Washing Engine Compartment

Hey Fellas,

So a while back, on one of the few rainy days in San Diego, I saw some mud, and couldn't resist...
Before this area was muddy, it was sand. And even though the mud was deep, and covered the truck nicely, it went everywhere... I mean everywhere.
There is still sand in areas I never thought to look. My engine compartment is covered in sand/ dirt, and I want to clean it up some.

I bet taking a decent pressure washer would do the trick, but then might break/ pull some connections, so I didn't want to do that.
Thought about engine de-greaser, but its not really grease.

So,

What do you think the best way to clean up the engine compartment is?

Bucket of soapy water, pour over entire entire area, then rinse with hose, and very light pressure?

Thoughts????

Cheers

 

To do it properly, I would only have someone with the proper equipment do it (a proper steam clean) - but I'd be hanging over them to ensure they've properly protected the electrical, etc.

 

Check out this link.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/99773-engine-cleaning-question.html

The search option is your friend.

 

dang... that is not what I wanted to hear...

 

I mix up some simple green, liberally spray down everything under the hood, taking care not to get overspray on the tops of the fenders, let it sit for a minute or so then hose it off. Then I wash the bottom of the hood and everything else I can reach with a wash mitt and car wash soap. My truck has 40k on it and still looks new under the hood.

 

Idk I did degreaser yesterday and it didn't do shit. Jefferson knows some technique to cleaning the engine. His looks great.

 

you can do it yourself - maybe invest in a small power washer.... i'm just saying what i would do.

 

I usually just turn the truck on let it warm up for a 20 seconds or so, and then hit it with the high pressure shower attachment on my "fireman's" nozzle attached to the garden hose. I have a brand new truck, so it is still free of grease and burnt on debris, so just using water is more than enough. I also leave it on till I finish washing the rest of the truck.

 

Yeh, mine isn't grease, just sand, CLUMPS of sand everywhere!

Ill probably try warming her up, get her nice and wet, then spray her down liberally with some good spray stuff, then get her wet even more a second time, then sit back and watch her shine.

 

I wouldn't warm it up. That will just dry the soap up quicker.

 

i spray it with simple green, cover the alternator, and fuse box, and air filter and spray it down and scrub it with a soft bristle brush, gets it nice n clean, i do this with the engine off, and leave the hood open to let it air dry