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Gonna start the process of cleaning under the hood on my 89 F150. Just curious as to some DOs and DO NOTs when it comes to this old of a truck and spraying water and whatnot. I've read other places online that say people have had trouble with their trucks starting after cleaning. I just want to make sure I do it safely. Can't find much online about cleaning this truck in particular.
I know I need to cover the distributor and alternator but what else?
I typically wash engines while running but COLD (hot block and water dont mix). so I start truck cold and then wash. leave it running after youre done washing and the heat will help evaporate the water out of the engine bay. Use common sense and avoid computers and electronics as best as possible
The absolute worst thing you could do is anything that involves a pressure washer, all those wiring connectors are now 27 years old so even if they were designed to be "water proof" to begin with they won't be now.
If the engine is still in there my suggestion is simply don't, it's an engine bay it's not supposed to be clean or tidy.. close the hood and forget about it.
This could start out a mild task and end up costly in the end.
I asked the same question not to long ago and it's advisable not to.
If you feel compelled, here's what I did.
1. Disconnect battery connections.
2. Unbolt and Unplug the 60-pin PCM connector
3. Put something like a towel where the PCM is so NO water can come in contact with it or the pins.
4. If you have a Pressure washer, find out how to lower the psi so it's not high like 2000-3000 psi and use a fan type sprayer tip.
5. Once done, leave the hood up and try to use compressed air to blow any water of areas that have puddled with water.
Blow off any and all electrical connectors and connections.
6. Try to plan accordingly on weather. When I did mine, I had nice warm weather for several days and wasn't in a hurry since it wasn't my Daily Driver.
I also had to replace the water pump at the same time.
7. If this is your D.D., then be sure you have another ride if this backfires and it doesn't run well after.
I actually don't think I have the ***** to pressure wash it. I'm doing it by hand. After owning the truck for 9 years I'm due. I did under the hood today.
This has probably never been cleaned. I know I've never done it. So this is about 9 years of grime. At least. I don't think it was that clean when I bought it.
What I usually do is use Dawn in a soap attachment for the hose. I sometimes scrub easy to get to areas, but don't want broken pieces. Then just rinse it out afterwards, and use a leaf blower to dry it out. This is the best method I have found.
What I usually do is use Dawn in a soap attachment for the hose. I sometimes scrub easy to get to areas, but don't want broken pieces. Then just rinse it out afterwards, and use a leaf blower to dry it out. This is the best method I have found.
I don't have a soap attachment, but I'll dilute some Dawn in a coffee can and take a 2" or 3" paint brush to get everywhere. The bristles make it very easy to get under the edge of things, like under the inner bracing panel of the hood, or under the edge of all those glue dots between the bracing panel and the outer hood panel.
If a paint brush isn't working for you, increase the concentration of the Dawn a bit and start using a sponge.
Once all the painted surfaces are done, go back and wax them. Makes them look better, and makes cleanup in the future a lot easier.
I never use a high pressure washer any more. Regular hose pressure with a shower type head is more than adequate if you've dissolved the grease with Dawn, or other good quality soap.
I use Zep industrial degreaser (looks just like Purple Power but thicker).
Warm the engine, just like Brad said. Shut the engine off, cover the alternator with a plastic grocery bag, and apply everywhere you can, steer clear of delicate connections.
Use a brush if need be to get the degreaser liberally applied in hard to reach spots. Let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen up the grease and grime. And then start the engine.
If you are just using the garden hose and spray attachment, let it rip. If you are using a power washer, be extremely cautious about how much pressure you are putting at certain spots, especially with delicate electrical connections.
However, I've always found it best to clean up when you were doing maintenance or repair, because cleaning by hand as much as possible is always preferential.
I always wash the engine bay on all my vehicles. I use purple power degreaser and a garden hose with an adjustable spray pattern. I usually wash them when I first get the vehicle, then after any maintenance I do (oil changes, sensor replacement, etc.). If it develops a leak, I like to know where it is coming from and it is much easier to find when stuff is not completely caked.
For hoses and wiring, hit with some tire foam or equivalent, then wipe down with paper towels. Looks like you just replaced everything, takes 10 minutes.
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