Cleaning engine bay

You don't clean it. Only clean it when you have too.
For example, when repairing something under the hood.

Unless you have taken it off road and have mud and dirt caked on things.
I'd leave it alone.

 

you think the dirt is going to hold the leaking oil or antifreeze in?

 

the tacoma does not have an air cooled engine, it is cooled by coolant running through the inside of it

 

they dont care if its clean or dirty, they want the warmth and soy based wires

 

I was aware of that last time I checked my coolant levels.

Dirt still blocks radiant heat. Not enough to make a significant difference.

 

how much? how many degrees?

 

I use the method that was posted somewhere in these threads. Super Clean tough task cleaner detailer in the purple spray bottle and one of those multi setting plant watering spray wands. I hit it one a year with just a light spray of the cleaner, give it a couple minutes, and then rinse off with the garden wand set on shower so there's really no pressure behind it. If it's really bad with years of crud, maybe go a little heavier with the cleaner. It's easy to keep clean if you make it a annual thing. (for those who like to)

 

Washed my 2004 Jeep Laredo,somehow the water got inside cables and corroded them without me knowing ...the battery would last about 2 years and have to be replaced...Jeep developed electrical problems after that....


I use Chemical Guys Plastic rejuvenator,soapy rag & bowl of clean water...it takes me about 2 hours....looks new after ive finished.

 

I clean mine about once a year. I also do my M3 at the same time. Here's a thread that covers pretty much everything:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/when-was-the-last-time-you-cleaned-your-tacos-engine.716366/

 

Utilizing this equation for the calculation:

P = P50 [((ti - tr) / ln((ti - ta) / (tr - ta))) (1 / 49.32)]n

With the Tacoma coolant temp at 175 deg F. and ambient air temp at 70 deg F you end up getting
watts of radiant heat.
So not enough to make a difference that you would notice.

 

All dreams have a meaning.

My dreams…

 

Washing down an engine does take common sense, for over 50 years I have washed lawnmower, motorcycle, snowmobile, four wheeler and car engines. How many times have you taken a hose to your side by side, ATV or motorcycle ? Care does need to be taken with bearings and electrical components with a pressure washer and especially, with a higher pressure washer. One who takes the time to completely clean an engine is way more likely to do routine maintenance and spot problems early. Hot metal does not like cold water spray, have you ever heard the snapping and cracking noises or wondered why a blacksmith dipped metal in water ? Blowing excess water out, using a fan or better yet, letting it set out in the sun on a windy day with the hood open will do the trick. I use WD40 on electrical components and the beauty of WD40 is it will almost completely dry, while still leaving behind a protective film. To each his own but, routine cleaning does not require aggressive measures and harsh chemicals since, there is no long term buildup .