[ford86]

I would like to clean up my engine, but i am afraid of getting water where it shouldnt be, is it ok to pressure wash and what should i watch out for not to get wet, will water get in where it shouldn't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif

Neal

 

[95_stroker]

Dont pressure wash it, just use a good engine degreaser (per instructions) and use a garden hose to rinse.

 

[stroker101]

be careful around the IDM mounted to the inside drivers fender. i recently had to replace mine due to water contamination. killed the truck. from rain, 2 engine rinsings or just from condensation(?)don't really know how it got in there. use very low pressure, good luck.

 

[MarkEkberg]

I have had luck mixing dawn and water together. Then spray lightly wait for a while and spray with garden hose.

When everything is clean go over it with pledge. Makes it shiney and repels dust.

 

[95_stroker]

[ QUOTE ]


When everything is clean go over it with pledge. Makes it shiney and repels dust.

[/ QUOTE ]

You freak!!!!!!!


You like a clean engine too huh. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[jim94350]

The last time I washed my engine I chased a stumble/skip for about 6 months. I will never wash my engine again, can't swear it was caused by washing but to me it's not worth it.

Good Luck

 

[302boss]

I pressure wash on a low setting. Got a unit with adjustable tips. I unplugged and packed every connector with silicone dielectric grease before. I try to stay away from the IDM, PCM, and alternator and dry them with compressed air. Now it's clean enough after 10 washes to rinse with dish detergent and keep it clean. I really like having the valley clean enough to reach into and not come up greasey.

 

[JazzBass]

I use a engine degreaser if the stuff is really caked on (only once /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )

Then, to keep up with it, I use Simple Green. I usually use it concentrated, but since I bought a huge gallon of the stuff with sprayer, I'm going to try mixing it with water and see how it works cut down.

I use a gallon sprayer that was bought at wallyworld for around $10 or so; the type you spray weeds with.

I has enough power to get stuff off, but you can also aim it pretty well.

I also stay off the IDM, PCM and watch the ICP on the driver's side oil rail of the V, towards the front of the engine. The little guy is sticking up and if not careful, can get water in it.

I'll spray a mist over the engine and bay, then spray the cleaner and wait 10-15 minutes. I then rinse and she is done. I just bought a tile grout brush at Home Depot last night and I'll use that for the hard to get off stuff.

I'll have to try the pledge. That's a good idea.

JB

 

[milner351]

And I thought I was anal about the engine in my race car!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

 

[JazzBass]

[ QUOTE ]
And I thought I was anal about the engine in my race car!

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I guess you still are. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I don't know, but it always makes me smile when I open the hood (just to check on stuff; not really to fix much as long as we've owned it), and I see the engine and bay clean and well maintained.

It's the little things, ya know? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JB

 

[Surfah]

Thats Right...
Like they saying goes,

"A clean engine compartment is a sign of a healthy mind" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/zombie.gif

But... Lemon Pledge ? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

Last time I used that Castrol purple degreaser
It was kinda strong and it ate all that yellow protective coating
off the turbo housing .... sucker was clean ! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Chris

 

[BLDITRT1]

The following is the method that I have been using for years and have had no problems to date.
Before you ever try to clean the engine - first take apart ALL electrical connections under the hood and pack them with dielectric grease and reassemble. Make sure the engine is WARM, not HOT. Cover the alternator and air intake with plastic bags. Using a pump-up sprayer, spray Simple Green on all surfaces. Wipe down hoses, etc. with a rag soaked with Simple Green. Scrub the remaining areas with a soft brush (I use an old truck brush on a pole, and a wheel brush to get in the nooks). Spray again with Simple green. Let soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with low pressure hose.
After the initial hard cleaning, the subsequent cleanings only require spray, wait and rinse. (plus covering of alternator and intake)

Reapply dielectric grease to all connections every 6 months or so.

 

[MarkEkberg]

[ QUOTE ]

But... Lemon Pledge ? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif

Last time I used that Castrol purple degreaser
It was kinda strong and it ate all that yellow protective coating
off the turbo housing .... sucker was clean ! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Chris

[/ QUOTE ]

The pledge really works. Just spray it on and wipe off. Someone told me about it on impalassforum.com

That superclean stuff is nasty!!! It eats anything. i love the warning lable. You are to seek medical attention even if you get it on your skin. I was usign it with my bare hands before I knew this. A couple of hours in it burnt them pretty bad.

 

[302boss]

I had the purple cleaner spot paint jobs before. How does the simple green do with painted surfaces?

 

[MarkEkberg]

Simple green does well on paint. As with any de-greaser I would not allow it to sit or dry on paint.

 

[302boss]

Thanks. The Wally World degreaser is ok on paint, but is sold out alot. No more purple for me. I try to mist all the painted exterior surfaces with water just to be safe.

 

[RonKZ650]

Ford says always wash the engine cold, never warm. Don't know the reason, but I always do it cold just to be safe. I spray Gunk or equiv all over any oily areas, then spray with a pressure washer trying to confine the heavy spray to only the dirty areas, give the less dirty areas a spray from a distance to keep pressure down in areas you worry about. Then immediately start the engine up and let it idle (hopefully to dry off. I do mine about twice a yr and have never had a problem. Thankfully Ford at least lets these engines be washed. On my old 1989 7.3 Diesel, Ford said to never wash the engine at all.

 

[302boss]

The reason was the close tolerances in the old injection pumps. Theory is the hot metal may contract from the cold water and warp the housing. Like cold shrinking body work. I remember reading the engine should not be washed, but if it becomes necessary only wash when cold in one of my owners manuals. 94 IDI i think. I washed that one too. I still stick to washing it cold. When warm grease liquifies, comes off a little easier. One of the advantages of a Steam cleaner over a pressure wash.