steam cleaning under hood
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 53
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From: Sweet Home
steam cleaning under hood
I am new around here and to Fords so sorry for the new guy question. It seems that I have some leaking around the valve covers and I would like to degrease and spray off the engine. Is there any paticular areas aside from right down the intake I should worry about?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,416
Likes: 881
From: Mi'kma'ki
yes.
the fuel lines you see running across the injectors on the top of the engine.
don't spray these with any force,or you will break the o-ring seals under the caps and either let air in,or fuel out.
be very careful.
the fuel lines you see running across the injectors on the top of the engine.
don't spray these with any force,or you will break the o-ring seals under the caps and either let air in,or fuel out.
be very careful.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,389
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From: Massachusetts
I've hit my engines very hard with the pressure washer, injector return lines and all...of course I was replacing them right away anyways...that was the plan!
Clean the engine up real good, replace the return lines, then wash it easily to clean up the mess.
You mght consider that route also, especially if the return lines are old and may leak anyways.
The only thing you should be careful of is the Injection Pump. I hit mine hard with hot water through the pressure washer on a hot summer day.
But be careful hitting the pump with hot water if its cold, or hitting a hot Injection Pump with cold water.
The IP is sensitive to temperature changes and you could potentially damage the internals.
Clean the engine up real good, replace the return lines, then wash it easily to clean up the mess.
You mght consider that route also, especially if the return lines are old and may leak anyways.
The only thing you should be careful of is the Injection Pump. I hit mine hard with hot water through the pressure washer on a hot summer day.
But be careful hitting the pump with hot water if its cold, or hitting a hot Injection Pump with cold water.
The IP is sensitive to temperature changes and you could potentially damage the internals.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
Likes: 1
From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
Those spray on engine cleaners that are rubber safe are perfect!! Douse the engine with a spray can and then let sit, then hose off. Just make sure you arent next to the EPA or similar when all of that crud comes off the engine hahaha.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
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From: Kville, ohio
make sure it a cold engine, also try to keep as much water as you can out of the alt and any other electrical devices. i left mine run when i degreased it. dont try to hit it with 5000 psi either. if you use a good degreeser it shouldent take much more than a hose off
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 53
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From: Sweet Home
Went the simple green route and just used a garden hose with nozzle. Did pretty good and it still runs so I guess I got it done. Thanks for the advice.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The biggest no no is cold water on a hot IP.
Aluminum housing, steel internals.
Heat makes everything expand slightly.
Douse the hot IP with cold water, the internal steel parts are still hot and the aluminum housing contracts against the steel internals.
Guess what gets damaged.
Aluminum housing, steel internals.
Heat makes everything expand slightly.
Douse the hot IP with cold water, the internal steel parts are still hot and the aluminum housing contracts against the steel internals.
Guess what gets damaged.
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