Hey y'all got a few quick questions about my 96 Explorer XLT.
1. Where is the air filter located?
2. In the front wheel wells there are two shields that snap in and out. (I would assume they are like dust shields) Mine are all cracked and broken and I was wondering if I could just take them off?
3. What is the best way to clean the engine, and resorviors under the hood? It
is really dusty under there.
I know they are all very amateur questions but any help would be appreciated. Thank y'all for your time

 

Welcome to FTE!

The air filter is located in the front left corner of your engine bay. It should be in a black plastic box that has a plastic tube running to the throttle body on the engine.

The shields on the inside of the fenderwell - I assume you are referring to the ones behind the wheel on the back of the fenderwell. If so, yes, you can take them off and not have any problems. I have had mine off for years. This is also the best place to get to your spark plugs when they need changing. Easiest way to get them out instead of going through the top of the engine bay.

Best way I have found to clean an engine is with plain water and a degreaser called Grease Lightning. MAKE SURE YOUR ENGINE IS COLD AND HAS NOT BEEN RUN WHEN CLEANING. While the engine is cold, I spray the entire engine compartment and engine with Grease Lightning. I then take the water hose and spray it off. This will take off most of the dust and dirt. You can then spray it again and use a brush or rag to get the stubborn spots with. An old toothbrush is also good to have for some of the tighter spots. I recommend looking at your engine in between the steps to see where the stubborn or built up spots are. This is a good time to see if valve covers are leaking, power steering lines are leaking, etc. Once clean, use a blower or air compressor to blow off the excess water. By the time you wash the rest of the vehicle, the engine is usually dry enough you can start it without any reprocussions.

Don't feel bad about asking questions! We all had to learn somewhere - no one was born with all the knowledge! We have a great group of people here that like helping out!

 

Those snap in shields were designed to keep dirt and dust out of the engine compartment, as well as water when you go through puddles. Keep em on.

I recommend not spraying water under the hood. There's alot of electrical connectors that are made of steel inside. Any water that gets in there will corrode the steel.
You'll have such a great looking engine bay, but tons of electrical problems down the road. If you insist on a clean engine, spot spray degreasers etc and wipe off.

 

I disagree with everything you said except for what the purpose of the shields are for, but everyone has opinions I guess.

I don't suggest using a pressure washer to do the engine with, but a water hose will not hurt your engine. I have used the same method I described for the last 15 years and have never had a problem with any electrical connection. Of course I have had sensors go bad and had to replace them (IAC, TPS, etc), but it has never been from water gettinfg on them - it has been from normal use and wear and tear.