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Engine Cleaning

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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 09:27 PM
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Engine Cleaning

Hello all...

As you can probably see, I'm new to this site, and so far it looks awesome! I do have a question for you guys. What are your methods/techniques on cleaning the whole engine?? I'm not sure if this is the write sub-forum to post it in, just figured I would because it's regarding my 95' Ford 4x4 pickup. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 12:28 AM
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Are you talking about cleaning the engine bay?

If so, you need to make sure the engine is cool. Do not spray a hot engine. Also try to to pressure wash the electronic sensors.

I usually use Simple Green and the hose. I have gone to the do it yourself car wash and sprayed it off as well, but I kept the sprayer a good ways away from most components.

If the engine bay is really gross, use Gunk first and then use Simple Green. You may need a couple cans of Gunk, one is usually not enough. I have used a whole bottle of Simple Green before.

Also, do this before washing the truck not after.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 05:09 AM
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1 Saturday or Sunday afternoon, 1 scraper, 1 can of choice degreaser, and a 12 pack of choice beer.

DONE.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 06:28 AM
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Originally Posted by TexasGuy001
Are you talking about cleaning the engine bay?

If so, you need to make sure the engine is cool. Do not spray a hot engine. Also try to to pressure wash the electronic sensors.

I usually use Simple Green and the hose. I have gone to the do it yourself car wash and sprayed it off as well, but I kept the sprayer a good ways away from most components.

If the engine bay is really gross, use Gunk first and then use Simple Green. You may need a couple cans of Gunk, one is usually not enough. I have used a whole bottle of Simple Green before.

Also, do this before washing the truck not after.
I'm thinking he meant do not pressure wash the electronic sensors
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 07:03 AM
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i used an engine degreaser that i picked up from autozone, and then a heavy bristle brush, and then rinsed away. seemed to work ok for me. i did this prior to replacing some gasketts. do you need to replace any gasketts or seals?
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 10:23 AM
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Yes, I meant the bay. Sorry for confusion. Thanks for the replies.
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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also. stay away from your alt w the degreaser
 
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 12:33 PM
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Once everything's clean you can dress it all to revive the hoses and plastics. I always use a good quality dressing for this but if you want to keep it simple use some tire shine. Once you've let the dressing sit for a few minutes you can do a quick wipedown to remove any excess.

Of course, try to keep it off the belt.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2009 | 03:08 AM
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Originally Posted by jr32560
I'm thinking he meant do not pressure wash the electronic sensors
Thats what I meant.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2009 | 03:09 AM
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I don't use any dressing stuff under the hood. It makes everything greasy and difficult to work on. Also, those dressings just attract dirt.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2009 | 01:36 PM
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When it's applied and removed properly dressing does not attract any more dust than an undressed engine does. It's when you cake it on and don't remove the excess that you run into that greasy feel.

We do it all the time.
 
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Old Nov 12, 2009 | 02:10 PM
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Great replies guys, thank you. Going to take as long as it needs this coming Saturday to get the bay nice and clean.
 
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