Cleaning under the hood?

[Narkhelek]

Looking through all these build threads one thing I notice is that you all have engines clean enough to eat off. Either you guys don't ever take these things off road or there is some secret to cleaning under the hood. I'm not about to spray a bunch of water under there so I ask you to divulge your secrets.

 

[CXS]

I spray a bunch of water under there! This has been mentioned before and apparently some people think I'm over the edge but since I've done it for years I will continue to do so. When my truck is filthy from wheeling I use the do-it-yourself high pressure car wash. Before doing the exterior I pop the hood and hose it down. I use soap and rinse but have yet to use the wax.

It always surprises me how some people will run their truck through water and mud and whatever but are afraid of spraying it down.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I don't use full hard pressure on my engine and use common sense and don't spray onto the electrical boxes directly but it's ok to rinse the sensitive parts with a little douse of water and wipe them down but everywhere else a solid spray has been ok which I prefer to do at home since the public car washes use to much pressure for their spray for under the hood.

 

[phillyd2]

Paging Mr. Joneseyyy :whipping2

 

[CXS]

Yeah, like Ron said don't spray the electrical. Guess it needs to be said...

 

[joneseyyy]

Paging Mr. Joneseyyy :whipping2

I am in the "don't wash the engine all too often" crowd. In fact, I think Antman found 3 previously unidentified creatures living under there at the last meet.

 

[Narkhelek]

I guess I was just a little overly paranoid about melting something. Then again just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you. Thanks guys I'll give it a try.

 

[Michigander]

Has anyone gone to a shop to have their engine compartment steam cleaned?

Seems like a safer way to clean than to power wash. Are there any drawbacks to have the engine steam cleaned?

I am mostly dealing with accumulation of dust and not so much mud.

It is nice to work under a clean engine bay.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I use LA'street Totally Awesome Orange for the wheels, wheel wells, and under the hood. Never had a problem and have been using it for years. Just wet it, spray, scrub, rinse. Never a problem. I many have a 4th Gen but my Neighbor has a 2011 SR5 and I clean his all the time without problem.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Its kinda the same spraying it down, bexause when it rains water gets under the hood anyways

 

[Antman]

On every vehicle I've owned, I've done this:

Spray the cold (or warm, but not HOT) engine with a light fan spray from the hose. If it's really dirty, a spray of simple green will do the trick, otherwise skip it. Don't let the simple green dry, wipe the dirty areas with a micro fiber towel. Hose the engine down again until it's free of soap. Then, start the engine, close the hood and let it get nice and toasty to dry out all the water. turn the engine off, and wipe down any left over puddles.

If you have water spots left over, ICE total interior detailer, or something similar (Armor-All will make it look ridiculously good, but will attract a lot of dust) and a rag will get it looking perfect , if you spray it, make sure you cover the serpentine belt!.

I used to enter local car shows throughout the 90's (won a bunch too!), and people were amazed by how clean my daily driver's engine bay was. Even my Jeep was spotless- and I hit some serious mud in that thing a few times!

 

[jspagna1]

The key is to clean frequently. I don't take my truck through deep mud and water, but have always gone to the car wash and leave the engine running while washing the engine keeping away from electrical boxes and cone filters.
Then the key is to wipe down the engine every once in awhile. I'm doing this with my 2011 SR5 and I have always done this with my 97 SR5 as well. Take a look.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2590536/1997-toyota-4runner#25905360012