Engine cleaning question

Need a little advice. I was wanting to do an engine cleaning this weekend and wanted to know that parts of the engine I need to cover up or stay away from.

Any advise would be great.

Thanks

 

battery, fuse box, alternator

 

I usually just simple green the entire thing, just be quick when washing it off. Keep the hose/power washer moving, don't want to stay in one are for two long. The fuse box, the alternator.. along with other parts are prone to water damage but don't need to be covered as long as you don't go nuts with washing them.

 

Thanks for the info.

What are you think about using Greased Lighting on it?

M.

 

anyone know what the dealerships use to clean the engines ? simple green works but not as good looking as if you buy a used car

 

you can use any degreaser that doesnt have a silicone base in it (it'll mess with electrical). You dont have to cover ANYTHING on our tacomas. just spray everything.

warm up engine and shut it down (or leave it running while warm.. thats what i did)

Spray down with a hose (hood and engine and everything)

Spray degreaser on EVERYTHING

Let stand for 5+ mins (engine running/warm still)

Spray off with hose..

dry with a cloth.

(Repeat if necessary)

use a low gloss engine cleaner/finisher (Meguires makes a fantastic one)

Spray down with cleaner

Wipe clean

Enjoy.

 

WOW Jefferson! Sweet engine compartment!!

msting22,
I bought my 2009 a couple months ago from a guy who obviously lived down a VERY LONG dirt road! The engine compartment (and everything else) was dusted out big time! I took it to my local car wash and pressure washed the entire engine and tranny with it turned off without bagging anything. She started right up afterwards. Then I took it home and spayed it down with the Meguires finisher also (love Mcguires products)....came out perfect...just wish mine looked as good as Jeffersons when I was done! I am generally a little nervous about using greased lighting as it has had a tendancy to scar aluminum products in my past experiences.

 

Oh you'll be fine! Mine hadnt been cleaned since 05 when i got it. It was FILTHY. use that degreaser and go nuts and you'll be OK. Promised.

 

cap full of simple green in a spray bottle with water...

power washer from a distance...

cover up battery, fuse box, and alternator...you really don't have to cover them just don't sit there for minutes on end with the power washer...lol

after everything is clean wipe it down till its dry...

then lastly apply some MAXIMA SC1...keeps dust particles from clinging to parts in the engine...+ it has a clear coat in it to help things look shiny...another thing to add its in aeresole form and smells really good like fresh picked cherries...maybe that's why I use more than needed...rofl

here's mines after a full wash, polish, and detailing of truck...(sorry for fuzzy pics...)

 

Thanks again for all the advise. Heading out right now to clean it.

I'll post a few before and after photo's tonight.

M.

 

All went well. Thanks again for the tips.

Before:



After:

 

Looks good, seeing all these clean engine compartments makes me feel I need to get off my ass and do mine, haha.

 

im doing this tomorrow!! Did you go with simple green or something else??

 

nice! I did mine a couple years back. but its filthy again. I think its time for a quick cleaning..

 

I used Greased Lighting and it worked like a champ.

M

 

Im subscribing to this. gonna do it tomorrow do you spray anything on the underside of the hood besides water?

 

Glad it worked out for ya man

 

Count me in too!

My compartment needs a good rub down

 

make it happen!