Is There Any Impact If the Engine Is Washed with a Water Gun?
2 Answers
It is not recommended to use water to wash the engine compartment, as it may cause certain damages and safety hazards. Here are the relevant details: You can use cleaning agents: If there is oil sludge on the engine's exterior, you can use cleaning agents for washing, then dry it with an air gun or a cloth. Do not use water to wash the engine, as the engine contains many electrical components and cable connectors. Each of these connectors has a sealing ring that provides simple waterproofing. Using a car water gun for washing risks breaking the sealing rings of the connectors, leading to water ingress. Precautions: Additionally, if there is oil sludge on the engine casing, it is not easy to clean it thoroughly with water. Lastly, it is important to note that when cleaning the engine, always wait until the engine temperature returns to normal. Cleaning the engine while it is still hot can easily cause damage to engine components or reduce their lifespan.
Last time I went to wash my car, I did exactly that, and the next day the engine malfunction light came on. The mechanic said nowadays the engine bay is full of delicate electronic components, and that square engine control unit is most afraid of water. If water gets into the sensor connectors, they can rust. High-pressure water jets can force mud and debris into wiring harness connectors. The most dangerous spot is the air filter box area - water pouring in there can flow directly into the cylinders! For proper cleaning, you should use low-pressure mist when the engine is cold, scrubbing with a brush while washing, and finally use an air gun to dry all connectors and interfaces. Now I always disconnect the negative battery terminal before cleaning to be safe.
