Cleaning engine compartment

[CGresswell]

I want to "clean" my engine compartment and feel "dumb" in asking for your advice... . what do you do to clean yours?

Can you spray soapy water? If so what can get damaged if the cleaning solutions get all over the compartment?

Do you "mask off" anything? And if so, how do you do it?



Thank you for reading and your help.

Dick

 

[DPKetchum]

I use a can of regular engine clean. Gunk or what ever and follow the instructions like any engine. Use a hose only no high psi liker at a car wash. Leave hood open and start engine and let it warm up/run a while after. I do all my vehicles at least once a year.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i use simple green..... IMHO its the best stuff ive used yet...

 

[DPKetchum]

I've also used it in the past. In some ways I prefer the Foamy Engine Brite cleaner over Simple green. Dosen't seem to be as harsh and easier/better coverage.

 

[StLouisMO]

I also use Simple Green. Works very well. You don't necessarily have to have your engine running. But I understand why some choose that option. I clean mine with the engine off. I spray everything down with Simple Green (except any electrical connections, wires, etc) then use an old rag and do a little scrubbing and then just use the hose on very low pressure to rinse everything clean. Again, stay clear of any electrical connections or wires. Once the engine compartment dries out, I follow up with any of those foaming tire sprays and spray the engine compartment. Looks awesome when you're done.

 

[DPKetchum]

How to you clean without getting elect. connections wet. There everywhere. I do mine with engine off and coat it good from under hood down and out. Let sit 5 minutes or so,hose down. Start and let it run a while hood up. if using the Foamy gunk no need to wipe things down or use shiney tire gunk that will and does seep into connectors. It is made to clean engines.

 

[rholcom2]

When cleaning the under hood of my truck, I use Simple Green, let soak, and gently hose (with VERY LITTLE pressure) the engine and compartment off, oh, and I put a bag or something over the alternator. Then I let it run, drive down the road to get most moisture dried out. Then... ... . this sounds funny, but I get my leaf blower out and use it until all the crevices are dried out. This is just my way, dont know if its right or anything but I havnt had problems. Course I only clean the under hood 1 or 2 times a year. Hope this helps.

 

[lethal injection]

I use simply green, let it soak 5 minutes and spray it off. I use the high pressure sprayer at the car was to rinse off. Also I do it all with the engine off.

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

I was also wondering about cleaning the cummins. Has anybody used a steam cleaner on the engine? how dose it work?

 

[CGresswell]

what is sensitive?

Under the hood, what is sensitive for the diesel? Do you have to cover anything? If so, how do you cover (plastic or tape?) it?

Can you damage anything by getting your cleaning solutions in or on it?

Dick

 

[Prairie Dog]

All connections are weather-pak so you won't get water in them as long as you don't use extrememly high pressure. Just soap the whole thing down and gently rinse it off.

I go to a local car wash that has an "engine degrease' setting. The cleaner goes on at low pressure, then I stand way back to rinse with high pressure (so it's just kind of a fog when it hits the eng). Works great!

 

[SThorud]

Under the hood, what is sensitive for the diesel? Do you have to cover anything? If so, how do you cover (plastic or tape?) it?

Can you damage anything by getting your cleaning solutions in or on it?

Dick

I highly recommend putting some saran-wrap around the alternator.

 

[99Supercab]

I also use Simple Green. Works very well. You don't necessarily have to have your engine running. But I understand why some choose that option. I clean mine with the engine off. I spray everything down with Simple Green (except any electrical connections, wires, etc) then use an old rag and do a little scrubbing and then just use the hose on very low pressure to rinse everything clean. Again, stay clear of any electrical connections or wires. Once the engine compartment dries out, I follow up with any of those foaming tire sprays and spray the engine compartment. Looks awesome when you're done.

Be careful using a tire shine under your hood. Most of them are silicon or alcohol based and "can" cause a fire.

 

[mconstable]

One of the best cleaner/de-greasers that I have found is called "Awesome".

You can only get it at the Dollar type stores, but it really is awesome for cleaning... bugs, black streaks on fiberglass trailers etc.

I've used a lot of different products, and this one is the best, and it's only a buck for a spray bottle.

 

[jungledave]

Take the darned to the carwash and quit worrying about the water. What do you think rain coming in at 70 MPH does to the electrical connectors and other hot running parts. I have had all four of my cummins trucks; 1st, 2nd and two 3rd gens to the car wash at least ten times each. Just stay away from getting any water in the intake past the air filter, water doesn't compress very well.

 

[MChildress]

I also use simple geen,just becareful with the white paint they used to write cummins on the plastic valve cover,the preasure washer will take the lettering paint right off.

 

[RVTRKN]

I make sure the engine is cold (a lesson I learned from my gasser) and on jack stands. My drive way is sloped so the truck sits level when on the stands which allows me to clean the trany and related area. I park it like that the night before to allow ambient temperature on the componets. I use gunk for the cleaner, although simple green is good, I use 4 cans total. The simple green should be used after the rinsing, it is a great aluminum brightner but not a good degreaser, rinse all real good because it will etch the aluminum if not rinsed off good. I then use compressed air to blow off water from the top of the ngine compartment to eliminate water spots then drive it on a 10 mile freeway run. P. S. You will smell the cleaners for a couple of days. I have done this sinse 94 which was was a 2500 4X2 360 gasser. The lesson is in the distributer, moisture forms inside some componets

 

[rbattelle]

Here's a good thread about it.



-Ryan

 

[kowaliga]

SIMPLE GREEN has a new line for aircraft finishes. A request on their site delivered a qt. sample to my door. My motor ain't greasy yet. . but I've used the product on rocker panels and it removed dried opossum/armadillo parts without scrubbing or dulling the paint finish. Didn't notice any skin or eye irritation from overspray.

 

[Nate]

I just use Simple Green or Super Clean. Spray it on everything, give it 5-10mins and blast it off with the pressure washer.