Power Wash engine bay

[LadyInBed]

Has anyone done it?
Over time and many oil filter changes, oil stains build up in the bilge area under the engine. Normal cleaning has had no effect, would a power washer do a job or is there a product I have missed?

 

[Dougal]

I've done it numerous times without ill effect.

I do have a sturdy old engine though Perkins 4108

All I do is avoid the electrical areas and the air intake, and generally take care.

Of course, it does take the paint off though

 

[timtap]

I use Jizer and brush the liquid into the bilge area thoroughly and let soak in for some time then repeat the process , hose down and sponge dry

 

[Cliveshep]

Yup, Jizer for me too, then pump out into a drum and take ashore for disposal. My old Thorneycroft uses oil at the rate of 10% for bilge and 90% for engine!

 

[sarabande]

I'd thoroughly recommend these people, who have cleaning products which are used by the offshore oil industry where environmental questions have to be answered along with the real ability to ungunge oily residues.

They are extremely knowledgable and helpful too.

http://www.oiltechnics.co.uk/

 

[LadyInBed]

Is Jizer similar to Gunk engine degreaser?

 

[alexrunic]

yes jizer is simular its a degreaser made by DEB (people who make swafega hand cleaner etc.)

 

[LadyInBed]

OK, thanks. Gunk did half a job.
I will have a closer look at oiltechnics.co.uk and set the power washer onto it!

 

[sarabande]

Deb make Jizer as part of their Swarfega range.

This is a cut from their MSDS page
"HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Main hazards: Irritating to skin. Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. "

and
"Environmental precautions: Dispose of as special waste. Do not discharge into drains or rivers.
Clean-up procedures: Absorb into dry earth or sand. Dispose of as special waste. "

Their page
http://www.deb.co.uk/ukswarfega/(S(2gtlsu45hf4y1i2rcr23ia55))/default.aspx

Note the careful legal use of the words "most", and "safer".

 

[Keith 66]

I recently pressure washed the engine bay out as well as the rest of the boat did a lovely job. A top tip, dont get jizer in your eye it dont half sting!

 

[moluag]

A better idea is have the engine steam cleaned,when i lived in Hampshire i had it done what a fantastic job it makes, the whole engine compartment was gleaming as well as the bilges