Can I power wash my motor generator welder

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Notice my Miller Big 40 has lots of acculated dirt and mud material in the welder generator portion. Is it acceptable to run a hose in that area to clear the debris out. This may be a foolish question but just didn't want to jump into this and screw the machine up...
Reply:Let's the engine warm up fully, spray down with some type of degreaser then use a pressure washer to remove dirt while the engine is warm and running.
Reply:Seems all of the dirt is in the generator portion of the machine. Just wasn't sure if I could spray water in the generator open areas. ...It a very good old welder and don't want to screw it up.
Reply:i would not at all recommend pressure washing the generator portion (if you already have, be sure it is completely dry again before attempting to run it, and hope nothing is damaged). very generally speaking, you should be okay to power wash the machine with all of the original parts in place, dont try to spray into cooling vents or louvered areas. think crazy rain storm, water comes down it doesn't force its way up. if you remove any panels or covers then blowing it out with compressed air and wipe clean with rags.  you should be able to reference the owners manual on millers web site.also, wtf? dirt and mud inside the machine, i hope thats just from decades of dust build up.what that guy there said applies to the motor only
Reply:I would try an air lance first. If that doesn't work, then remove all brushes from the holders and take them out so they can't ground, wash it, then start it up and let it run for 5-6 hrs on a warm dry day so the air circulation can dry everything. Personally if the air flow isn't being blocked by the dirt I'd leave it alone. No need to tempt fate or if it ain't broke don't fix it.                                MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Thanks guys, I believe I will just let it be. The welder runs/welds perfect. I not interested in damaging it.
Reply:I would not recommend it either. I've seen so many cars in which the engine was washed by a used car lot....Only to then cause an open circuit in the harnes from corrosion.Although on newer cars many of the electrical connectors are sealed...that isn't always the case.  On a Generator, I'm guessing that most of the connectors are just open to the elements.   If you do need to clean it....I'd warm engine as noted above....try to stay away from hosing any wiring harnesses....And only use a garden hose after the degreaser works its wonders for a few minutes. Also...totally agree with using compressed air afterwards and I'd also spray every electrical connector with some WD-40. Corrosion plays havoc on electrical connectors and sensors. It can really screw up low voltage sensing devices where you're talking about 1 to 5 volts equalling a range like 0 degrees to 300 degrees such as temp sensors.     Just a little resistance screws everything up.