what is the best way to clean a dirty engine?

Hi, i was wondering what is the best way to clean a dirty engine without hurting the wires or anything that's under the hood. Can you just hose it down wit h2o? Please help

 

anyone?

 

I was wondering the same thing.

 

Welcome to TW.

Do a little search and you will find what ya need.

I already did it this time for ya

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/84861-alright-im-sick-how-do-i-clean.html

 

Thanks Blackshirts for the 411!

 

I use a motorcycle-specific cleaner called S-100. They say it's formulated to protect rubber and plastic. Simply spray it on, wait a few minutes and use moderately strong water spray to wash down the engine area. It has worked well for me. Any time I remove spark plugs, intakes or any part that exposes interior parts, I like for the engine area to be as clean as possible.

I cover any large electrical plugs, orifices and such with blue painter's tape, spray liberally with S-100, maybe scrub around a little with a soft brush, wait a few minutes and hose it down with a moderate jet spray. I'm always amazed at how nice everything looks when I'm done.

Two important things to remember: 1. Immediately wash-off any S-100 residue that might have gotten out side the engine bay (it will have) and 2. Seal-off your spark plug holes as best you can. If your truck runs like crap after washing your engine bay it's most likely that some water got down into a spark plug well.

S-100 is not cheap but I think it's worth it. Makes my KLR 650 look "almost" new!

 

WD-40 is incredible! Makes everything look brand new! Takes away all the "caked" in mud that is in the rubber hoses

 

I cover up the altenator with a rag and plastic bag and then spray Simple Green on the engine and let it sit for a few seconds and then spray it all down. Works good.

 

x2! this is what i did. just barely spray it down with water doing little areas at a time. engine looks brand new!

 

CD-2 engine detail spray is terriffic. Get it at Autozone.
Leaves everything looking great and won't attract dust.
Also works great under fender wells.

 

Thanks for the tip. I just googled it and it says it can cause aluminum to corrode faster.

 

i got a nice write up on the socal forum