Engine misfire after washing

[DavidPorter]

I have a '95 525i Touring, 134k. I like to keep the engine reasonably clean, but twice now the car has run like crap after I hose off the engine, to the point where is has to go to the shop. Taking off the plastic engine covers and drying everything with compressed air doesn't help, and it doesn't dry overnight either.

I'm used to this behavior on our '72. I can cover the distributor with a plastic bag and usually everything's fine, but I thought engines were pretty water-proof these days. Is there anything specific to look for? How about ignition spray on the coils?

[shogun]

http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/cleaning/Image11.gif
http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/cleaning/Image12.gif

[philbyil]

1. Start with the engine being warm!
2. Spray on appropriate cleaner (i.e. Simple Green&water)
3. Let it soak for a while.
4. Loosen gunk/dirt with a 2 or 5inch stiff bristle paint brush or wheel brush.
5. Always use a low pressure spray to wash off.
6. Dry with air and towels.
7. Oil/Grease/WD40 appropriate metal parts
6. Wax paintwork and treat plastic/rubber (303 Protectant or Vinylex).

Always worked for me and NEVER had a single problem in any of our vehicles or bikes. Just ask the guys on the board how clean MY car is :D :D

[RobPatt]

..causing misfires... that's happened on my M50. Now I just gently hose the fender wells, and mist and wipe everything else.... also being careful not to get water into the orange sensors on the fender wells, which I believe are airbag sensing components.... -Rob '93 25ia.


I have a '95 525i Touring, 134k. I like to keep the engine reasonably clean, but twice now the car has run like crap after I hose off the engine, to the point where is has to go to the shop. Taking off the plastic engine covers and drying everything with compressed air doesn't help, and it doesn't dry overnight either.

I'm used to this behavior on our '72. I can cover the distributor with a plastic bag and usually everything's fine, but I thought engines were pretty water-proof these days. Is there anything specific to look for? How about ignition spray on the coils?

[Russell]

I generally follow BMW's guidelines. I use a minimum abount of water on a warm, not hot engine. To date, I have not had any problems. Make sure you cover your fuse box area. I use aluminum foil and mold around the area. I suspect that is a place for electrical dispruptions.

Hope my experience helps.


I have a '95 525i Touring, 134k. I like to keep the engine reasonably clean, but twice now the car has run like crap after I hose off the engine, to the point where is has to go to the shop. Taking off the plastic engine covers and drying everything with compressed air doesn't help, and it doesn't dry overnight either.

I'm used to this behavior on our '72. I can cover the distributor with a plastic bag and usually everything's fine, but I thought engines were pretty water-proof these days. Is there anything specific to look for? How about ignition spray on the coils?

[tim s]

tim s.

[632 Regal]

only place I power wash is by the frame rails under the power steering hoses and the other side where I cant wipe it down. I never had a car this clean and it only takes a little while to keep it clean, armor all the plastic covers and done. It's not like Juniors but clean none the less.