Engine washes. Good, bad, ugly?

I would never let someone else wash my engine especially today’s stuff. I know several people who have had sensor/electrical issues after an engine wash too. I hate looking at recently washed stuff when buying because it’s hard to tell how bad things leak. Or how much someone cared previously. The back side of hoses and wiring harnesses tend to tell some truth because very few people will wash something that thoroughly.

 

Every time I get washed, usually at least once a week, I always get the engine and undercarriage done. I haven’t had any issues over the years.

 

I only had problems two times, it was on 20 year old trucks with original harnesses. If truck is under 10 years old I wouldn't worry about it and wash it once or a twice year when weather is warm

 

I get engine washes all the time. For me, when it's cleaned up, it's easier to see defects. I like the look of clean engine though. You don't see dirt and grime, and your truck will run better. I've probably had an electrical issue once with my ELD. That was 5 years ago but once the truck sat for a 34 it reset itself and it was ok.

 

I typically get an engine wash every two or three months. I do a lot of off road jobsite deliveries, so things tend to get pretty dirty. Does it make a difference? Maybe, maybe not. Mostly I just like it to look clean, especially when it is going in for service. It has never caused me any problems, but I use an independent truck wash down the road from our yard, so I’m not sure if blue beacon does anything different.

However, I once got an engine wash at the same place with my personal vehicle, and it caused a weird noise to develop at idle. Ended up being one of my tensioner pulleys. I don’t know how the engine wash caused a tensioner pulley to go bad, but it happened immediately after I left the truck wash, so maybe just a coincidence??? At any rate, I replaced all pulleys and the belt and never had any other problems, but I will probably skip the engine wash on my personal vehicle from now on.

 

The problem with commercial engine washes is, that they use high pressure nozzles on the engine and spray indiscriminately and don’t pay attention to what they’re directing the water at.

That in turn can force water past the seals and into electrical connections and engine components causing electrical issues and fluid leaks.

Also high pressure commercial truck washes are known for stripping paint off the frame rails, truck body and engine parts because the high pressure water can literally sandblast or peel paint off.

They also use high acidic chemicals to clean and wash your equipment.

Have you ever seen dry van and reefer trailers that look like the white paint is almost transparent and faded?

That’s from the chemicals in the soap that they use, it etches the paint and over time it eats the paint off the panels.

A engine can be washed easily by yourself using a concentrated degreaser (like Simple Green or equivalent) diluted to the proper ratio and a garden hose with a spray nozzle.

Cover the ECM with a plastic bag and any other sensors that you feel may be at risk.

Don’t spray water directly or forcefully at any electric connectors or engine component seals.

Spray the degreaser on and let it sit and rinse off with water.

For heavily greasy areas, decrease the dilution ratio and repeat as necessary.

Be mindful that the stronger the ratio the more of a chance that it may damage polished aluminum or remove paint, so test those areas first and proceed with caution.

I’ve done it numerous times over the course of twenty years of owning my own equipment and never had an electrical or component issue, and it comes out just as clean as a commercial truck wash job without the worries.

 

Detroit warns to ensure that you don’t directly spray onto the ecm, water can get into the ecm vent holes on the underside.
Here’s what I found on mine a few years back.
DD15 Motor Control Module (ECM) don't pressure wash

 

I won’t let anyone else do it but I usually do mine Atleast once a month, usually a heavy was before I grease the truck

 

I get my engine washed every time I get my truck washed since I bought it over 10 years ago and haven't had any issues.
As your engine gets mileage it will seap oil somewhere. So getting your engine washed will keep you from getting dinged for oil leaks by DOT.