Read some posts. Tried some stuff. Engine degreaser/cleaner was one. Also did the Simple Green for small stuff. Now the engine compartment stinks like chemicals, and its drifting into the interior. Crap!

How long does it last, and is there anything I can do to speed the process up?

Thanks!

'04 SR5 V8

Take your rig to the car wash. Spray a degreaser/cleaner over everything but the alternator. Let soak a minute. Brush any really bad areas with a parts brush. Blast the whole engine area with the soap then wax settings. I would also be careful around the battery caps, sealed or not. Presto, a clean engine bay.

I cleaned my engine on Monday using Gunk engine cleaner. It looks pretty good, but it will look better after this weekend when I give it the Zaino's z16 treatment, thanks to RL Lemke. I got it last week, but have the big plans to use it tomorrow.

Tell me that you only do this because of off-road mud/dirt. If I clean an engine once every 3-4 years it's a miracle. And I only do the complete cleaning of paint and waxing 2 or 3 times a year. Otherwise I just car wash (spray wash, not fabric wash) maybe once a month.
Show me some pics of an engine bay you consider dirty, please.

I must admit that with the skidpans under the engine, the engine bay stays a lit cleaner. I was on another muddy jobsite today. The only place under the hood where mud collects is in a couple depressions behind the bumper.

BTW: There were a number of pickups stuck at the same jobite. The 4Runner did not even notice the soft mud. The clods are still falling from under the 4Runner as I drive around though.

The coin ones work fine for me. The only seals I worry about are where there are bearings. In reality though I blast everything. A warm engine, degreaser spray and a parts brush are all it takes. I like to finish with the wax setting, as it is usually hot water. The rince setting is cold, so not a effective.

For those concerned about this, don't worry. I wash my dirt bike this way all the time. Other then the chain and wheel bearings, everything gets the full force of the wand. I have been doing it this way since the early 70's. Works for me.

The force of the power wash pressure is what cleans the accumulated crud from the irregular surfaces, and hoses.

I will let all know how the engine bay looks after a few creek crossings when I am back in the Ozarks. I am in the middle of getting ready for a trip to Moab (March 6 - 9). I'll take some photos to share.

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This worked pretty good for me.
I wiped the engine down with some Vinyl & Rubber Dressing,
the black parts and hoses. Then I used mr.clean magic eraser to get the
grease and grime off the valve covers then I used some
chrome/aluminum polish on the covers. I also spayed some
Vinyl & Rubber Dressing on a paint brush to get all the little
cracks I couldn't get with my fingers.

That engine bay looks GREAT!!!javascript:smilie('%20')