Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
What's the best way to clean the engine and engine compartment? It's nice having it all new and shiny right now, and I'd like to keep it that was as long as possible.
How (and where) to clean engine compartment?
- Thread starter Ray Dunakin
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jrandom
New member
Don't use degreaser unless you have a oil based mess to clean. The shit can be to strong to use all the time.
Dirt and dust a light cleaner (like simple green, I dilute it). If your nuts about it you can treat the plastic with a conditioner, it will help keep dirt/dust from sticking to the plastics making them easier to clean later.
Clean engines are happy engines, they run cooler (when not packed with mud), easier to work on, ect.
Dirt and dust a light cleaner (like simple green, I dilute it). If your nuts about it you can treat the plastic with a conditioner, it will help keep dirt/dust from sticking to the plastics making them easier to clean later.
Clean engines are happy engines, they run cooler (when not packed with mud), easier to work on, ect.
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Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Any risk of water getting into the electrical components?
nb rob
New member
If you're sensible about it, there should be very little risk. The engine bay sees a lot of water while driving on wet roads and heavy rain. Low pressure water is important though.
I actually start the engine and have it running while I rinse. Then there are no surprises at startup. Admittedly, this probably isn't necessary in a modern vehicle.
I actually start the engine and have it running while I rinse. Then there are no surprises at startup. Admittedly, this probably isn't necessary in a modern vehicle.
philsey
New member
Fixed.
cbreze
Member
Walking in the "hood" one day came across a neighbor with an older Toyota truck. Had his hood up as he was checking the oil before driving over a nearby mountain pass. Stopped to chat. His engine was one of the grimiest, dirtiest motors I've ever seen. Says he had 240K on the clock and it runs like a top. He had never cleaned the engine off or washed it ever. His words " It'll just get dirty again".
It was an '03 Tacoma.
I shall continue to keep mine clean as I have done with all my vehicles. I just prefer it that way.
Simple green does indeed work well.
It was an '03 Tacoma.
I shall continue to keep mine clean as I have done with all my vehicles. I just prefer it that way.
Simple green does indeed work well.
MTN4RNR
New member
When I get back from a trip, the truck gets a bath and cleaned on the inside. All I have ever done with the engine is a quick rinse with the hose, that's it. If you start clean and keep it clean it's easy to clean! My dad always taught me to make sure that when I was done using a tool, before I put it back it should be perfectly ready for the next time you'll need it. I guess that lesson stuck with me and my "tool" gets prepped for the next trip when I get back from the current trip. Plus it's a great time to give everything a once over so there are no surprises your next time out!
cbreze
Member
northcoast
New member
Just be careful with Simple Green and don't let it sit on there. It's corrosive to some metals, and I think aluminum is one of them. Wash it off right away.
Lexusbstrdchild
New member
What Antman said. It works, just rinse it off well like others said. You can use plastic shopping bags to bag off any sensitive areas to be safe. I've done it for years with no issues.
