Cleaning the Engine

Cleaning the engine (washing the engine)

Notes on washing the engine

Caution: Risk of damage!
^ Only wash the engine when it is cold.
^ Protect the oxygen sensor connectors from moisture.
^ Maintain a minimum clearance of 50 mm between the cleaning lance and engine component.
^ Protect the brake fluid reservoir from moisture.

Note:
^ The engine should be washed only if this is absolutely essential for repair work.
^ Components sensitive to moisture must be adequately protected. Cover them, if necessary.
^ Cleaning agents or water should never be directly applied to components sensitive to moisture, such as electrical plugs.
^ When using high-pressure cleaning apparatus, maintain a minimum clearance of 50 mm between the cleaning lance and the engine component.
^ Never wash the engine when the engine is warm.
^ For environmental reasons, the engine may only be washed in workshops in which oils are separated from the waste water.

1. Open bonnet.
2. Protect components sensitive to moisture, possibly by covering them with plastic sheeting. Oxygen sensor connectors must not get wet.
3. Remove any maintenance labels (e.g. oil change schedule tag) and replace after the work is completed.
4. Pre-clean very dirty engines with pure water.
5. Spray engine components to be cleaned with an appropriate engine cleaning agent and allow it to work in.
6. Clean the engine. Ensure a minimum clearance of 50 cm is maintained between the cleaning lance and engine component. The water temperature must not exceed 80°C. Remove persistent dirt with a non-abrasive sponge.
7. Moving parts in the engine compartment, such as the catch hook for the bonnet, must be regressed.
8. Carry out a test drive after having washed the engine.