Curious as to what some of you guys use or do to clean the engine compartment. 3 or 4 yrs ago, when i was looking at my first truck i looked at one, and i thought the guy said he had it steam cleaned....the thing was spotless....and everything looked factory newand it was a95.....
Anyways being on a farm, even w/all the rain its still managed to get dusty and whatnot under there and want to get some ideas on what i could do for it...Thanks-Adam

I spray everything down with mineral spirits. Let it soak for about 15 minutes then wash it off with a strong blast from a hose nozzle. Then I spray it down with a heavy duty cleaner like Greased Lighting, let it soak again the hose it off and let it dry. All of this on a stone cold engine.

Thanks for the info ag4gt..anyone else do anything different??

I have heard that it is not recommended to spay clean these newer engines with pressurized water. THe electronics on them can be fried very easily. I was wanting to clean my engine also, but I haven ot until I find a GOOD (fool proof) procedure to do this with.


You might try a search on engine cleaning. I think it has been discussed before, I just don't remember the specifics.

I clean the engines on my vehicles about once a month as follows:

1. Cover FICM (Fuel Injection Control Module) and Alternator with a plastic bag (usually Wal-Mart variety)
2. Using a garden hose mist the engine with cold water - engine is also cold.
3. Mist the engine compartment with a 50/50 solution of simple green and water using a garden sprayer.
4. After 3-5 minutes, rinse/mist the engine again with a garden hose.
5. Remove bags and blow dry with compressed air.
6. Mist engine compartment with Armorall using a small pressurized garden sprayer.
7. Run the engine up to operating temp to completely dry.

Also be careful with Simple Green ... it can stain aluminum if allowed to dry without rinsing. An alternative cleaner is Dawn Dish detergent and water.

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I find that if you clean under your hood regularily it will look very good without armorall. Armorall attracts dust and I would think that it would look very bad in a hurry. JMO

I spray mine down while hot and running with a garden hose. Then I blow it out with my leaf blower and let it sit and run til dry. Then I shut it down and spray it all down with 303.....works for me anyway...





Ox

BlueOx3


I was just wondering how many cracked manafolds and other parts you have had over the years?

I've done mine hot before as well. No cracked anything. Not much different then driving through a puddle while the engine is warm.

I've owned over 30 different cars and trucks and cleaned them this way since the begining. When I detailed cars while in high school, we did every on this way minus the 303, never had a problem...

After a while the Armorall does attract some dust ... but that's when I know it's time to clean it again .. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I could see where the 303 would work better than Armorall on the engine ... I use it on the exterior plastics and it's great stuff ... I'll have to try the 303 next time I clean the engine...

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I spray down the cold engine with Westlys Bleach White then hose it off. I usually start the engine right after I'm done.


The Westlys really cuts any grime and dirty but does not discolor any aluminum parts like Super Clean can.


If I'm really trying to impress I mist everything with Amorall any let it dry. Looks better then showroom fresh when done.


Yes, the Armorall does attract dust but the dust washes off real easy.

I take mine to a professional engine/chassis steam cleaner. I cover up the electronic modules and showed the tech what to avoid. They do a stellar job and the truck looks brand new. Steam cleaning is the only way to go. Adding various cleaning solutions usually make it look good but they leave residual chemicals and then they attract and retain more dirt. Steam is just steam.

Parts stores sell and engine foam cleaner that cleans off grease, oil, and whatever else is on there.

I've been in the highway truck show circuit on and off for the last few years. The big boys all use Spray and Wash. Use it on a cool engine and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Wash off with a hose. Works awesome. Does one hell of a job on the undercarriage and rinses off while driving in the rain! It sounds stupid but it works! Leaves no residue either.