[tots]

I was detailing my iTouring last weekend and opened the hood. Everything was dusty so i took a chamois and wiped things down, but was wondering if it's safe to hose things down. Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how best to clean the engine compartment?

Thanks!

 

[GerryB]

Some do it. I'm really skeptical. Too much sensitive electonica in there.

Sent from the wrong side of the tracks.

 

[kas]

Slip a plastic bag over the alternator and a towel in the intake. Never had an issue with a regular hose.

 

[Seggle02]

Take it to a car wash, use the hose. Unless you have an actual electrical problem, or aim directly up the intake, you shouldn't have a problem.

I had an old classic I hosed off with a pressure washer - ran a bit rough for a few minutes but was thereafter fine.

 

[southern_3]

Like others stated, avoid drenching the intake inlet and the electronics and you should be fine. I use a hose with a standard nozzle on the end and lightly rinse the bay starting at the high points and working my way down. Maybe once a month Ill rinse the actual engine and drive belt components if they really need it. I tend to stay away from the electronics and battery though they're well designed and are intended to be water resistant, but not watertight.

 

[willyd]

On my last 3 Miatas and now with this Mazda3, I will always clean and wipe the engine compartment at least once a month. Easy to do and always looks good.

 

[Road Trip]

If dusty, I start with a California Duster. Then follow up with a microfiber with detailer (with the detailer sprayed on the MF). There are hundreds of good detailers, and for engine use (as opposed to on our paint), I would choose a more inexpensive one that works, per their directions, on plastics (and/or vinyls). Like @willyd, I do this about once a month.

 

[Sgtbaker3]

Just use a pressure washer. Or simple green everything. lmao