engine bay cleaning question - Honda Prelude Forum

aboone78 · 07-31-2010, 10:49 AM

Ok so early next week I am going to clean my engine bay.I plan on just degreasing the hell out of it and then using a powerwasher for the rest and scrubbing where needed.my question is is it ok if the alternator,battery,and distributor cap get a little wet or do I need to make sure they stay completely dry?I know this has been covered before but I hear different things.I am not stupid and I would not concentrate the water on any of those but wasn't sure if a little overspray would hurt them.

tom27897 · 07-31-2010, 11:32 AM

Eh, better safe then sorry, honestly. I used some Simple Green to clean my engine bay a while back and i made sure i wrapped those three things and sealed it with tape. Then i just went in after with a damp rag and a tooth brush (lol) to clean what needed to be cleaned of the three things that were covered. So i'd say yes cover them. you should post some before and after pics of the engine bay when you're done

skyyskyy · 07-31-2010, 11:34 AM

When i washed mine i ziptied plastic bags over those and all the electrical connectors, after pressure washing just whipe those down by hand. Also i would cover the fluid reservoir's some how i got water in the clutch side even though the cap was on tight.

aboone78 · 07-31-2010, 12:35 PM

Ok thanks.I will take some before and after pics.wish I had taken some pics of my engine bay when I first got my car.it was terrible

rckev1 · Yesterday, 11:56 AM

I guess you need to ask yourself, who covers all that stuff when it rains or when you're driving through small water puddles at high speeds. My point is its not necessary to cover all that stuff. I spray my engine off EVERY time I detail my car which is once every other week. I have yet to have any problems. Just use your brain and dont spray hard in areas that look like they shouldn't be. Such as fuse boxes, alt, dizzy, etc. I pride myself in a clean engine. It makes it nice to work on and also makes the car run cooler and more efficient if dirt and grime is not caked on and flying around in the engine bay while driving.
good luck. Upload some pics