I know diesels are prone to be a little oily and my old 1989 F450 is plenty dirty. Can I steam clean the engine and engine compartment without hurting anything in the engine?
I plan on changing all the fluids (fuel, oil, brake, trans, rearend) this weekend and would like to clean her up before hand. The compression is between 390 and 420 on all cyclinders, the GPs all new, would new injectors provide any added performance or just a waste of money if she is starting ok?
Also cover the alternator with a plastic bag, don't want water getting in there. I would recommend a mild detergent such as Simple Green or something along those lines. And I wouldn't get too close with the pressure wand, it could disturb the return lines/caps and cause an air leak.
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1986 F250 2WD Super Cab XLT Lariat w/ 1996 front clip. Dually bed & van rearend (2" wider, allows spring clearance). 6.9 w/ approx 120,000mi. Banks non-wastegated turbo system, Beru ZD1A glowplugs, Delphi BB injectors, Kenworth pyrometer, vac/boost gauge, electric water temp/oil psi/voltmeter mounted in dash. 3" Mandrel-bent open exhaust. C6 trans, 3.54 gears. Okiegringo idler pulley. R134a A/C conversion. WMO/diesel blend in one tank.
I use a flat head screwdriver to knock off all of the heavy build up. Then I fill a can with varsol and work all the oil and grease with a 1" brush, dipping the brush in the varsol. Then I take a garden hose to rinse the varsol off. Repeat untill your satisfied. Finally Spray engine with Super Clean or Simple Green, then steam.
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1990 F-350 XLT Lariat CrewCab 4X4, 7.3L NA IDI, E40D, 3.55, Rebuilt injection pump and injectors, Manually controlled TC, Fleetguard DC4A, 277,000 Kms, Two tone brown. Completely stock. 9200# GVWR. ***In the works of being converted to a ZF-5 with Luk Clutch/ Single mass flywheel conversion***
1986 F-250 supercab 4X2, 6.9l, T-19B 4spd, 3.55LS,8800# GVWR 200,000 kms.
1983 F-250 supercab 4X2, 4.9l, T-18 4spd, 4.10, dad bought it new, dark teal metalic, 317,000 Kms drivetrain all original. 8800# GVWR.
2005 E-150 XL, 7 passenger, 4.6l v8, 3.55 LS, Navy Blue. 44,000 kms.
Cold motor only!!! Cheap oven cleaner works pretty good. Been using that method for 40+ years. Spray on, wait, (don't let it dry) then pressure wash or hose off. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
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