Jagtech
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Joined: 06/11/2009
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I would like to shampoo / clean the engine in my MH, but don't want to trash the interior of the rig by doing it with the doghouse off. Any suggestions how to go about this? I'd prefer to use a pressure washer, or at least a strong water stream. I don't have access to a steam cleaner.
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FuelFunnel
Mossyrock, WA
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Joined: 11/21/2008
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A can of engine degreaser would probably make the least mess. Expect to do a little hand/brush scrubbing to get the thicker stuff off. If you can hook a garden hose to your washing machine inlet to get some hot water, that might help also to soften the grease and keep your hands from freezing. I would advise against hooking any end to the hose as the hot water could weaken the hose with pressure on it.
Kris
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Executive
California/Arizona/South Dakota
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Joined: 02/07/2008
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I had a Winnie Chieftain with the 454 Chevy....
1. Twice a year, remove the doghouse;
2. Spray the entire engine liberally with Simple Green;
3. Let set for 15 minutes while you place painters cloth on both seats.....
4. Put your pressure washer on low setting and have at it....
5. Let engine dry then spray liberally with ArmorAll..
6. Touch up spots with spray can paint from WallyWorld.....
Your engine will look like it came from the factory....guaranteed...... ....Dennis
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Executive M-45PBQ Quad Slide
525HP Cummins ISM 6 Spd Allison
Chevy HHR W/ ReadyBrute
Full Timing and Living the Dream
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randallb
On the road
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Joined: 11/19/2007
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Don't do it. You will find every weakness in the condition of your engine harness, plug wires, etc. You have a 13 year RV and putting detergent, water or especially pressure on these old brittle components will make you wish you had never cleaned the engine.
Randy
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darealmccoy
Georgia
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Joined: 05/14/2003
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I tend to agree with Randy. Most pressure washers are TOO powerful to use on engine wiring, hoses, etc. I use a pump up garden sprayer loaded with dish washing liquid ( I prefer Dawn - used to deoil animals soaked in oil ) and water. It produces a small spray that is powerful enough to wash away loose dirt, but not enough to damage wiring, etc. After all the gunk is gone, rinse with hot water, not under pressure. I've never tried the Armor-All as Executive mentions, but sounds like a great idea for next time.
Dave
Dave and Anna McCoy 
2012 Coachman Concord 301SS
2010 Toyota Camry, Master Tow Dolly
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spadoctor
Clinton Corners, NY
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Joined: 03/07/2009
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DON'T DO IT....if its a Ford (yes I own one) you can destroy the ignition coils at 85.00 a piece. Trust me....I have experiance
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Pogoil
Oregon Coast
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Joined: 01/04/2010
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I do mine once a year. I also touch up any paint in the engine bay that needs it.
I just avoid any electrical connection including the alternator. I will try the Armor All.
When I was a kid they had an engine shine product that you sprayed on the engine and it made everything shine. I cannot find it in any store anymore.
Pogoil.
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Jagtech
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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The Armor All would really make things shine, especially the fan belts - but how well will they grip after that? Used Armor All on my motorcycle seat...only once!
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timmac
Las Vegas
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Joined: 03/20/2006
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randallb wrote:Don't do it. You will find every weakness in the condition of your engine harness, plug wires, etc. You have a 13 year RV and putting detergent, water or especially pressure on these old brittle components will make you wish you had never cleaned the engine.
Randy
I agree on this, my last older 79 Dodge motorhome did not fair so well after washing motor down, the wiring got wet inside the old dried out connections, it took 3 days to dry before things started to work correctly again, however I did wash down my newer 2002 Fleetwood motorhome and it did not cause any problems, however do not use high pressure, just soak it with dawn soap mixture in water than rinse down with a low pressure hose..
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sum1
So-Cal
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Joined: 11/07/2005
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Jagtech wrote:I would like to shampoo / clean the engine in my MH, but don't want to trash the interior of the rig by doing it with the doghouse off. Any suggestions how to go about this? You could hang some plastic in the fashion of a shower curtain to reduce the amount of splashback. Wrap sensitive areas of the engine with plastic bags or somesuch. To avoid the smell of engine degreaser in the MH, try presoaking with some Simple Green instead.
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