is it ok to spray down the engine with a water hose.will it mess anything up.if not ok.what is the best way to clean the engine?
Keep it covered or if it rains get a bilge pumpI have an electric one that works niceAlso at the end of the season when you take it out I like to pressure wash my Alumacraftmine has no paint on it since its a 1969If you have paint on it you might just want to stick to scrubbing or just be careful not to get too close to the boat with it so the paint doesn't come off.
If the engine is hot, let it cool offAn engine should only be warm enough to soften grease and other dirt for easier removal Cover air intakes, air filters, oil dipstick, breather caps, distributors, coils and electronic black boxes to protect them from water sprayUse plastic bags and aluminum foilSeal with rubber bandsMasking tape can come loose when hit with water, and plastic tape can be hard to remove when wet Clean the battery and its cables of corrosion with a baking soda solution and waterBe careful no corrosive battery acid is sprayed around the engine compartment or onto the bodyMake sure none of the solution gets into the battery, where it can degrade the electrolyte Spray on engine cleaner according to instructions on the containerStart at the bottom and work upwardSince cleaners can remove wax, cover the car's body or wax the car after cleaning the engine compartmentUse a small paint brush to loosen dirt and a scraper for stubborn crudBe careful not to damage components or wiring Let the degreaser sit for a few minutes to do its jobSpray the engine thoroughly with a garden hoseA high pressure spray works bestRepeat on any areas needing more thorough cleaning Remove the aluminum foil and plastic bagsDry puddles and run engine until any moisture is dry Look for any rust or bare metal in the engine compartmentRepair rust and refinish with a paint product that can withstand high temperatures After driving the vehicle for a few days, check for oil, fuel, coolant, automatic transmission or other fluid leaks Make sure cleaning products you use are environmentally friendlyYou might also do the cleaning at a self-serve car wash since it can handle the greasy run off.
