Can the engine be directly washed with a water gun?

[McJackson]

Engines should not be directly washed with a water gun. Precautions for washing the engine with a water gun: Using a water gun to clean the engine is not suitable for all situations. For example, the engine should not be washed when it is hot, as the high temperature makes direct washing unsafe. Reasons why the engine compartment should not be directly washed with water: From a methodological standpoint, washing with water is ineffective. After enduring various bumps and vibrations, some components may become loose or aged. Blindly washing with water cannot guarantee that water won't enter the wiring harness. If water enters the spark plugs, the engine may fail to ignite. The engine compartment contains many sensors, such as the outdoor temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft position sensor, etc. These sensors, like the fuse box, must not come into contact with water. If exposed to water, they are highly likely to be damaged, affecting the engine's performance.

[OAndres]

I understand your intention to clean the engine, but as a car owner who often washes my car myself, I must tell you that directly using a water jet is not advisable. Once, I tried rinsing under the hood of my old car, and water splashed near the ignition coils. As a result, the car made crackling noises when starting, nearly causing a short circuit in the electronic system. The engine compartment contains numerous sensitive components, such as wire connectors, the ECU computer board, and sensors. If water gets in, it could lead to short circuits or corrosion, costing hundreds of dollars to repair. It's best to first spray engine cleaner on the grease, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth or use a low-pressure water jet while avoiding critical areas. I've learned that regular cleaning can prevent problems, but it's essential to use the right methods to avoid more harm than good. Nowadays, I opt for professional services—saving time and peace of mind—and daily maintenance is also crucial.

[PatrickDella]

As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I must warn you against the risk of directly spraying your engine with a water gun. I've seen many car enthusiasts take this shortcut, only to end up with dashboard error codes or even a non-starting engine due to water intrusion causing short circuits. While engines are designed with some waterproofing in mind, modern vehicles have highly sensitive electronic components that can be compromised by high-pressure water penetrating gaps. My advice is to first let the engine cool down, then gently apply foam cleaner, followed by a careful rinse with a low-pressure water hose, making sure to cover sensitive areas like the battery. This method effectively removes grease and dirt while ensuring safety, saving you money and protecting your beloved car. Regular inspections of these components are also crucial to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.

[DeAaron]

From a technical perspective, I don't recommend directly washing the engine with a water gun. There are many electronic components in a car engine, such as the ECU and wiring harness connectors, which are prone to short-circuit damage when exposed to water. Even though the pressure from a regular hose is low, the risk is significant, especially for older cars with aging seals. I've seen cases where water infiltration caused corrosion or malfunctions, resulting in repair costs exceeding thousands of dollars. The correct method is to spray specialized cleaning foam, wait a few minutes, then gently brush with a soft brush and rinse with low-pressure water. For daily maintenance, simply wiping off dust after driving is sufficient—avoid complex operations. Remember, safety first is always the right approach.