Can the engine compartment on a 2008 XKR be cleaned with a commercial degreaser and high pressure water hose? I thought I saw somewhere on this forum that it wasn't recommended but I can't seem to find the blurb now.

If it isn't recommended then how should I clean and detail the engine compartment? Can the "at risk" components in the engine compartment be protected so that the degreaser/pressure washer method be used?

Thanks for your advice.
BD

 

. different strokes for different folks. I’ve never had an issue but I dont use a commercial degreaser. I use dish detergent and warm water. I do rinse with the wide angle nozzle on the pressure washer but from a safe distance. I don’t want to accidentally cut anything in half.
I have used marine liquid electrical tape where wires meet connectors…

 

With Jag's herkie electronics, it is something I will never risk. My detailing is via damp (barely enough moisture to get dust/dirt to stick) cloth and elbow grease.

 

I’d never ever advise the use of any high pressure water. The risk of forcing water somewhere it doesn’t belong’s much too great and it’s not necessary.

Is there a specific reason why you need to wash it? If there’s something heavily soiled, wash it by hand with a good detergent and brushes then rinse by hand. If you’re just doing a general cleaning, then use a hand sprayer with detergent and also rinse by hand and allow to air dry.

 

You may want to apply the cleaner and follow up manually or use a moderate blast of compressed air, for the hard to reach areas.

 

Like I said; different strokes...
FWIW, I wash the engine compartment many, many times in a year... on all my vehicles.

 

Workshop manual advises NOT to use high pressure to clean engine compartment.

 

If spraying down the injun do you remove the engine undercover?

I just use damp cloths..

 

I second the advice given above - don't use high pressure water spray. A gentle stream of water is usually not a problem to rinse off a cleaning solution. Use less invasive methods and take your time. You'll end up with better results. And once you get it clean, stay on top of it regularly so you don't have to use "invasive" procedures to get it clean. That's what I do with all my cars.

 

Any pictures on how bad (or good) it looks? You shouldn't need high pressure or a degreaser. I normally wash the what I can in the engine bay like the rest of the car. Wash mitt and car soap. Avoid brushes or anything small in case you drop it. Can be a bitch to fish out if falls in certain spots.

I'll do the engine bay first if that is on list. Same with muffler. Wash muffler first before the floor is soaked. If you do use high pressure, be directed and purposeful where you aim it. Narrow nozzle if possible. I would also avoid strong degreaser's. They smell and take a while dissipate. Not worth the off smell.

 

LOL…. I have
a paintwork wash mitt
a wheels wash mitt
an engine bay wash mitt.
And 3 synthetic shammies.
sometimes I remove all the top covers, but not all the time. Remove the bottom cover?!? Really!?!

And I agree, all of those expensive caustic cleaners have no place here. Very rarely do I even ever need a magic eraser.

And no, I have not booked a therapist’s appointment yet.

 

I only have eine mitt elbow grease.