How to clean 3rd gen engine bay?

Hi all,

Wanted to ask what I need to do to clean my engine bay. I took my truck off-roading for the first time and got a lot of mud built up. What's recommended for cleaning engine bay at home? I've got a pressure washer with a low setting, was told that would be good enough, but I don't really know what to cover as well. And are any cleaning products necessary?




Also! Does this engine cover thing need to be replaced or is there a good way to clean that white material?


Made my blue turn to brown..

 

Wow

 

Dats a lot of mud. I’d also like to see what others are doing to clean their engine bay

 

Do not use a pressure washer on your engine. Too much risk of forcing water into a connector or several.

Cold motor. Presoak the mud, and keep it wet for 10min or so. Then, Simple Green 1:1 with water. Don't let it set long at all. Rinse very well, esp bare metal surfaces.

Use the pressure washer on the radiator though. From a good distance.

 

Most impressive post I've seen in the 3'rd gen forum to date. Well done sir.

 

i would use a harbor freight steam cleaner.

 

Thank you. I'm guessing I should use a regular garden house then for pre-soaking the mud?

 

I originally went down to my dealership, but was refused the cleaning because of the mud. They told me since it's been offroad they can't clean it unless I sign a waiver taking all responsibility for how the truck runs after cleaning.

 

I'd leave it. Looks better dirty.

 

Piss on that, muds with clay stain shit, and it's impossible to get off.

 

Go to carwash leave it running and clean it.

Of course you are on your on.

 

Bag the alternator just to be safe.

 

Yes. Stick with the garden hose for everything but the radiators.

 

1) engine on and hot, not off
2) if simple green it needs to be the aluminum safe version not standard

 

I'd take it for a run after the clean, but always cleaned cold. That's just me.

 

I pressure wash about every month. Every vehicle I've ever owned. Never an issue, but I'm quite a ways away. Ymmv

 

Aka the lube tech would just take it out back and blast it with a pressure washer haha

As far as the white material, I use an air compressor with the air nozzle thing. Not perfect, but when dry most of the mud turns to dust and just blows away.

Also, some microfiber towels work really good imo for the engine bay. Rinse all the heavy mud off with a regular hose first

 

What all do you cover, if anything when you use your pressure washer? And do you use it on the low pressure setting?

 

I don't cover shit. On the old accord I'd cover the inlet for the air intake but that's about it. I stand far back though. It's basically like misting it