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Salt on hybrid engine -- how to clean?

710-oil-614

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No need to get defensive. Not every area is like yours.

I live in an area that sees 200 plus inches a year. Within 40 miles the average is 300-400 inches and some years go higher than that. Just this morning the salt truck has been by three times and it quit snowing (for now) around midnight (got 10 inches just yesterday and has snowed at least 4 inches daily for over a week). NY has a "dry roads" policy whereby salt is continuously spread until the road is completely dry. The road is soaking wet right now and it is a heavy salt water solution. IF it dries out today, the road will be as white as the snow with salt (as will any vehicle that runs in it). A dozen applications daily is not out of the question. It has been that way since November. Each year is the same, salt from October to April and sometimes May. In ADDITION to the salt, a liquid brine is used.

I have traveled this entire country for years. Nowhere uses as much salt as the Lake Ontario snow belt. If you think your area uses more salt, you are 100% wrong and I'll wager any amount that is not the case. Just because you've never seen it doesn't mean it isn't so!.

I have seen engine blocks and exhaust manifolds completely rust through. Lighter gauge materials fare worse. Frames on some vehicles evaporate after 10-15 years, sometimes less. Bolt heads completely rusting away is not unusual on an engine (much less anywhere else on the vehicle) either. Radiators corrode away as do metal oil pans and the body rot is more than noticeable. Open electrical connections are compromised and even the weatherpack connectors aren't immune either. Sometimes the damage is so significant (anywhere on the vehicle) that repair is economically not feasible, or impossible.

The best defense (other than parking a vehicle for winter) is rinsing everywhere salt accumulates, even under the hood. The worst salt damage is on vehicles where the salt is never rinsed.

Like I said earlier, if you want to see the worst salt can do, visit the Lake Ontario snow belt. I guarantee is will be an eye opener.
“Don’t be defensive…”

Writes small position paper defending his thought….🤣
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turbobill

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“Don’t be defensive…”

Writes small position paper defending his thought….🤣

That's for those like you who think they know it all.

Obviously you have no experience in this matter other than your own very limited experience. Maybe take the time and learn something!
 

710-oil-614

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That's for those like you who think they know it all.

Obviously you have no experience in this matter other than your own very limited experience. Maybe take the time and learn something!
I kneel to your greatness and thank you for gracing me with your presence!!
 

Maverick Country Club

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I sprayed my engine compartment down with fluid film.

Ford Maverick Salt on hybrid engine -- how to clean? IMG_7377
 

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HeyBales

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Cancunbadlands

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I’d just let it go.
I live by the beach tho.
 

710-oil-614

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DO NOT LEAVE IT THERE like another poster has suggested! He has no clue on Lake Effect areas. (I live in a Lake Effect area)

Over time the salt WILL cause damage. If it is still there in the warmer months, the heat and humidity will speed up the chemical reaction. Best way is to rinse with low pressure (like a garden hose). Same goes for under the vehicle and in all the little nooks and crannies the salt works it's way into.
I just want to point out I grew up in a lake effect snow area.

But we’ve already established I am bending to your greatness here and only wish I could be as awesome as you in life.
 

turbobill

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I just want to point out I grew up in a lake effect snow area.

But we’ve already established I am bending to your greatness here and only wish I could be as awesome as you in life.

If you grew up in a lake effect area, you certainly weren't paying attention back then. And today, everywhere that has snow uses more salt/brine than they did years ago.

You gave the original poster bad advice and I've called you on it. Whatever your situation is doesn't mean his or anyone else's is the same. One side doesn't fit all and your particular situation isn't the be all to end all. Maybe you should just get over the fact others don't agree with you and move on.
 
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icegradner

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Power wash it off. I work at a ford dealership. I do it all the time
Dealerships do all kinds of stupid stuff. Good reason to not go there for non-warranty work.

When I was leaving the Ford dealership the first time my Maverick was serviced the lot guys were standing on a vehicles hood while washing it. WTF! Thank goodness I rejected the car wash. Never let dealership lot guys wash your vehicle Unless they have a touchless system!
 
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onecutmedia

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Maybe at some but I’ve been doing this for years as a detailer. Not a lot guy. And you know nothing about the systems. You think they stay dry in the rain? Why do u think it gets dirty in the first place
 

Ryom

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There is a big difference between a low-pressure cold water splash from below versus high-pressure hot water spray from above. The first would only be an IP63 rating, the latter would be IP69.
 
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icegradner

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Maybe at some but I’ve been doing this for years as a detailer. Not a lot guy. And you know nothing about the systems. You think they stay dry in the rain? Why do u think it gets dirty in the first place
Who said anything about rain, it's kind of obvious stuff gets in there or it wouldn't be dirty in the first place. 🤪 Cleaning it off with a damp rag does more than enough to clean parts that need it.

Detailers do all kinds of stupid stuff too, to rip people off and make a buck. About as trustworthy as a stealership.
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