Pressure Washing

[Chembucket]

What’s the consensus on if it’s OK to pressure wash the engine area? I haven’t done it. Something tells me I heard that it was a bad idea to pressure wash radiator. What’s the verdict??


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[mickeyd]

I would NOT pressure wash the radiator as it would mess up too many fins and then you would be in big trouble. I don't think that I would pressure wash the engine at all, as I would be afraid that I would do more harm than good.

 

[jryser]

Agree ^^^^


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[Redlands]

For sure not on a hot engine. Even one cooled off you have to be careful with all the electronics and sensors.

 

[85Hokie]

What’s the consensus on if it’s OK to pressure wash the engine area? I haven’t done it. Something tells me I heard that it was a bad idea to pressure wash radiator. What’s the verdict??


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IF you decide to do it - stay away at least 18" - 24" or so depending on the PSI, anything closer and well - you know the rest of that story.

On thing to have a little umph behind the pressure, another to blow out a fin or two.

 

[sheepfarmer]

A heads up, on the L3560 the ECU is tucked above the left rear wheel!!! Way away from where you, or at least I, would expect a delicate computer related gadget to be located. I washed that region with enthusiasm, fortunately only with a hose before I found that out.

 

[winesalot]

I like to spray the cool radiator and engine with a degreaser (like the purple stuff) and then hose it off with a normal garden hose nozzle. No real need for the high pressure stuff.

 

[Redlands]

A heads up, on the L3560 the ECU is tucked above the left rear wheel!!! Way away from where you, or at least I, would expect a delicate computer related gadget to be located. I washed that region with enthusiasm, fortunately only with a hose before I found that out.

Good to know. Thanks

 

[vvbigbb]

I used to pressure wash the whole tractor, engine included. One time I washed the rear hydraulic area and the dip stick was forced up above the tube and water got into the hydraulics. Winter came and my M5700 tractor would start fine, but wouldn't move an inch. I waited until the weather warmed up and the tractor would move, changed the filters and the fluid and all has been well since. I no longer pressure wash anything but deck furniture.

 

[beaterboss]

I pressure wash my equipment on a regular basis. On a cool engine, spray some Simple Green or some other relatively non industrial cleaner and let sit for a few minutes. Also, if you see any delicate areas that you think MAY cause damage by water infiltration, either cover them up or stay away from them. Remember to, at the very least, shroud your alternator in a plastic bag and tie wraps before doing any cleaning. Stay away from the radiator fins, and make sure all of the dipsticks and fill caps are securely tightened. I use a 3000 psi pressure washer, and stay a minimum of 20 inches away from what I am cleaning in the engine compartment. Things always come out looking great. I have been pressure washing engine compartments on all types of vehicles and equipment for 30 years, and I have never had any negative results, never any damage or failures due to water infiltration. A little common sense goes a long way, but my opinion is basically that...."If it cant take a little water, it has no business on a tractor, car, truck, ATV etc."...Just my 5 cents worth.

 

[johnjk]

I like to spray the cool radiator and engine with a degreaser (like the purple stuff) and then hose it off with a normal garden hose nozzle. No real need for the high pressure stuff.

+1 for this method. I also take the time to wrap plastic (trash bags) around electronics and make sure they are taped off to prevent water from getting in and causing issues. Usually a bit of degreaser, a little elbow grease with a scrub brush to loosen the gunk and lightly rinse with a garden hose.

I have not washed the engine on the B3200 but have used the hose to spray off mud buildup on the front suspension and under the fenders

 

[Chembucket]

Thanks for the ideas. My kid does the simple green on a dune buggy thing and keeps it looking pretty good. He only uses a hose though.


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