Engine shampoo vs warm engine

[Xcessiv]

Hi,

How to you proceed when a customers asks for JUST an engine shampoo? Unlike a full detailing job, you don't have time to let the engine cool down because there's so long the customer can wait.

I'm always worried about the ultra hot engine block reacting to ice cold water. Would filling a bucket with warm water be a good transition step?

Thanks

[Fly bye]

Warm yes...


Hot no...

[oldmodman]

I would be afraid to cold shock a fully hot engine. It may not do any harm but why take the chance.
You will just have to tell the customer that washing a hot engine could damage it and the car will have to be allowed to cool down first. If they say do it anyway get it in writing that all responsibility for damage to the engine is the customers. Then go ahead and clean it.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Get a high volume fan or blower, and put it in front of the vehicle with the hood up for about 5 minutes, then have at it with water that is at least somewhat warm.

[markm]

How different is a hose on the engine than going through a huge puddle that drenches the engine. I know adding water to an overheated engine without the engine running to circulate the water can damage the block. I would think it would be difficult to do damage with a small amount of water from a hose unless the water was very cold. This is not based on scientific fact though. Idf I have to cool an engine I run the water on the radiator fins with the engine running to bring internal temps down quicker.

Mark

[Dubbin1]

It "could" cause a warping problem but its not going to crack the block. If the engine is hot enough its just gonna burn off the cleaner before it has a chance to work.