NY uses lots of salt on their roads and noticed the engine bay is all yucky. I want to clean it but something tells me I can't spray engine degreaser and blast it with water. So how should I clean it. The salt is everywhere from the synergy drive and to the side walls.
I would be VERY careful with that power washer. You can flood the spark plugs since they are set into deep holes and any number of wire connectors can be overwhelmed by a powerful spray. I would try to keep the spray on the lower side of the engine away from any wires.
Yes, I agree with xpcman... There's way more electrical components in a Prius to risk a powerwash up top.... You could definitely power wash the underside of the car regularly and go after the spots where it enter the engine bay. But up top just use a mild non-toxic all purpose cleaner and some rags and some random tools to get into the nooks and crannies. Also always pop the hood and wipe everything down after you wash the car, that's a good way to keep it clean.... Unfortunately salt is the worst thing ever for a car so the more you can keep the whole vehicle clean of all that the better.
I have been using Simple Green on my engines for 25 years. Spray it on, wait a couple of minutes, rinse it off. More as needed. Works great for me. I used to damage stuff using the car wash to clean engines. Not a problem with Simple Green and water. Dan
Throw away the power washers. I like the suggestion of using Simple Green and then using a low pressure garden hose to rinse it off.
I have done that before to my lexus sc300 and let me tell you.. it is not cheap to get them replaced and wait for water to flush out..
I also like using Simple Green to de-grease an engine bay. Just keep the garden hose sprayer on a gentle setting such as "shower". Let the engine dry out before starting the car again.
