Over the weekend I was under the hood, just poking and prodding checking fluids … that sort of thing. I came to the realization that this thing is filthy. I’d like to clean up the engine compartment; I’m thinking degreaser and my little electric 2,000 psi pressure washer. So I ask; is this good idea or bad idea? Are there any precautions I should take before hand? I don’t intend to blast on any electrical boxes panels or gizmos … just clean it up.<O:p</O:p

<O:p</O:pYear: 2002<O:p</O:p
Model: F-350 Super Duty
Package: XLT
<O:p</O:pBody: Super Crew / Short Box
<O:p</O:pEngine: 7.3L PSD
<O:p</O:pDrive: 4x4
<O:p</O:pTrans: Auto with overdrive
<O:p</O:pMileage: 85,000 (12,000 mine)
<O:p</O:p
No significant modifications
<O:p</O:p
Driving habits: Conservative, occasionally letting her breath<O:p</O:p

 

It should be fine. I have cleaned my a few times and had no problems. I use the Castrol degreaser. It comes in a purple bottle. I also left my engine running (7.3L). Maybe someone could clear that up. Is it better to leave the engine running? My Dad doesn't but I always have.

 

I'd like to do the same thing, so I, too, will welcome the wisdom of those who have gone before me.

 

whenever i clean my engine, i cover the alt. and powersteering res. with a plastic bag.(and air filter if it is an open element) try not to hit the electrical connections dead on with water. i wouldnt leave the engine running just for safty reasons. hope this helps

 

i just cleaned mine last week, engine was only warm to the touch, dont wash it hot, and i suggest not using "gunks" engine degreaser in the arosole can unless you use it on the engine only, i used that stuff and sprayed it everywhere, it works really good, but it stinks, and some must have gotten in the duct system or whatever and everytime i start the truck it smells in the cab like the degreaser, man what a smell, it is gettin better now. this it the first time i used that stuff, i usually use a different product, i have used a power washer before on everything under the hood havent had a problem, this time i just used the hose pressure with a soaker attachment and it worked just as good, then after i ran the truck for about 15 min, good to go

 

I like the idea of lower pressure water, myself.

 

Simple green and a garden hose. I would not use a pressure washer under that hood, too much electrical connectors in bad spots. Spray simple green down on everything then rinse off with a garden hose with the engine just warm to the touch.

 

good answers.

engine cleanliness is impt. not kidding, makes it easier for inspection and spotting leaks and maintnance.

1.) park it in the yard and run the srinkler for about 30 minutes, cleans the underside too.
2.) warm, not hot engine.
3.)mild degreaser, i like gunk or whatevers on sale. several cans.
4.) low pressure water, garden hose is fine, let the degreaser time to work.
5.) bag or avoid spraying electrical connectors, alternator, oil filler caps, dipstick tubes, etc.. let the degreaser do the hard work, just rinse the crud away, don't blow it off.
6.) don't forget the underside too. kinda hard to clean but the sprinkler trick will keep it clean enough if done often enough.

 

Thanks gentlemen, I like the idea of simple green and low pressure for the topside of the engine compartment, I think I’ll still use my 2,000 psi on the underside and drive components.

<O</OJake

 

Sprinkler, hunh??

Never heard of that one, but it does make sense!!

 

yep, washes all the crap in to the yard. get the one that swings back and forth, i run the hose long ways underneath and pull it through over about a half-hours time. you'll be sup[rised at how much stuff comes off, i do this everytime i'm gonna work on the underside of the truck. makes it a lot easier than getting a face full of whatever.

 

Dos-

watch the pressure washer. they're for getting paint off concrete.

you have rubber seals and wires, etc.. under your truck that can be damaged by the hi-pressure water.

 

Another vote for the Castrol "super Clean" that comes in a purple bottle. I just recently washed my engine bay that was beyaond filthy and the stuff works Awesome. Not saying it is the right way, but here is what I did, and how. And it worked great, for me.

1. Engine Fully warmed up and dry. water will dilute the minimize the effect of the degereaser, if you want it diluted, do it beforehand. Wet the truck with the hood closed to help protect the paint from any overspray. In my mind, the hot engine will help to dry residual water from the wash off before it can sit and soak into parts.

2. A pressure washer is good, so long as you use a fan spray tip. If your pressure washer only has a sharp stream, this will destroy parts. The alternator will be fine with water, just don't focus on it for hours on end. Again the heat will evaporate and dry water in short order.

3. Cover the top of the Powwer Steering Pump with a bag, and a rubber band. I agree on that one.

4. When done, start engine let run for about 30 seconds, and shut off. Then check all your fluids to make sure there is no sign of water contamination.

5. Stand back and enjoy the Shiny new engine bay

 

Congrats Jason on getting the sponsorship through the hoops. Why don't you show up in the sponsor list, Jason?

 

i would clean it while the engine is cold not fully warmed. if the engine is hot and your shoot cold water all over it you will crack the block from the temperature diffrence