Got a leak that's getting worse, coming from the front of the engine. Leaks down over the trackbar.

The front of the engine is pretty coated, got really, really dirty when changing out the belt.

Anyway! I want to clean this up so I can trace the leak, is there anything to worry about when cleaning the block? I know you don't want to hit electrical stuff, anything else to worry about?

Thanks!

Dan

 

I just cleaned mine this weekend, used several cans of biosafe engine degreasser and went to the local coin car wash. The only precaution I took was to let the exhaust manifold and turbo cool down a few minutes so its not too hot when I hit it with the cold water. I also cleaned out the air filter housing, some water got in. I try not to spray directly into the alternator, water pump/fan bearing, A/C clutch, computer box, etc. High pressure water can get inside these and damage seals, bearings, electronics.

 

If the KDP got you sometimes the hole can be rather large. I would be conservative in my use of water behind the fan pulley just so you don't fill the crankcase with water.

 

While trying to find all of my leaks I pressure washed mine about 10 different times with no problems. The only thing I found was thet the water in fuel light would stay on for a while after I was done. It eventually would go off by itself.

 

Make sure the engine is not significantly hotter than the sprayed water - or, make sure the sprayed water is not cooler than the engine.

Prevents extreme rapid stress\distortion where the water hits the hot surface(s).

 

Pressure washin is really bad on seals, gaskets, radiator, intercooler fins, electrical parts, etc... Ill tell ya what I do. I make up a solution of water and Dawn dishwashing detergeant. I mix it thick, I use one of those big ole jugs to about a gallon of water and put it in my pump up sprayer. I wet the cold engine down with my garden hose then is give it a good coat with the soap solution. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and rinse. repeat as necessary. Dawn is the stuff they use to get oil off of bird feathers when birds get hung up in oil spills. I used to use it to clean my glasses until it removed the scratch protective coating. Its a heck of a degreaser. Plus., you dont need all that dangerous water pressure on the engine.

 

Thanks for the suggestion! I was going to spray it down with some simple green and let it sit, and then maybe use the lowest power washer adapter I have for my pressure washer. It's very low, you can spray your arm with it and it doesn't hurt.
I think letting time/degreaser work it's magic is a better idea than 'blowing' it off.

 

Isn't as much fun though. I agree that if you can get something to break up the grease first you really don't need a pressure washer. And I have a 3000 PSI model that usually doesn't get used on my engine for that reason.

It works real good for stripping loose paint off though.

 

My 89 Ford 7.3's manual says to becareful of the injector pump when pressure washing, particular if the truck is running and the pump is hot. The water cools down the pump and locks it up. Not sure about the Dodge Pumps.