Washing under the hood

[Turbo Terry]

After 7 k miles and a fair bit of rain driving it’s a mess under there. I’m hesitant to just go to the car wash and spray away. What are you guys doing to keep it clean under the hood

 

[BigPapa]

Definitely not a Ram, but this is what the ‘22 Cummins manual says about cleaning the engine.

 

[John Jensen]

After 7 k miles and a fair bit of rain driving it’s a mess under there. I’m hesitant to just go to the car wash and spray away. What are you guys doing to keep it clean under the hood

For my 2015 Eco and my 2020 HO, I first spray with Orange ZEP and let that soak for 5-10 minutes. Then I "spray away" with a hose sprayer. I finish with spraying 303. Always looks like it was detailed. Have never had a problem spraying with a hose sprayer and have never covered anything. Been doing it since 1950.
EDIT:
Correction, I had a 1938 Pontiac convertible and a 1946 Ford that I covered the electrical b/4 spraying. May or may not have covered on my 1951 Chevy

 

[Ozymandias]

Same here, I use either simple green or grease lightning depending on if it is dirt or grease/oil, let is soak and then wash it down with a simple garden spray hose.

No pressure washing from my side, chemicals do the job better and safer.

 

[Ozymandias]

And I always drive it after washing to dry out every residue moisture.
I learned it that way to never let a vehicle sit after washing the engine bay.

 

[Wiredawg]

I like Simple Green, a soft brush and wash mitt, and I use a pressure washer, but not closer the 12 to 18 inches. I don't use any dressings as we live down a gravel road that is like talcum powder. I hate a dirty engine. In 48 years, only a problem once on an '80 F150 that had a cracked distributor. My latest washing acquisition is a 4-jet sprayer mounted on wheels that I connect to my pressure washer that is fantastic for washing the undercarriage of all my vehicles.
Amazon.com: Hourleey Pressure Washer Undercarriage Cleaner, Undercarriage Water Broom with 13 Inch Extension Wand and 45-Degree Angled Wand, 4000 PSI : Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[John Jensen]

I like Simple Green, a soft brush and wash mitt, and I use a pressure washer, but not closer the 12 to 18 inches. I don't use any dressings as we live down a gravel road that is like talcum powder. I hate a dirty engine. In 48 years, only a problem once on an '80 F150 that had a cracked distributor. My latest washing acquisition is a 4-jet sprayer mounted on wheels that I connect to my pressure washer that is fantastic for washing the undercarriage of all my vehicles.
Amazon.com: Hourleey Pressure Washer Undercarriage Cleaner, Undercarriage Water Broom with 13 Inch Extension Wand and 45-Degree Angled Wand, 4000 PSI : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Great idea. Didn't know it existed. I ordered one. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Silver Tex]

I’ll use tin foil to cover the connectors (disconnect neg on batt). It is very malleable and super easy cover the connectors. I use simple green and garden hose as well.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I think a mist of simple green let set and a gentle spray with a hose then run engine hot is what I’m going to do thanks

 

[bcbender]

Great idea. Didn't know it existed. I ordered one. Thanks for the heads up.

Ordered one aswell... Thank Ron!

 

[Turbo Terry]

I just ordered one as well

 

[Diesel Gunner]

You old guys and your toys!

Says the old guy.

 

[odinjunior]

Put one on my list. Next time I order I'll add it to my Cart. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Ozymandias]

Neat little gadget if one is living in road salt areas.
Regular undercarriage washing extends the lifetime of a vehicle greatly.