got a groovy new pressure washer

[fajitatone]

I want to use it to clean my engine. I have some questions.

First, the washer is a Rigid 3000 psi with a Subaru engine and CATpump.
it has a soap nozzle, a 25, 45 and 0 degree nozzle as well.

Do I use the soap nozzle, or one of the others? I know to always keep the wand moving, and far away.

Simple Green is the cleaner of choice? Is there something better?

here is a link to my new toy: http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/RD80701-Pressure-Washer/EN/index.htm

 

[BudTX]

I don't use a pressure washer on my engine.

I cover the electronics with plastic bags, and spray everything with Simple Green. I let the Simple Green soak for 10 minutes or so, and then just gently rinse everything off with a garden hose. I then go back and dry everything with a shop towel or two.

 

[fajitatone]

I don't use a pressure washer on my engine.

I cover the electronics with plastic bags, and spray everything with Simple Green. I let the Simple Green soak for 10 minutes or so, and then just gently rinse everything off with a garden hose. I then go back and dry everything with a shop towel or two.

cool. sounds like a safer deal anyway. I see guys at the car wash doing the pressure washer thing, but I was a bit leery.

Thanks

 

[McRat]

Don't get the tip closer than 12" from the target unless you have to. Painted aftermarket components, stickers, and some kinds of trim pieces can get damaged. Not at first, but eventually. The pressure washer can drive water underneath thin gaps, and as the water evaporates, it pushes up like a tea kettle does.

I used to pay an ex-felon who was trying to straighten up to wash our trucks/cars, and after a year of pressure washing, there was a lot of appearance damage.

If given the choice, for normal vehicle washing, a pressure wand is not the best option, IMO. Does that mean I don't use one? Nope. It's just that when I do, I have to be careful not to drive the water under mating surfaces.

 

[workin' diesel]

If you use the pressure washer under the hood, I would use the low pressure soap nozzle to apply and rinse. The biggest concern is all the electrical and computer and fuse boxes. You don't want water in that stuff!! Also, check your cleaner, some of them say not to get any of it on electrical components.

 

[Cbum]

Usually if there is a Cat pump there is also a pressure regulator so you can dial it down as well .

 

[ROGUE GTS]

Be careful using that on your truck, it gets water in places it shouldn't be and you can literally blast the paint off the truck with it.

They rock for cleaning your driveway/fence/wall though. :thumb:

 

[ChevyTruckGuy78]

i use a product called bennmans HOT STUFF just carefull of getting it on electronics its a great cleaner jsut dont get it on your skin for a lengthy period in full strength it dont burn it just softens skin alot but its the best cleaner i ever used its the strongest degreaser u can get without going into an acid

 

[ChevyTruckGuy78]

use it mixed 75 hot stuff 25 water and put in commercial grade squirt bottle spray everythign up let sit and just hose off works great straight on sidewalls and rims test on paint with a more diluted solution