[maximized98]

Originally Posted by Turbobink

I've been washing mine for years (I bought my car new in MAR 1999) and I have never had any problems.

The one thing I will recommend though is that you use compressed air or a leaf blower and blow the water off once you're done.

The one potential problem area I've found is the center of the lower intake b/t cylinder banks... it's just a big valley and water about 1.5" deep will sit there unless it's sucked or blown out. It wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that if you don't remove the water somehow, the knock sensor and it's connector will sit submerged = bad.

Also, don't use anything but car wash soap or some other fairly mild detergent (Dawn). Most other cleaners/degreasers will etch and discolor all of your raw aluminum (I actually have some of this type of damage as you can see in the photos). I found mixing Dawn and water in a spray bottle, spraying the dirty areas, letting it sit, and then hosing it all down works the best.

I never wash a warm engine... always, always stone cold.

This engine bay is almost 10 years old. In these photos there is no Armorall of any other prep or protectant on anything:

Wow, super clean. Will you come and clean mine?????????????????