Can I use hot water extractor for engine bay?

ptownTSI · 12-04-06, 12:55

I'm thinking of getting into doing mobile detail and carpet cleaning. Most of my detailing would be focused on just the carpet since i've found most people don't like to pay a lot for a wax, but they have no problem paying for a really nice carpet cleaning/engine bay detail. Can I use the hot water 200psi sprayer on a carpet extractor for cleaning an engine bay? I would apply engine cleaner to the engine, let it soak, then rinse with the hot water sprayer. Then i'd top with a nice vinyl protectant for hoses/plastic.

Z06-Goose · 12-04-06, 02:41

I've found out that with quality engine degreaser/cleaners, the temperature of the water is irrelevant.
Goose

David703 · 12-04-06, 05:33

Just my opinion from a non-professional.... My customers don't really care about the engine being detailed. In fact many don't want me to. (I won't anyway). I would think that the liability would be very high cleaning engines... for example, you get water where it isn't supposed to be. Coil packs etc are very sensitive.. if you cleaned an engine and it didn't run well afterwards... well, that might be a huge problem. Personally, I don't touch them.

ChrisNJ · 12-04-06, 05:34

I'm w/ David. I do not like to clean engine bays. Way too many sensors that can bug out if they get wet.

ptownTSI · 12-05-06, 12:22

I have never had a problem cleaning an engine bay.

Must be a jeep thing? But i've done it with fords and bmw's too. Spray that foamy engine brite stuff in there, let it sit 10 minutes, hose off and voila. done.

Accumulator · 12-05-06, 11:09

The heated sprayer on my Century/Ninja extractor is also 200 psi, but IMO it wouldn't be of any real help with engine bays. If you want something along those lines that's potent, use a pressure washer or a steamer. I'm not gonna be using my extractor for engine compartments, simply not the right tool for the job IMO.

But hey, I've never tried it either, I could be completely wrong

Z06-Goose · 12-05-06, 11:15

As painstakingly as it may be, I do engine bay by hands for the reasons stated above. You just have to come up with an assortment of tools to reach in certain areas you don't want to spray water on. Adam's In & Out Spray does a great job.
Goose