Lookie what I found in the FSM...

From the MBZ TSB REF. NO. 98/48:
Engine - Caution Prior to Degreasing

" Do not attempt to clean a hot engine, the engine should be cold or at most warm to the touch (specifically around exhaust components). "

I'll guess start doing it this way now.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

that would be correct ja..

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

I like to start the motor and start spraying. I don't let it too warm. I found an intake leak when I sprayed water near the intake/exhaust manifold.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

I guess we'd better not drive in the rain!

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Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

I agree not to do it hot. The thermal shock can ruin certain components. But I prefer to do it with the engine slightly warm. When warm, the crud will be softer and more of it will be blasted off. Afterwards, I start the engine to let things dry quicker under the hood.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

Hi,

If you spray water in the engine compartment to clean the engine, do you cover electric parts like alternator or so?

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1996 MB E-290 TurboDiesel
1989 MB 190D 2.0
1989 Chrysler Espirit 2.2i Turbo
1976 Mitsubishi Saporo 1.6
1974 Toyota Celica 1.6

My CD manual actually illustrates what should be covered during engine cleaning. I simply use my best judgement and I don't aim at the electronics.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K