Washing the Engine.

[goneyakin]

I've seen people hosing down thier engines. Is this alright with a 4Runner? will it damage anything?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Cover up the electronics and/or avoid direct spray on those parts and you should be fine. I clean mine up about 3-4 times a year.

I also like to use some tire shine stuff on the rubber parts as it really cleans it up nice.

 

[Thai]

Personally, i don't clean my engine bay...partly because i am lazy but also because i don't think that it is really necessary. Is there any benefit (other than appearance) to cleaning the engine bay??

 

[goneyakin]

Personally, i don't clean my engine bay...partly because i am lazy but also because i don't think that it is really necessary. Is there any benefit (other than appearance) to cleaning the engine bay??

I doubt it, I just like for it to look good.

 

[004Gunner]

A clean engine exterior and engine bay is nice if you have ever had to locate a leak, or really work on anything under the hood. I also like to keep it clean to prevent corrosion, mainly from salt residue. If you drive in an area where roads get salted and/or off road on dusty trails, I think the engine should be cleaned afterwards. Mine gets a good cleaning twice a year: end of winter and end of summer.

 

[Methodical]

agreed, it's nice to have a clean bay when working in there, and it shouldn't hurt a thing...
but at the same time, no point in washing it unnecessarily frequently.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

A clean engine also runs cooler thus being more efficient.

It will pay off in the long run since accumulating dirt and grime will effect the motor even worse down the road.

Don't be lazy and give the engine a spray time to time;your engine will thank you.

 

[peter78]

Here is my post on cleaning the engine. I did a section at a time. I now have 105,000 miles. I guess I should do it again.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1279

 

[rxshu]

Anyone use degreaser to get mud and stuck on dirt off the engine?

 

[004Gunner]

I usually use spray on degreaser but just bought the tougher foam degreaser designed specifically for engines. Either one can be used when cleaning the engine bay. If it is really caked on then let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off

 

[edub152]

While the engine is running, I spray on Purple Power engine degreaser. I let it sit for 15 min then I hose off grime. I shut the engine off and while it's still warm I mist Armor all over the whole engine bay. After letting it sit for 1/2 hr or so the whole bay looks outstanding!. It's been 4 weeks with rain off and camping and it still looks great. This photo is my engine with 121k and after 4 wks of rain and camping/little off-road.

 

[edub152]

This is a better picture

 

[Iron Clad Lou]

While the engine is running, I spray on Purple Power engine degreaser. I let it sit for 15 min then I hose off grime. I shut the engine off and while it's still warm I mist Armor all over the whole engine bay. After letting it sit for 1/2 hr or so the whole bay looks outstanding!. It's been 4 weeks with rain off and camping and it still looks great. This photo is my engine with 121k and after 4 wks of rain and camping/little off-road.

thats pretty much what I do cept I use ol Westleys Bleach White...results (esp after the armorall mist) are amazing!

 

[rxshu]

What kind of armor-all are you guys using?

 

[edub152]

The original spray.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've never liked the buildup Armor-All has on the interior parts so I don't use it under the hood but I've had decent lasting results using a tire shine that foams up and is easy to wipe up and doesn't dry greasy.

 

[edub152]

I agree Ron about the greasy buildup, but I've noticed if I use a light mist approx 6" away from engine bay, no build up occurs.