Howe to remove fire extinguisher dust from engine bay?

[JGood]

So I had an "incident" today with the track car which involved some fire. Anyway, there is now fire extinguisher dust completely covering the engine bay. I used my air compressor to remove the majority of it, but there is still a film of dust covering everything. Will a pressure washer get this shit off? I dumped a little water on one spot to see what would happen and it seemed to turn it into a paste. I don't want to make it harder for myself later by going about this incorrectly...

[JGood]

I like how I always misspell the subject of my posts.

[BBY1104]

What does the "film" consist of? You could try foammy engine cleaner? or maybe even paint thiner?

[DaveSmed]

Get that stuff off ASAP, im guessing ABC dry chem extinguisher? That chemical is very corrosive. That paste is what it's supposed to do, no real way to avoid that. They are miserable to clean up, I had an extinguisher go in my trunk. Shortly after, electrical connector problems popped up.

[JGood]

Get that stuff off ASAP, im guessing ABC dry chem extinguisher? That chemical is very corrosive. That paste is what it's supposed to do, no real way to avoid that. They are miserable to clean up, I had an extinguisher go in my trunk. Shortly after, electrical connector problems popped up.

Oh Christ

I guess I'll use a pressure washer. This is just what I need. Spend 4 months rebuilding the car, get it together 1 week before my first event, and this shit happens...

[MR 325]

Engine degreasser.

[jlevie]

Don't use a pressure washer. It can force water into places where it shouldn't be and if not used with extreme discretion can tear up wiring, hoses, etc.

I recommend starting with the engine and engine bay hot and using nothing more aggressive than a garden sprayer for detergent and a garden hose set for spray, or better yet a plant watering wand for the rinse. When done, allow the car to sit for 8 hours with the hood up for the moisture to evaporate before starting the engine.