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Cleaning 4.9L

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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 08:34 AM
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Cleaning 4.9L

Hello All checked for this question though search didnt find much. Whats the Best Way to Clean the 4.9L I6 While its still in the truck? I know about covering the Coil and the Dist Cap any thing else and whats a good engine cleaner to use and then to clean off the crap with water? Thanks for Any Advice.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by dracond
Hello All checked for this question though search didnt find much. Whats the Best Way to Clean the 4.9L I6 While its still in the truck? I know about covering the Coil and the Dist Cap any thing else and whats a good engine cleaner to use and then to clean off the crap with water? Thanks for Any Advice.

I used to use Westley's Bleech-White, I would swear by the stuff. That is until I tried this stuff from the Dollar Store.

I use it on a warm engine, although sometimes not. I think it works better on a warm engine though.
I've also heard of using oven cleaner, which you can also get at the Dollar Store.
You could try both and let us know what you think.
I tend to use the Awesome Orange every time that I work on the engine, or in the engine compartment.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 08:47 AM
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Thanks for that it might work best on a warm engine since it will degrease it better what about spraying it off? or would i have to do that?
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by dracond
Thanks for that it might work best on a warm engine since it will degrease it better what about spraying it off? or would i have to do that?
I just use the hose with a spray nozzle. I guess you could use a pressure washer if you wanted. I have done it that way occasionally, either my own or at the car wash. And don't forget to wear some safety glasses.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...build-log.html
Pictures? Maybe some before and after shots? Good luck. If you get some moisture in the dist., I have found that using starting fluid sparingly in it will help to evaporate it out.
I also use Di-electric grease on all of my electrical connections, even the spark plug wire - both ends.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 09:02 AM
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Thanks again for the Replys and info Grubbworm Would you consider having the engine running while spraying it down with the water?
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by dracond
Thanks again for the Replys and info Grubbworm Would you consider having the engine running while spraying it down with the water?
I've done that before too. I guess it just comes to personal preference.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Grubbworm
I've done that before too. I guess it just comes to personal preference.
X2 I would use a soft-pressure setting on your water hose when you are spraying around electrical components and more of a medium setting towards the bottom end where the heavier grime would be. Thats my personal preferance.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 10:20 AM
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dracond,

At Walmart, for approximately $1.50, I have purchased a plastic handle and bristle scrub brush of dishes. It works well in scrubbing the heavier built up areas of the engine. Any long handled brush will come in handy.

Try to keep the cleaners off the body paint as it may streak the finish. By using a step-stool, it will be easier to reach all engine parts... this engine is l-o-n-g!
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 06:47 PM
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I appricate all the info Guys thanks for the tips. i do have a good scrub brush already that i can use. the Truck sat in the Garage for a few years and its pretty coated think thats how i got my little engine fire after pulling it out and getting it running again.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2012 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by dracond
Thanks again for the Replys and info Grubbworm Would you consider having the engine running while spraying it down with the water?
Not advisable unless you are really careful with the water stream - the fan blows water everywhere!

For the actual engine and transmission itself (not accessory components), I have used the Gunk brand engine cleaner/degreaser and I think it works well. Especially if you can use a brush like an old toothbrush, as the directions explain.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 12:51 AM
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X2 with galendor...I've used the heavy duty "Gunk" on an old super greasy 360 Fe..and it helped a ton!
 
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Old Jun 15, 2012 | 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Galendor
Not advisable unless you are really careful with the water stream - the fan blows water everywhere!

Another excellent reason to wear safety glasses.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2012 | 10:08 PM
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Connecting the hose to a hot water source really helps as well.
Personally, I use Simple Green. Spray it on a cold engine, let it soak a half hour, hot water rinse with a spray attachment on the hose.
Then you get to clean grease off the driveway.
 
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Old Jun 18, 2012 | 10:12 PM
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^ that stuff will work wonders on ANYTHING!
 
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Old Jun 18, 2012 | 11:05 PM
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All Good Tips thanks again guys. Went to the Dollar store picked up some stuff called Thunder Blaster for a $1 a bottle says works on Greasy engines. havent used it yet but will let you know when i do try it out!
 
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