I want to wash my engine and engine compartment as its getting dirty. What's the general consensus on this madness, what do I need to be careful of and what issues may I encounter?

Thanks!

 

Dirty in Hawaii, really.

I use extreme caution when I do any of mine.

The X300 is not that bad.

Pressure washers a NO NO, and that is just plain common sense.

The camcover is the only real DONT GO THERE area. Mainly due to liquid filing the spark plug tubes, and that is a PAIN to get out. I use a solvent soaked rag and simply wipe it, taking my time.

The rest is OK. I use a p/pack can of degreaser, and a simple "pistol grip" spray bottle of water, and do a small area ata time. Use a soft 1" el-scheapo brush to move the stubborn stuff.

Obviously take great care around relays etc, but the X300 is pretty sealed in that area.

Under the power steer resevour is usually the grubiest.

The RH side of my engine gets a good wash at every oil change, since I do the oil filter from the top, and spray degreaser liberally, and wash it down, prior to the new filter going on.

 

I have never successfully cleaned an engine bay on a Jaguar without a tow and a $1000 repair. Water creeps into the electronics and causes havoc.

 

+1 what Grant said! it can be done easily! all you need is some good degreaser and just lightly rinse it, in terms of electronics i think the x300 is pretty good. never had any trouble washing it.

 

OK thanks for the replies, the warning is duly noted. De-greaser and a squirt bottle it is for the engine. Mainly, I just want to wash the front where the radiator and fans are.

 

I use basically the same approach as Grant with a few additions.

1. warm (not hot) engine makes it a lot easier to shift the dirt
2. plastic bag around the alternator
3. two trigger bottles - one with degreaser and the second with clean water

My preference for degreaser is the citrus based type favoured by cyclists. I've found this much more effective than anything in the autoparts suppliers.

Strangely, my early XJ6, XJ40 and X300 engines all seemed to build up oil and road dirt residues needing a clean at each oil change but the V8's stay a lot cleaner externally.

Graham

 

Graham,

Common sense works for me.

My V12's getting a bath would upset the purists greatly.

I open the bonnet, spray p/pack degreaser wherever I like, and then hit it with the garden hose, with a smallish jet nozzle plugged in the end.

Compressor spray the water out of the spark plug wells, and the dizzy cap top, turn the key, they fire first time, every time, then leave them running till the thermo fans cycle twice, done deal.

NEVER EVER do it in winter, always summer, and the car out in the sun, and then leave the bonnet up for the rest of thr day just to dry it out 100%. Never had an issue.