decided to let my hair down and take my 4Runner on the beach last week....another guy out there said I should spray wash the motor to get the sand and salt out..in addition to the underside and body of course.


is this bad advice ? I guess it's the same as steam cleaning....but still seems risky to me...

 

I presume it is a newer engine with coil packs and electronic sensors galore. You should just be careful to not soak those items. I think it might be easier to use low pressure water from the garden hose, easier to control over spray. If you are trying to remove sand and it is excessive maybe a vacuum could get it out before you get the engine wet.

 

bag the distributor and the carb air intake at the self help car wash and have at it. Its the way I cleaned my Jeep when I went to the beach

 

2006 4runner...lots of wires and sensors of unknown purpose.

 

I clean and detail the engine in the Charger a couple of times a year. As long as you don't go crazy with the water you should be just fine. It's a good idea to run the car after you are done to get it good and warm to dry it off.

 

Carb air intake?

CARB air intake????

You're showing your age...

 

I live on the SW Washington coast and drive on our beach quite frequently. Every time I come off the beach I thoroughly hose down the vehicle. Underhood, underbody and hard to reach places.

Most modern vehicles, especially SUV's are pretty much water proof connection wise. Just don't get too much water in the Alternator, starter, throttle body and ECM if it's mounted underhood (that's a common Mopar thing).

Let it dry after you wash it and you should be fine....

 

All of the newer electronics on engines use Metripack and Weatherpack connections.

I'd still be careful because things like the craptastic GM Optispark has major issues with water exposure.