Washing Engine

[masseycuzdad]

I have a new Massey Ferguson 1840M, model year 2021, with all the computer, electronic, sensor, and, regen stuff. Wondering if I can clean under the hood with a regular garden hose. Just a garden hose, cold water, I don't even own a pressure washer. My tractor sucks in a lot of tiny bugs, I think gnats, small enough to get through the grille screen, its gross and smells, a quick rinse with a garden hose would be real nice. But I want to make sure it is OK and will not damage anything. The owners manual warns against high pressure washers.

 

[jaxs]

I'm always more concerned about cold water causing damage to hot components than getting into electronics. I do all my cleaning while engine is cool and never had a problem.

 

[Midniteoyl]

You can hit the back of the radiator with the hose, no problem. As long as you dont have any openings in the engine (missing caps or whatever) you can rinse the rest of the engine and engine bay as well.

Something like these can help you out as well: Amazon.com: Radiator Genie - Water & Air Cleaning Wands for High Efficiency Cooling Systems and Radiators - Blow Out / Wash Out Kit: Home Improvement

 

[JCoastie]

I hose my 2020 with all the electronics/regen stuff now and then

 

[Diggin It]

Some say NOT to use water on the radiator fins as it can drive dirt deeper and solidify it. They recommend only air to blow the fine dust out, then a gentle rinse.

 

[IndyJay]

You can hit the back of the radiator with the hose, no problem. As long as you dont have any openings in the engine (missing caps or whatever) you can rinse the rest of the engine and engine bay as well.

Something like these can help you out as well: Amazon.com: Radiator Genie - Water & Air Cleaning Wands for High Efficiency Cooling Systems and Radiators - Blow Out / Wash Out Kit: Home Improvement

Some say NOT to use water on the radiator fins as it can drive dirt deeper and solidify it. They recommend only air to blow the fine dust out, then a gentle rinse.

I made a piece of tubing similar to what the Amazon "Radiator Genie" looks like... a piece of 1/4" rigid s/s tubing with a 90° bend, cut very close to the bend, that I use to blow from behind the radiator with compressed air. Works great for clearing out seeds, bugs and chaff.

 

[ning]

I thoroughly wash under the hood occasionally, start with the engine cold and then I don't use the tractor for a couple days leaving the hood open to let everything dry really well.

 

[bigtiller]

I get under the hood and clean the rad fins with a leaf blower after EVERY time I mow.

Occasionally I will use the "Radiator Genie" and compressed air, but I have the regulator set at 30 psi and still keep a safe distance away from tender things.

The only water my 2720 ever sees is melting snow. That is a good time to wipe it down.

 

[WranglerX]

IF your aim is to keep engine bay clean, yes simply spraying to down to rinse off dust and dirt works, if you need something with a little muscle use a biodegradable solution like simple green, no need to "pressure" wash... Also be sure to clean removable screen in front of radiator (if it has one) it will keep most crap drawn up by fan from clogging radiator...

 

[masseycuzdad]

I get under the hood and clean the rad fins with a leaf blower after EVERY time I mow.

Occasionally I will use the "Radiator Genie" and compressed air, but I have the regulator set at 30 psi and still keep a safe distance away from tender things.

The only water my 2720 ever sees is melting snow. That is a good time to wipe it down.

Ahhh! Leaf blower! Duhhh! I do this with my zero turn every time, why the heck I never thought of it around the engine and radiator screen while mowing in dry chaff is beyond me. Thank you, great suggestion!