Washing tractor engine yes/no

[oosik]

I use garden hose and nozzle to wash down the engine. I specifically keep water away from the dash or behind the dash. Wipe the dash down with a damp shop rag. No oil or grease on engine so the dirt/dust clean nicely with plain water.

 

[HillStreet]

My tractor works hard in the spring and fall, and pushes snow in the winter. Twice a year I clean the machine with soap and water, and pressure wash the engine. I don’t go nuts but I do remove all the caked mud and grass. After it dries I spray electrical components with CorrosionX, a product I use on airplanes. Never an issue in 20 years. Much easier to service filters and axles.

 

[Ford850]

Me too Vince. I ask, has anyone on this thread had a failure due to power washing their machine?

:thumbsup:
That's what I was wondering. I like the idea of cleaning the engines so I can spot issues easier. An engine fully coated with oil or dirt makes it tough to notice a new leak, crack, bad hose, frayed wire, etc. I've used detergent or other cleaners in a hand sprayer to presoak sometimes, and have had good results from the Gunk engine cleaners on some really bad stuff.

 

[mykleh]

only person I know that had an issue cleaning vehicles with a pressure washer was a buddy that cleaned his Harley with a pressure washer over a couple summers then had tons of electrical problem.. figured out the root cause was his father had "turned up" the water softener salt content to the point it was degrading anything it was sprayed on..

 

[ovrszd]

only person I know that had an issue cleaning vehicles with a pressure washer was a buddy that cleaned his Harley with a pressure washer over a couple summers then had tons of electrical problem.. figured out the root cause was his father had "turned up" the water softener salt content to the point it was degrading anything it was sprayed on..

Good one!!!

 

[ovrszd]

Me too Vince. I ask, has anyone on this thread had a failure due to power washing their machine?

I asked this question because I've never heard of a problem. Doesn't appear to be any in this thread either. Excluding the Harley owner using salt solution.

 

[Thomas]

Cover all air intakes if using hose/pressure washer...quick dry w/air compressor.

 

[JerryK]

Good one!!!

My neighbor has an older Italian built New Holland that would not move after he pressure washed it. He could put it in gear, but she wouldn't move. He tore into it and took a bunch of stuff apart, and she still is not moving. He probably messed more stuff up by taking it apart/not putting it back together right. He has lots of toys, and does not really need that tractor, thus it sits. My 2555 HST cab'd Mahindra has a recall out for not getting the firewall connector wet. I am sure there are lots of other things you can mess up, IF YOU REALLY TRY. Think prudence whilst you blast away with your pressure washer. Does not hurt to cover stuff, or stay away from other stuff. Electronics should be fairly well sealed, but I personally would not want to tempt fate with my vehicles and tractors .... My old JD 2240, on the other hand, had just about zero electrical to mess up.... maybe the dash area.

 

[WranglerX]

Ever take notice of fire trucks.... Always clean, not because firefighters have a lot of free time to polish them.... It's because with clean engine an chassis and bodies, it's easier to spot/stop potential problems, like finding cracks in chassis or missing bolts and nuts and potential problem indicated by oils leaks.... The concept of "clean" and "inspections" should not be lost just because its a tractor? Last thing I want is to go out anticipating to do work and finding I have to do several hours of repairs and by end of day did not get anticipated work done....

My boss (when I was in work world) did not understand when I took tools out of tool room I inspected/tested them before leaving shop.... Because some dolt puting defective tools back on shelf and not tagging them as broken... Nothing worse than getting to job site, plugging in power tool, pulling trigger, NOTHING.....

Washing tractor or truck or implement should be part of "maintenance inspections"...

Dale

 

[DieselBound]

Ever take notice of fire trucks.... Always clean, not because firefighters have a lot of free time to polish them.... It's because with clean engine an chassis and bodies, it's easier to spot/stop potential problems, like finding cracks in chassis or missing bolts and nuts and potential problem indicated by oils leaks.... The concept of "clean" and "inspections" should not be lost just because its a tractor? Last thing I want is to go out anticipating to do work and finding I have to do several hours of repairs and by end of day did not get anticipated work done....

My boss (when I was in work word) did not understand when I took tools out of tool room I inspected/tested them before leaving shop.... Because some dolt puting defective tools back on shelf and not tagging them as broken... Nothing worse than getting to job site, plugging in power tool, pulling trigger, NOTHING.....

Washing tractor or truck or implement should be part of "maintenance inspections"...

Dale

If an engine ain't leaking then there's no need to "wash" it, yes?

I've had plenty of clean engines that were kept that way just by wiping them down. My tractors? Ha! I air blow them down pretty frequently. No leaks are going to go long enough to make any mess (except my stupid top-link hydraulic leak, grr!) In the case where a leak may get away and make a mess I THEN spot clean things.

Do firemen get inside engine compartments and clean engines and engine bays? For sure they clean other areas (real well- hey, they've got a LOT of idle time for it!).