Cleaning engine on a 2003 Tacoma

Hello all. My Tacoma was bought brand new off the lot. It was handed down to me from my dad and I want this truck to last forever. I don't believe the engine has ever been cleaned. Any tips or certains way to clean a 21 year engine that has never been cleaned?

 

I just learned this trick off of YouTube a few months ago- get a can of Super Clean FOAMING degreaser ( purple can at your local parts store or Amazon and a large cone shaped detailing brush- spray the engine compartment all down with the foam and let it sit for a few minutes while it works- agitate with the brush in tight areas and then gently rinse with water- obviously avoiding sensitive electrical components- repeat if necessary. I’m about to do my 3rd vehicle with the one can. Hope that helps.
-Wild

 

Cover your alternator if you spray down the engine

 

good thing it never ever gets wet while driving!

OP-- use a normal garden hose pressure. and don't use the pressurized setting i nooks and crannies where multiple parts come together. the solid side of the engine block is fine for all the pressure you want to give it, but let the foaming degreaser and a brush do most of the work otherwise.

and you can use compressed air to clean it off later as well, but similar rules-- keep the nozzle a 6+ inches away from most of the engine and use it to evacuate the water, not entirely dry it