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RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

How To Clean The Engine

Old Oct 7, 2010 | 09:23 AM
  #1  
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Smile How To Clean The Engine

I have a 2007 RX 350.
I'm thinking about pressure washing the engine.
Is there anything I need to be careful of ?
Is there any part of the engine that I should stay clear of ?
If any of you have this experience I would appreciate your wisdom.
Thanks.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 09:42 AM
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One advise: Do it carefully.

Cover everything with wires.

Cover the ALT.

Do it slow. Do not use high pressure hose.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 09:43 AM
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Take off all covers. Use a good engine cleaner. Also use high pressure air to blow dry, I use a yard air blower, it works good.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 09:44 AM
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I have always kept my engine clean, wiping it down every few weeks. hence no need to do a major wash.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 10:30 AM
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Default Engine Cleaning

When you suggest "remove all covers " I don't understand ?
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by ddanhour
When you suggest "remove all covers " I don't understand ?
then you better not do it.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 12:22 PM
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Just don't put it in the dryer. It will shrink.
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by ddanhour
When you suggest "remove all covers " I don't understand ?
I believe he means the engine cover and such things under the hood. But DON'T remove the fuse cover or something like that! You don't want to know how many people do that, and then come into my uncle's shop saying there car won't start after they washed the engine bay.
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Old Oct 8, 2010 | 10:11 PM
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Take a quick detailer and wipe it down carefully with no pressure. Thats the safest way to do it IMO for beginners. I progressed to using ONR in the engine bay of any car I'm not familiar with (aka GTR/Volvo 1800s/etc)
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Old Oct 8, 2010 | 11:14 PM
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The real trick is to keep the engine bay clean from day1. Leaf blower is good and quick. Air compressor ia safe as well as long as you keep the nozzle at a distance.

Salim
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Old Oct 8, 2010 | 11:31 PM
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since you're a noob at this just wipe it with some degreaser....safest method and doesn't take too long.
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Old Oct 9, 2010 | 03:33 AM
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Originally Posted by ddanhour
I have a 2007 RX 350.
I'm thinking about pressure washing the engine.
Is there anything I need to be careful of ?
Is there any part of the engine that I should stay clear of ?
If any of you have this experience I would appreciate your wisdom.
Thanks.
I have pressure washed my 2004 RX engine at least 6 times since I've had it. It has 114K on it. I never cover anything or remove anything. I hold the wand back about a foot and go for it. After i'm done, I start it and let it run a few minutes. I have NEVER had a problem doing it.
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Old Oct 9, 2010 | 06:16 AM
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Default Engine Cleaning

Thanks for all your responses.
I thought this one was particularly good!


"then you better not do it."
2005 RX 330 AWD.

"Live for something...Dont die for nothing"
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Old Oct 9, 2010 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by ddanhour
When you suggest "remove all covers " I don't understand ?
Like the engine cover and stuff which was pretty obvious I guess.
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Old Oct 9, 2010 | 06:44 AM
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The engine bay is quite congested. I think an airblow is all you need.
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