this is probably a stupid question but how is the engine /wiring effected when it rains as the grill is open? Image Unavailable, Please Login
My car develops a miss whenever it is in the rain. I think it might be the power module for cylinder 1-4. The newer 360 and 430 have grills that are on the side of the window and drain trays on the side of the engine compartment so they don't have that worry.
when washing, I lay two towels over the engine to catch water, covering as much as I can (engine cool). No problems yet. My mechanic says to wet the car with wet towels, wash as regular, and then rinse with wet towels. major pain in the neck, so I just spray it. This is probably a sin, but I don't have too much free time on my hands.
I use an old blanket to cover the engine and then hose down the car. I don't directly spray down on the car - what I do is keep the hose in a shower mode and spray into the air above the car and let it rain down on the car. I figure that the car is set up to take rain - so if you spray the same way you should be okay. I avoid high pressure flow directly on the car.
My mechanic told me pretty much the same advice, but he did so as he was pointing out to me corroded bits under the hood as the car was just recently undergoing a major service (its first as far as I can tell). Anyway, when I then asked him how I should realistically clean the car, he said to get some Griott's Speed Shine to do the routine cleaning, thus relegating actual car washes with water to only a few times a year. Long story short, I got some this past weekend, and in literally 12 minutes (I timed it because I doubted the claims) the car went from dusty to looking freshly-waxed! I am so used to things that just don't live up to their claims that I didn't expect this to be different, but it was, and I am still shocked! Anyway, now I can say it's possible to not need to soak your car every week just because you want it to look good. Try it... you'll be impressed. John
I have a 355 and a 360 and they have never been washed with water!! Instant detail works very well, peaple always comment how great the paint looks!! Good stuff
Agreed. I live in freaking SEATTLE! Rain does not effect anything, and if it does, FIX YOUR 355, something is wrong! It is important if you develop a "miss" to check both the cam cover seals over the spark plug wells, and the foam peice that seals the cam covers where the spark plug wires come out the back. If either are not well sealed, then you will get water intrusion, and an ignition miss.
Check my post #9. You likely need to replace the gaskets and foam seal...check with Daniel at Ricambi.
Wash with water?? Never had to...either use the car duster, or wipe with a damp towel. Ideally the engine bay should be immune to water...but we all know what happens after years of high temp exposure. Seals dry and crack, especially the cat ECU's. Also my air pump failed, and I wouldn't be surprised if water contributed to that.
Matey, I just hose it down with water and then use the Bosche blower to get rid of water on both engine bay and the external. If you want to make sure that engine bay is totally dry, just go for 5-10 mins drive and that will be just fine cheers
Yup, I use it on my 328. The only time the car gets washed is before a major detail. If you keep a decent coat of wax on the car, and use the quick detailer (Speed Shine is good) with a light hand, it's an easy 15-minute job. I do it after every drive (after the car has cooled). As far as the engine bay during washing, you can use a big towel or a shower curtain on a cool engine. I don't drive mine in the rain (San Diego), but given the heat in the engine bay it should be fine -- just gets messy.
I drove my 95 355 in the rain many times, never had a problem. My 99 355 has never seen rain, but it would not hurt it, just get it dirty!
Dang.. Now that makes sense.. I posted here a week ago asking why my car was misfiring... It just occured to me after reading this post that it could be due to the car being wet. I washed my car without any consideration on the engine cover and baboom... the car was misfiring afterwards... It should dry up pretty quickly though, after a spirited driving, right ?
WD-40 is your friend. Carry a can in every car you own. Always spray it at least on the high voltage bits (coils, plug wires, distributor caps if applicable etc.) of any car after washing the engine. It displaces water, will help prevent rust/corrosion and smells pretty (if you like the smell ;-) I also agree with what "Hugh G." said... you should not normally have problems in the rain unless some part is loose or deteriorated.
wow this is all insane. I agree with above. Just drive the damm thing! I was driving in the POURING rain the other day with the top down and I didnt get wet at all and my car works fine. I dont know why so many people treat the car like its a picasso or something. Never wash the car with water?!? are you crazy? I take a hose to the damm thing every time I wash it and my car works great (except for the ocassional temp sensor failing and then the car not starting....but thats besides the point).
I'm with BT and Parikh. I've always washed my 355 normally and driven in rain and never had any problems doing so. They're not as delicate as people think!
+1000 Drive mine every nice day, replace items as needed with new....Rain has no effect, washing has no effect....All in all I guarantee I washed her 20 times this summer with no towels over the engine ( I have to admit that is clever though)...... Known fact, usually low time aircraft (hangar queens) and rarely driven cars are the biggest P.O.S. ----Take this from a guy that writes the invoices
i hose my car down and use dish detergent to strip off the wax buidup a couple times a year, then i clay bar it . then i use mothers waxes and polishes , or other high quality polish.. in between months i just use a damp microfiber to wipe down then a quick spray polish. engine - i run the car hot , shut down ,turn battery switch off to avoid any short ground issues, hose it with engine cleaner . let sit , then use a small paint brush to scrub the nooks and crannies and blast it with a lite pressure washer /1500 psi. after about 10 min ill fire it up and "speed" dry it , approx 70 mph for 10 min. usually does it.
Maybe, but the plug(s) is fouled and may need to be replaced. Also, it will happen again if you do not replace the bad gaskets and foam. It is sealed up pretty tight in the plug holes, once water gets in, it is hard to get back out. When I had my plugs, wires and gaskets replaced, two plugs where rusty on the outside!
When I bought mine I drove it from NJ to Florida. At least 10 hours of the trip was HEAVY downpour. No issues. As far as washing... i just wash it like any other car... no ill effects....
