As a general rule, water will not hurt your engine. The only caution would be if your intake were exposed to the water source when the car is running, it may suck water into the engine. But that is only if the airfilter box is open or you are working on the throttle assembly. If you are washing your engine and haven't taken anything off (except the two plastic covers) you will not have a problem. Let us know how it goes.

I actually use a pressure washer, but on a low setting. I have my own. I use simple green, diluted 50%, and an ex-girlfriends shower 'back brush'. Works great, and I get some satisfaction out of using it on my car. For the really heavy deposits you'll find around your timing chain cover, transaxle, etc., just use Gunk Foamy Engine Brite. They sell it everywere....BUT then use the mild soap/warm water and brush trick to make sure you don't leave any reside behind. After the inital good cleaning, it'* really easy to keep it that way. Mine is actually dirtier than normal. Josh'* is nearly this clean, too. A little neighborly guidance. Made it alot easier to diagnose his lower intake seal problem.

Getting the water out of the crevices between the heads and lower inake is kinda tough. I don't have the hard freezing probs you do, but if I did, I'd use a wet/dry shopvac to remove that water that stays behind.

When the intake and plug wires get here, I'll clean 'er up and take another shot

well look what an hour can do! I did this last night, there are places I look and wonder how I would get to them. But its a start!

Before


After

Very nice Kimmers, now you won't get as dirty working on it. If you really want to get fancy, the "3800" and "Supercharged" were originally painted black.

But I would definately say that your engine looks MUCH better! Good job!!!

What would you use to paint it black?
Black perm marker?????
But I did notice specs of black last night, and had already thought of asking...you beat me to it!`

I can honestly say that I don't know. Black marker may work until you get a real answer though

BTW, check out OMG!!! under lounge. Very sobering.

I checked it out, that really really sucks, especially around this time of year.

My girlfriend lost her son of 8 two years ago at this time of year. She has a really hard time, and we are always there in spirit to keep her going. Btw, I met her on the net in a simular group. We have been friends now for three years! Just like family. So dont underestimate the importance of your online friendships and what effect you have...its just as important to those ppl in need!
You ppl are a great bunch!