cleaning under the hood!

[4x4Runner09]

Just got back from Mammoth and did lots of offroading but anyhoooo.

I wana clean under the hood. Whats the SAFEST way of doing this. Can I use the hose on low pressure and spray around? What cleaning detergent can I use.

thanks!

 

[4runnen]

CLEAN

I have alway's wet the compartment then spray with 50/50 solution of water and simple green. Let set a few minutes then come back with a paint brush and hit everything in sight then rinse off. Put aluminum foil on the things you don't want to get wet, like alternator, and go to town. Once done I get the air hose out and blow off everything I can and then start the motor to let the heat do the rest. I have been doing this for years and my 1996 4Runner has a cleaner engine compartment than most models a year old.

 

[kdx2000]

You may also want to try using hot/warm water to soak and to rinse. When I clean under my hood, I hook the hose up to the bottom of the hot water heater and turn up the water temp as hot as it will get. Connect a hose to the spigot at the bottom, turn on and you get a nice steamy water stream that will get all the dirt and crud off!

 

[Jason B]

Use CD-2.

More info here:

http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/jnburtman/hoodlight.html

 

[makakio]

Hmmm

What about just getting it professionally steamed. I used to do this with my Benz and it worked great. Do the 4Rs have big weak points (open electronics, etc) when it comes to steam?