Washing the Engine~ Any Good Method?
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 263
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From: USA
Washing the Engine~ Any Good Method?
My 2000 F-250 had a oil leak on top of the motor by the oil pump. The guy I bought it from already put a new O-ring in. He was afraid of it not starting after cleaning it, which I understand, but there's oil all over the top of the motor from the leaking oil being blown back. It isn't hurting anything, but doesn't look good when I show people the engine. Is there a good easy method to cleaning the motor that won't drown out my electrical connections?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
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Wrap the alternator and air intake and any exposed electrical connectors with some saran wrap or some sort of plastic covering. Then spray the whole thing down with Simple Green, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then spray it all down with a garden hose.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: USA
Cool, so there's no problems drowning the motor? I flushed the coolant on my Expedition and some water got on the intake and must've gone into a sparkplug hole. It missed and ran terribly when got on it for like 3 days.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
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The only real trouble spots are the alternator (electrical), exposed electrical connections, and intake - no where else for the water to get in, really. It gets all wet when you're driving in the rain, too. Plus, it's not like you're dunking it in a huge tub... just spraying it for a few minutes. Seems most folks who've done it this way haven't had a problem. I'll probably do mine sometime this summer...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1
From: Northern Colorado
All good suggestions and simple green with a garden hose has been the general concensis for some time now. The only thing I could add is do it when the engine is slightly warm, not hot. If you can lay your hand on the exhaust manifold without getting burned, it's just right. It seems to help the simple green cut the oil and grease when it's a little warm.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
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From: 21791
there is a hole in the bottom right corner of the block, near the pedestal (to the right) that will drain all the water. it will go down the back of the transmission. while youre at it, get under the truck (watch your eyes) and spray up past the downpipe to get the backside of the engine.
