hose the hard to get at areas off. Worked for 14 years and 168,000 miles on my Astro van.
Now for the warning. I purchase a new 1965 GTO when pressure washes were very popular. The engine was quite often washed at the car wash place. Really looked good.
I also had to replace voltage regulators, headlight relays, horn relays, I can't even remember all the electrical components I ruined. I took some of them apart to see the inside and the pressure had driven the soap/water solution into them and they were either rusted or corroded to the point of being worthless.
Pressure washers are not part of my routine now.:)
The damp towel method would seem to be the safest.

Charles
 
I drive mostly pick ups for more than 20 yrs and always wash my engine compartment 4 or 5 times a yr. the last 5 or 6 yrs I always use simple green...great stuff for degreasing and not a bad smell. It claims to be bio- degradeable......just have to use common sense on what you spray and having a air hose available is always nice too!!
 
ive pressure washed the engines of many vehicles before, you have to be careful not to go nuts with the hose. after washing, use an air compressor and blow gun to blow off excess water. after its dry, i use the can of tire foam and spary the engine compartment, let that dry, wipe off any excess. once youre done, itll help keep everything more repelent from dirt and much easier to maintain. plus it looks very nice.
 
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