Engine wash (Fiesta 4)

Over time, oil, dust and insects form a significant layer of dirt in the engine compartment of your Fiesta, which not only covers the engine and other parts of the car, but also significantly worsens the heat exchange of the radiator. Therefore, washing the engine solves not only aesthetic problems, but also technical problems. A dirty radiator grille can lead to overheating of the engine, and with it, to serious damage. In addition, driving in winter does not pass without leaving a trace for the units under the hood. Therefore, start spring cleaning of the car with a thorough engine wash.

Salt deposits accelerate the corrosion process

Salt scattered on the roads in winter not only successfully combats ice and snow, but also has a negative impact on the units of your Fiesta. It penetrates deep into the engine compartment through cracks and channels and settles on the radiator, folds and edges of body parts, as well as on wire harnesses, electrical drives and cable connections. This salt deposit prevents moisture from evaporating and increases corrosion.



SEQUENCE OF WORKS

1. The engine must be cold - on a hot engine the cleaning agent evaporates before it can start to work and dissolve the dirt.



2. Stop the engine and turn off the ignition.

3. Cover sensitive components such as ignition system components, generator and fuel system with rags or plastic bags, otherwise problems with ignition and on-board electronics will occur.

4. Start washing the inside of the hood first, by wetting it with plenty of water, then cleaning it with a sponge and shampoo and rinsing it again with water.

5. Thoroughly rinse the radiator grille with plenty of water from the engine compartment outwards. First, dissolve any insect residue with a protein-dissolving cleaner (e.g., for kitchen utensils) and immediately rinse the radiator grille from the engine compartment. Do not use a hard brush, as it may deform the grille fins, which will reduce the cooling capacity.

6. Thoroughly rinse all corners of the engine compartment, all beams and unprotected areas with a jet of water.



Fig. 3.10. Washing the engine with a water jet

7. Treat heavily soiled areas on the engine and in the engine compartment with a cold cleaning agent. After a while, rinse with a strong stream of water (Fig. 3.10).

8. Dry the engine compartment, engine and all attachments with compressed air. All car washes have compressed air units and compressed air nozzles.





PRACTICAL ADVICE

Engine protection varnish



Fig. 3.11. Applying varnish to protect the engine

Immediately after washing the engine, do not forget to apply a special heat-resistant protective varnish to the engine surface. The varnish prevents the intensive formation of a dirt film. For other parts of the engine compartment, a preservative aerosol or varnish is suitable.