1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Engine Bay Cleaning. Hot or Cold?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by Kelson, Sep 8, 2011.

?

Engine Bay Cleaning

  1. Engine Hot (Running)

    7.8%
  2. Engine Warm (Not Running)

    25.8%
  3. Engine Cold

    46.0%
  4. Dolphins!

    20.4%
  1. Sep 8, 2011 at 3:51 AM
    #1
    Kelson

    Kelson [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2008
    Member:
    #6597
    Messages:
    4,433
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kelson
    Honolulu, Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    08 5-Lug Reg. Cab SR5
    SR5 Exterior/Interior (Color matched Front Bumper, Chrome Grille Surround and Chrome Rear Bumper/Silver Scoshe Dash Kit, A/C Bezel, A/C Vent Surround) LED license plate and white interior lights, Wet Okole Seat Covers, iPad in-Dash, JL CL-RLC, JL 13TW5 sub, JL 500/1 Slash V1 amp, JL XR 6.5 Components, Rockford Fosgate 6X9s in Boxes Front XRunner Coils, DJM Control Arms and Rear 4X4 Leafs, Custom 2" Angled Streetacos.com Blocks Front XR Bilstien Struts and Rear XR Bilstien Shocks, CravenSpeen Antennae, RX-8 Rims w/ Fronts:235/40-R18 Sumitomo HTR Rears:245/40-R18 Goodyear Eagle GT, 35% Tint front windows, OEM Sliding Privacy Glass w/ 5% Ceramic Tint, Flowmaster Super 44 dumped before the axle, URD Short Throw Shifter, Door Sill Protectors, Door Edge Guards, OEM Sport Pedals,The Retrofit Source Morimoto Mini D2S Stage III 35W 5K HID Headlights, OEM Fog Lights w/ piss yellow bulbs, OEM Cruise Control, Porsche 944 Bucket Seats, BeefedTaco Skid Plate, Whale
    After reading countless posts on how to clean my engine bay, I'm still at odds on whether to run my engine while cleaning it, have it semi warm, or completley cold. I would have thought introducing the pretty hot block to semi cold water wouldn't be too good for the engine, but idk. so..poll?
     
  2. Sep 8, 2011 at 4:02 AM
    #2
    jjew18

    jjew18 the Nightman cometh!

    Joined:
    May 17, 2009
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    6,383
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Alliance Airport
    Vehicle:
    05 PreRunner SR5
    Added extra awesomeness to its original awesomeness.
    Unfortunately I don't have "the" answer, but I play it safe. I think the average car wash water temperature is not cold enough to crack an engine block, but hot metal can be cracked from cold.

    Also to add, engines these days are better equipped to handle one extreme to the next, not like yester-year. You are probably safe after a brief cool down, but again, I will play safe and not chance it (hence I have a dirty engine).
     
  3. Sep 8, 2011 at 8:55 AM
    #3
    mrp192

    mrp192 REALLY!!

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2009
    Member:
    #13911
    Messages:
    738
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brent
    Cheney WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma Dbl cab long bed.
    Hood Strusts, remote Start, truck came with Leveling kit and wheels.
    I Def agree. To be on the safe side I would let the engine bay cool down and then just use hot water.
     
  4. Sep 8, 2011 at 8:58 AM
    #4
    fishntaco

    fishntaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2010
    Member:
    #32523
    Messages:
    302
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Mobile Al
    Vehicle:
    08 Silver Streak DCLB Prerunner Sport
    Engine cool. Do not do it on a hot engine as you can crack hot metal. Start the engine once you're done to dry it.
     
  5. Sep 8, 2011 at 9:08 AM
    #5
    sprocketdog

    sprocketdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Member:
    #25041
    Messages:
    246
    Gender:
    Male
    Halifax Pa
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco 96 Taco 06 TSX 94 extra cab Hilux
    DR coilovers, Camburg UCAs, Dakar rear springs, Bilstien 5150s, Demello sliders, rear plate bumper w/ swing gate, and alot more mods. [IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd368/sprocketdog1/059.jpg[/IMG]
    Engine cool you have to remember we are still dealing with aluminum heads and a cast block! Doing while hot is an possible way of warping or cracking the heads.
     
  6. Sep 8, 2011 at 9:12 AM
    #6
    Lucario Runner

    Lucario Runner Resident Truck/SUV racer

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2011
    Member:
    #59067
    Messages:
    7,040
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Robert
    San Antonio, TX or nearest race track
    Vehicle:
    06 Toyota 4Runner
    AFE stage II intake, APR X1, URD 70mm Throttle Valve (ported and knife edged), NST intake manifold spacer, URD spec U headers, Denso IKH20, URD fuel pump, APR fuel rail, URD Y pipe, URD spec u catback, lightweight water pump pulley, Greddy sandwich cooler plate, Earls oil cooler, IPT valve body, FJ TRD shocks, Cusco front and rear sway bars, Energy Suspension rear track rod bushings and rear link bushings, Carbotech pads, Stoptech ss brake lines, Stoptech slotted rotors, Motul 600 rbf, Limited Grill, Painted hatch cover by me, Painted valve covers by me, Cobra CB, TRD rad and oil cap, Escort 8500, Autometer oil psi and temp gauges, AEM wideband afr gauge, Flexpod, Pioneer 400w speakers.
  7. Sep 8, 2011 at 9:18 AM
    #7
    steviestyles

    steviestyles The "Search" tab is your friend!!

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2006
    Member:
    #430
    Messages:
    1,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Colorado Springs
    Vehicle:
    07 DC 4x4 TRD Off Road
    Bone Stock
    Cold engine. you could crack your manifold if you spray cold water on a hot engine.
     
  8. Sep 8, 2011 at 9:26 AM
    #8
    Konaborne

    Konaborne Pineapples on pizza Hawaiian does not it make.

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    Member:
    #46536
    Messages:
    31,906
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Cody
    Kealakekua, Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    Lifted 00 TRD Off-Road
    fox extended travel remote resivoir coilovers, 14" eibach 600lb coils, All Pro tubular chromoly 1" uniball upper control arms, All Pro expedition leaf packs, 10" bilstein 5150 piggyback reservoir shocks 265/75r16 Goodyear wrangler MT/R kevlars wrapped around 16" Helo 791 gloss black, Mini H1 retrofits with 6000k bulbs, 18" magnaflow w/custom exhaust reroute various decals, Sockmonkey retro hood stripes
    Dolphins. :thumbsup:
     
  9. Sep 13, 2011 at 12:27 AM
    #9
    Kelson

    Kelson [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2008
    Member:
    #6597
    Messages:
    4,433
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kelson
    Honolulu, Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    08 5-Lug Reg. Cab SR5
    SR5 Exterior/Interior (Color matched Front Bumper, Chrome Grille Surround and Chrome Rear Bumper/Silver Scoshe Dash Kit, A/C Bezel, A/C Vent Surround) LED license plate and white interior lights, Wet Okole Seat Covers, iPad in-Dash, JL CL-RLC, JL 13TW5 sub, JL 500/1 Slash V1 amp, JL XR 6.5 Components, Rockford Fosgate 6X9s in Boxes Front XRunner Coils, DJM Control Arms and Rear 4X4 Leafs, Custom 2" Angled Streetacos.com Blocks Front XR Bilstien Struts and Rear XR Bilstien Shocks, CravenSpeen Antennae, RX-8 Rims w/ Fronts:235/40-R18 Sumitomo HTR Rears:245/40-R18 Goodyear Eagle GT, 35% Tint front windows, OEM Sliding Privacy Glass w/ 5% Ceramic Tint, Flowmaster Super 44 dumped before the axle, URD Short Throw Shifter, Door Sill Protectors, Door Edge Guards, OEM Sport Pedals,The Retrofit Source Morimoto Mini D2S Stage III 35W 5K HID Headlights, OEM Fog Lights w/ piss yellow bulbs, OEM Cruise Control, Porsche 944 Bucket Seats, BeefedTaco Skid Plate, Whale
    thanks. was leaning towards cold but this re-assured me.
     
  10. Sep 13, 2011 at 12:35 AM
    #10
    yotamikez

    yotamikez Street glide or die

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2010
    Member:
    #46777
    Messages:
    3,586
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Valrico
    Vehicle:
    04 civic & 08 Street glide
    I have used hot and cold method. The engine cleaner I bought said run the truck for 15 min at idle and then apply, rinse thoroughly, then crank and idle for 15 minutes so its dry. Worked great made my engine in my 97 dak look allot better. But on the tacoma I used cold, with a product called simple green and hosed it down. Got most of the mud but still dirty. I don't have a pressure washer so I guess I am sol.
     
  11. Sep 13, 2011 at 1:06 AM
    #11
    G scott04

    G scott04 ...

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2011
    Member:
    #49443
    Messages:
    4,877
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Garrett
    Mesa
    Vehicle:
    04 PreRunner
  12. Sep 13, 2011 at 11:06 PM
    #12
    Tigahshark

    Tigahshark Senior NEWBIE

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2011
    Member:
    #61688
    Messages:
    8,241
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Isaac
    On a volcano, literally!
    Vehicle:
    2011 DC TRD off road 4X4
    Tint Weathertech floor liner, weathertech window visor Roll n lock tonneau cover Rubber bed mat Smoked license plate covers
    I think it doesn't really matter, its like driving your car in a mean rain or going through a DEEP puddle your engine gets it all the time especially if its lifted. IMO
     
  13. Sep 20, 2011 at 5:17 AM
    #13
    hillbillynwv

    hillbillynwv Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2008
    Member:
    #7555
    Messages:
    1,135
    Gender:
    Male
    Fairmont, WV
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma 6MT TRD Pro
    Falken Wildpeak MT 285's
    Cold engine. Don't use a degreaser like Gunk, just use SHOUT. Yes, I mean the same shit that you use on stains for your clothes before you wash them. Spray the engine bay with SHOUT, let it stand for 5 minutes, then hose off, start engine and let run for 15 minutes. It works great and supposed to be easier on your rubber components than using GUNK degreaser.
     
  14. Sep 20, 2011 at 12:26 PM
    #14
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Member:
    #38505
    Messages:
    3,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    virginia
    Vehicle:
    08 Tacoma 4x4
    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    A question for you...

    When you drive through a water crossing, or a deep puddle on the highway, water enteres your engine bay. It's more volume than a pressure washer and hose. What do you think is happening to the engine?
    Rust is happening, that and a possibility of killing your alternator or getting water in your electrical connections. You would need to apply very cold water to a hot manifold to get it to crack. The engine block is not a problem since it's extreme heat is carried through the exhaust.
    Wash it as you please. Add dielectric grease to all your electrical connections as a precaution.
     
  15. Sep 20, 2011 at 12:28 PM
    #15
    sprocketdog

    sprocketdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Member:
    #25041
    Messages:
    246
    Gender:
    Male
    Halifax Pa
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco 96 Taco 06 TSX 94 extra cab Hilux
    DR coilovers, Camburg UCAs, Dakar rear springs, Bilstien 5150s, Demello sliders, rear plate bumper w/ swing gate, and alot more mods. [IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd368/sprocketdog1/059.jpg[/IMG]
    X2 on the degreasers i always use simple green and my pressure sprayer just watch the electronics.
     
  16. Sep 20, 2011 at 12:32 PM
    #16
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Member:
    #38505
    Messages:
    3,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    virginia
    Vehicle:
    08 Tacoma 4x4
    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    Simple green works well, but etches aluminum.
     
  17. Sep 20, 2011 at 12:34 PM
    #17
    sprocketdog

    sprocketdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Member:
    #25041
    Messages:
    246
    Gender:
    Male
    Halifax Pa
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco 96 Taco 06 TSX 94 extra cab Hilux
    DR coilovers, Camburg UCAs, Dakar rear springs, Bilstien 5150s, Demello sliders, rear plate bumper w/ swing gate, and alot more mods. [IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd368/sprocketdog1/059.jpg[/IMG]
    I beg to differ never had it etch aluminum once always used it on all of my motocross bikes as well with full aluminum frames. Now if you use a product like mean green or purple power that stuff will stain aluminum.
     
  18. Sep 20, 2011 at 2:09 PM
    #18
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Member:
    #38505
    Messages:
    3,268
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    virginia
    Vehicle:
    08 Tacoma 4x4
    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    Used it on my pontoon boat. Your aluminum must have been coated/protected. It etched the hell out of mine.
    The simple green bottle used to say "not recommended for use on aluminum." Not anymore...
     
  19. Sep 20, 2011 at 2:15 PM
    #19
    sprocketdog

    sprocketdog Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2009
    Member:
    #25041
    Messages:
    246
    Gender:
    Male
    Halifax Pa
    Vehicle:
    05 Taco 96 Taco 06 TSX 94 extra cab Hilux
    DR coilovers, Camburg UCAs, Dakar rear springs, Bilstien 5150s, Demello sliders, rear plate bumper w/ swing gate, and alot more mods. [IMG]http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd368/sprocketdog1/059.jpg[/IMG]
    One my spray bottle an gallon refills it say the following (* Note: Do not use on instrument panels, unfinished wood, leather, suede, opals or pearls.). Dont know what simple green you are using. I have been using SG for atleast 16 years with out a hitch. Might be because you are using it on a boat which sees alot of different elements such as various waters and acid rain due to outside exposer. Might have various effects if you also have hard water as well when washing, like I said I am not trying to sell anyone on the product but I have well water and never had any issues with SG.
     
  20. Sep 20, 2011 at 2:29 PM
    #20
    Johns Taco

    Johns Taco I'm not 4x4, and have an open diff. So i'm 4x1

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2010
    Member:
    #47253
    Messages:
    2,074
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    05 DSM Base SR5 Slug Taco
    Full custom stereo, onboard air compressor, train horns, spacer lift, 30" tires, optima yellow top, rear slider window & tailgate anti-theft mod, pop & lock, class 3 tow hitch, lights in bed, Ultra Gauge, Weather Tech mats, yellow fog lights, camper top, air lift rear airbags, rear diff breather mod, soon to be more...
    I wash my engine compartment before washing my truck, my truck is an 05' and the enginge compartment looks like brand new. This is what I use on my dirtbike and engine compartment, mix 3 parts water to 1 part wash. this stuff is amazing. Bought from Honda dirtbike / motorcycle dealeship.

    [​IMG]
     

Products Discussed in

To Top