Pressure washing a 5.7

[RVTRKN]

I used to pressure wash my 360 magnum in my 94 Ram, other than the normal prep, I never had any issue, anybody here wash their 5.7 Hemi ?

 

[HSKR R/T]

I used to pressure wash my 360 magnum in my 94 Ram, other than the normal prep, I never had any issue, anybody here wash their 5.7 Hemi ?

All the time. Absolutely no issues, and there shouldn't be. The engine and all wiring and electronics under the hood are designed to be weather resistant to stand up to getting wet. Otherwise, they would never run right if you drove them in the rain.

 

[kapinallinen2]

I used to pressure wash my 360 magnum in my 94 Ram, other than the normal prep, I never had any issue, anybody here wash their 5.7 Hemi ?

No way would I ever do that, garden hose, yes, pressure-washer no. 3500 psi v.s the connector o-ring seals...

 

[vincentw56]

No way would I ever do that, garden hose, yes, pressure-washer no. 3500 psi v.s the connector o-ring seals...

Pressure washers are adjustable. No need to run it at full blast. Sounds like OP knows what he is doing.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Pressure washers are adjustable. No need to run it at full blast. Sounds like OP knows what he is doing.

OK then. Why ask if they know what they doing...

 

[HSKR R/T]

No way would I ever do that, garden hose, yes, pressure-washer no. 3500 psi v.s the connector o-ring seals...

My pressure washer is only rated at 1800psi. Haven't had a need for more than that. And never an issue spraying my engine bay. But I'm also not holding the tip of wand right up on connectors where the max PSI is..

 

[kapinallinen2]

My pressure washer is only rated at 1800psi. Haven't had a need for more than that. And never an issue spraying my engine bay. But I'm also not holding the tip of wand right up on connectors where the max PSI is..

So "in good moderation" is the answer, I like it...

 

[vincentw56]

OK then. Why ask if they know what they doing...

What I meant was, the OP obviously knows not to crank the power way up to clean his engine and truck. He isn't cleaning stained concrete. He just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't hurt anything using a normal wash pressure on a pressure washer on his engine since he has cleaned engines before therefore he has experience.

 

[kapinallinen2]

What I meant was, the OP obviously knows not to crank the power way up to clean his engine and truck. He isn't cleaning stained concrete. He just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't hurt anything using a normal wash pressure on a pressure washer on his engine since he has cleaned engines before therefore he has experience.

It`s all good, pretty sure he was just asking for opinions, of which we have plenty off...

 

[RVTRKN]

I know not to hit it with the tip on the parts, or even close to them. When I washed my 360 Magnum, I used engine gunk as a soak and then sprayed with a garden hose. This time I'm using a pressure washer, but I'm unsure about using Gunk. Not that the Gunk would hurt something, but I'm sure EPA has ruined its formula like all the other cleaning products. Any cleaners recommendation are welcomed.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I know not to hit it with the tip on the parts, or even close to them. When I washed my 360 Magnum, I used engine gunk as a soak and then sprayed with a garden hose. This time I'm using a pressure washer, but I'm unsure about using Gunk. Not that the Gunk would hurt something, but I'm sure EPA has ruined its formula like all the other cleaning products. Any cleaners recommendation are welcomed.

I just use the normal car wash from a foam cannon I use for the rest of the truck. If there is oil build up, some cheap Super tech foaming engine cleaner.

 

[SD Rebel]

I would never use a pressure washer at any of the electronic cables, especially on an older vehicle. They are not waterproof, especially at those pressures. Water can get into the connector and eventually cause corrosion then electrical problems. It could take days, weeks or months, depending on how much water got through before you notice the issue after cleaning the engine bay that way. Of course you can get lucky and nothing happens.

Best bet is to spray the engine with a degreaser, use various brushes to loosen the dirt and grease, and then a light garden hose spray (or very low pressure washer setting) to wash away. Using a lot of old microfiber towels to help dry and wipe away the dirt as well.

The pressure washer is fine under the hood, sides of the engine bay, but I would avoid the electronics, alternator, air box, fuse box, etc.