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Old May 31, 2009 | 03:35 PM
  #1  
MustangMatt96GT's Avatar
MustangMatt96GT
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From: Lakewood, Colorado
Cleaning Engine

What is the preferred way of cleaning our motors? I am afraid to drive it to a car wash, pull out the pressure gun there, and spray it, because of the turbo right on top and how hot they are.

This is how dirty my engine is...

YouTube - PowerStroke Idling



 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 04:32 PM
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95_Dually
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I wash mine at home. It looked like that the first time I pressure washed it. I always wash my engines cold and let the water evaporate before I start it.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 04:54 PM
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You can use a cleaner such as "Simply Green" it does a great job. Wash the engine when cold and "High Pressure" is discouraged especially around electrical connections. Use a "Wooly Mitt" or something similar if you desire.

If you have access to compressed air it helps especially around those very electrical connections that you so meticulously avoided.

Shoot a lot of Simple Green in and around the Valley of Death as there is always an accumulation of oils, grease, rats nests, tools, springs, clips, etc. Then flush it out with a lot of water. Make sure the valley drain is open. It is located at the rear of the valley on the passenger side.

Start her up and take it for a drive. When ya get back, open the hood and look at all of the places that you missed.

Happy bathing,

Rog
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 05:06 PM
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kawa
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One other thing Matt, I noticed that you are still running the stock air filter. After ya get it all cleaned up, disconnect the air inlet hose at the turbo and inspect the turbo vanes for "dusted", chipped/nicked and bent vanes.

You may want to consider the 6637 air filter mod to replace the leaking stock air cleaner. It's a simple Mod, remove the old air cleaner and box and the 6637 will just lay in the place of the stock box. You will have to add a 45* elbow between the 6637 filter and the stock hose to the turbo.


If you need pix of the 6637 just give a yell and someone will post it for you. I know that TJ Biggs for one has the photo's in his album.

Rog
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 05:38 PM
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Yea the DIY air filter is on the list... i got graduation money that I can now financially do a few things to the truck that I have been wanting. DIY air Filter, DP and straight pipe, TW 6 Pos Chip, and possibly some stage 1 injectors. I also am going to do new GPs (need a few anyway) and new harnesses under neath the valve covers. Should put me around where I want on this truck. I also am going to be doing a 38 gallon rear fuel tank, since mine has a hole in it.


Does anybody know where I can buy the 45º elbow for the DIY?

I took two cans of engine degreaser (had them in the trailer) and let it sit for a while. then sprayed it all down, and it looks much better now. Now I can fix my fuel leak at the motor, and the rear, and hope the truck never leaks. I also will get better than 12 MPG
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 05:51 PM
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I got my elbow at Napa. Some others have used PVC elbows and painted them, seems to work. The elbow should not be a problem to locate. Some on line can really get expensive.

Rog
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 05:55 PM
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the 45's ya need ya can get from Menards or home depot in the PVC pipe aisle, just measure the opening of the hoses ya saved from the original air system and get a few new stainless hose clamps as well!! I sprayed my pvc pipes black....



Slick!
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 06:11 PM
  #8  
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Well I work at ACE hardware... So the PVC is what im getting! But I will try and do this this week, order my fuel tank, and get my gauges installed.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 06:17 PM
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The way I wash my engine compartment is to drive the truck to get the engine warm (NOT hot!) or let it cool to warm after you get it hot. Use hot water from you house. Easiest place to get hot water for your hose if your washing machine hot water hookup. Spray the engine down with hot water. Spray lots and lots of simple green on. Wipe down everything you can wipe down then rinse. Repeat if needed. For the really thick and gunky spot I use brake cleaner and compressed air.

No Pressure washer!! The only time I have had issues was after using a pressure washer. I even allow low pressure water all over the alternator, pcm and IDM areas. Most of all though make sure the engine is ONLY WARM not hot! You should be able to grasp the heater hoses or turbo tightly with your hand for at least 10 seconds before you get too warm.
 
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Old May 31, 2009 | 08:26 PM
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I always use my pressure washer and have not had any problems yet. Many cars/trucks for many years. I used to go to the car wash before I purchased a pressure washer. I will not force anyone to use a pressure washer though. If your way works, that is good with me.
 
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