2013 Toyota Tacoma engine cleaning

Hello Everybody:

I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 equipped with the off-road package. Like everyone else here I guess, I LOVE MY TRUCK!! - Today, I got new LED lights installed. The technician said that my engine was very dirty, he literally pulled off few blocks of dried mud from the bottom part of the engine where the fog lights are located at. The top part of engine looks okay but towards the bottom , I can see all that dried mud on the engine and on some hoses. He advised my to clean my engine.
I have never cleaned any engine in my life, I got the engine cleaner from the auto part store (it's basically a degraeser from what I can tell) but I am very nervous about using it and than hosing the whole thing down with water!! I am just afraid that some water is going to get where it is not supposed to and then mess up my entire engine!! What do you recommend? Is it really necessary to wash down an engine? If so, how should I clean it? Is it safe to use water? What is the best and safest way to clean an engine without messing anything up? My truck runs perfect, I am just afraid that while I am trying to clean to engine, I am going to cause a major problem. I would really appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thank you! Ray

 

Use pieces of plastic bag or plastic wrap (once engine is cooled) to cover all electrical connections and your air box. This way you can use moderate pressure water to blast that dirt off. You may also want to take off your skid underneath so you can spray from that direction as well.

If you're going to detail your engine after, watch chrisfix YouTube video.

 

Welcome aboard new member
I use a foaming degreaser and pressure washer, never caused a problem. I deliberately avoid direct spray on alternator and fuse box.

 

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Welcome to TW!

 

Thank you all I really appreciate all your feedback. I just called the Toyota dealership this morning to get their opinion as well on this engine cleaning. The guy at the service department said to me that they do not recommend the engine wash down because sensors may get damaged in the process. His words to me were: "You may be asking for trouble." Now, I am puzzled... I am a neat freak, I like things clean and shiny but I am also concerned that I may damage a sensor which may cost me a fortune to get it fixed. Tough call, isn't it?....

 

As long as you dont wash the coil packs or connectors directly its ok. I wash nearly every Toyota engine I Work on, but just quick rinses.

Biggest thing is no degreaser on drive belts. No water on connectors.

 

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