Need To Wash Engine Bay

[Oka]

2005 XC90 V8

Need to wash this very clay-dusty engine bay.
No pressure washing, just with garden hose ‘rain’ setting, after spraying all with Simple Green.

What should I be watchful of, or a must cover, before washing?

Cheers

[Vova585]

I would suggest not to touch it unless it is broken. Wipe it with the moist towel and call it a day. If you will be deducted couple points on a car show, oh well, ...you will get a couple for v8

[johnleeh]

Yes, it’s definitely a good idea to wash the engine bay,
but do it carefully. Make sure to cover the battery, alternator,
and sensitive wiring before using water.


Best to use a mild degreaser and a low-pressure spray for safe cleaning.

[BlackBart]

Agreed. I can’t tell you how many valuable timing belt stickers etc I have worn off with strong degreasers and spraying.

Lately I use a vinegar and Dawn soap mix in a spray bottle, a cloth and a toothbrush, and either just a dribble of water to rinse or a spray bottle with water.

Not a great job here - just got the worst of it…

[MoVolvos]

.
A 2005 does not have a drain hole at the bearing end of the balance shaft. From prior research over 5 years ago when I was considering a V8, it was moisture that damaged the bearing. Around 2007 or so Volvo began drilling a hole from the factory. Lots of info online on this topic so before washing do some research.



.

[MoVolvos]

IMG_6586.jpeg

2005 XC90 V8

Need to wash this very clay-dusty engine bay.
No pressure washing, just with garden hose ‘rain’ setting, after spraying all with Simple Green.

What should I be watchful of, or a must cover, before washing?

Cheers

.
Haven't used Simple Green for sometime. Label I believe use to say do not use on Aluminum as it will etch the surface. The entire intake I believe is Aluminum.
.

[ggleavitt]

Hole dates and vehicle application are hit or miss IMO, can see here for a 2006 (16k SN) and a 2008 (32k SN), one has a hole and the other does not- viewtopic.php?p=591510#p591510 . Motors below SN 6833 were supposed to be an issue requiring recall level rework as far as I ever read.

Motor wash and the V8 is a concern you get water into the CB shaft "well" where the rear bearing is installed and it sits then rusts the bearing. If you choose to wet up the motor- do it warm, go easy on the front mid to top (belts, alternator) and don't dump a bunch of water right down the top rear (see where valley is located). Then take the vehicle out for a nice run afterwards and get the motor up to hot. When you park, leave the hood open and let everything dry completely. V8's a big motor and between that spot is part of the block. The idea of spraying the motor down with some Simple Green does not sound like a problem to me, just be a little careful where you're spraying and how much water you put down the top.

**For those wishing to scope out the V8 CB shaft rear bearing well themselves, location is articulated here- viewtopic.php?p=517385&hilit=valley#p517385 and the scopes are real cheap these days (phone based or standalone). You have to do a little bending and twisting to get the camera properly positioned but once you figure it out it's pretty easy to see.

[Oka]

Yes, it’s definitely a good idea to wash the engine bay,
but do it carefully. Make sure to cover the battery, alternator,
and sensitive wiring before using water.


Best to use a mild degreaser and a low-pressure spray for safe cleaning.

My battery is in the rear. Surely, the alternator. Seems all the harnesses seem, or looks, sealed.
I would like my engine to looks as clean as yours.
Thanks for the info.