Engine cleaning/degreasing?

[Thomas 01]

I'm over 100,000 miles on my 98 and under the
hood is a mess. Oil from the valve cover gaskets, etc.
I would like to know what the correct procedure is for cleaning and degreasing.
I am very afraid to give it a good washing due to the electrical.
What is the boards view on this subject??
Thanks,
Steve

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1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 4 WD, White, Club cab, 12v Cummins, Automatic, Long bed, 3. 54 gears w/limited slip, Premium sounds, Rancho 9000 shocks, Chrome nerf bars, larger load E tires.

 

[BCFAST]

Happy to say that your truck is NOT a normal American car!!! Spray it down with Gunk or equivalent (Castrol purple stuff works great, too!) and hose it ... dont forget the underside of the hood edges!! There isnt anything under there to worry about drowning. I once bought a Chebby pickup with a 350. . the motor was a chocolate mess, so I gunked it... . it cost me $185 in computer sensors!!! American stuff, in general sucks... never had a single problem with my German and Jap cars. Hose away!!

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, Green, #12 plate slid all the way forward, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, RS 9000's, PrimeLoc, Red Tops, TDR cloisonae grill badge!

 

[QRTRHRS]

I wrap a plastic bag best I can around my alternator and plastic wrap around my BD Brake controller. I usually only wash the engine down when I either plan on doing some service or there is a lot of salt spray. I sometimes spray it down with Simple Green or that Castrol spray. Never a problem.

 

[illflem]

Castrol SuperClean(the purple stuff) is the best product I've found. Just spray it on,let it sit awhile,but not dry,then hose it off. You'll be impressed,I quit using my pressure washer since I started using it,no need. Doesn't stink or take off paint like Gunk.
Dodge says the only thing to watch out for when using degreasers is the filter minder,some types of degreasers may melt it.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 01-18-2001). ]

 

[Forrest]

A friend uses Simple Green. Spray it on & let it sit awhile & spray it off. If you let the cleaner sit awhile, you don't need to use high pressure. I always wonder about high pressure getting into electrical connections. Rinsing off would be best. The thing I don't like about degreasers is the smell afterwords & for some time.

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Money Sink - 96, 5 speed, HX40-16, TST #11/280 slid 3/4 way, 300 HP Injectors, Scourge BD 4200rpm Governor kit, McLeod, 4", CATless, straight out back, chrome turn down, ISSPRO Pillar, Delvac 1 & Amsiol, K&N, Mag-Hytec, 3:54, Michelin 235s on Alcoas, Rancho 9000's, Valentine One.
#11 plate days are numbered, custom grind in hand.
Dutchmen 27' 5th Wheel.
GoldWing.

 

[dieselburner]

Be careful if you use the extra strength gunk. I occasionally wrench on cars and keep it on hand to douche off the engines when I'm finished. Well, I used the stuff on my Ram when it was still young and it took all of the paint off of the top of the radiator! I was ****** but I got used to it.

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1998 2500 Quad Cab, 12V, 5spd, 4x4, HD Transfer Case, 370HP Diamond B Injectors, #4 TST, 16cm2 Housing, AFC Spring Kit, BD Governor Spring Kit and other governor modifications, Walker Muffler, 285/75-16 BFG AT's, Stainless Steel Tube Steps, Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch, Leather, CD, LSD Dana 80 Rear, 60 Front, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Rancho RS9000 Shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer, ATS Exhaust Manifold, Psychotty Air Induction, BD Exhaust Brake

 

[dieselburner]

Geez, I didn't know pi$$ed was a bad word...

 

[illflem]

It isn't,they use it on CNN all the time. I think geez is much worse.

[This message has been edited by illflem (edited 01-18-2001). ]

 

[wbrown02]

Don't worry about pressure washing... I have done it to my 95 since new and it has never been a problem..... Always drive after washing to thorughly dry... .

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95 Ram 3500 Reg Cab Dually,5 speed,Gear Vendor,TST 235/605, Jannetty 4"exhaust,Psycoty K&N 880,Prime Loc, Pac Brake,Valentine One, Full Gauges..... ect... . ect

 

[Cooker]

My $. 02

Simple Green is the way to go. I use it full strength, let it sit for a few, and then hose it off. No power washing necessary. I agree that with power washing the opportunity is there to damage something.

Never had a problem with Simple Green. Good Stuff!

 

[QRTRHRS]

When I use the pressure washer, I fan the spray out as wide as I can. I keep the nozzle well away from electrical connections and also hold it well away. I only get up close to areas that I don't consider sensitive. Otherwise, my garden hose pressure is useless.