Best way to clean under the hood

DAMOUCE512 · #1 06-29-2009, 06:23 AM

I have been taking my truck to its limits in the mud this year. I still keep my truck clean but under the hood doesnt look so good. I was seeing what yall believe is the best way to clean dried up mud under my hood.
Is it bad to power wash directly on my engine from a safe distance?

Let me know what yall think

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TruckGuy24 · #2 06-29-2009, 08:27 AM

I was reading earlier this week that you should keep it running as you wash it. Let me post the link...

Read Damon@Tirerack's Post

Hope that helps

jetech00001 · #3 06-29-2009, 02:45 PM

i don't think i would keep it running cold water on hot engine parts is a sure disaster looking to happen warm engine ok and make sure you cover all elec connections or at least keep the water off of them as it will save you a bunch of grief

Jolly_Green_Giant · #4 06-29-2009, 07:42 PM

kinda a loaded question that's prone to personal oppinion.
I can tell you what "I" do. Others will disagree with me.
Some engines tolerate water better than others. If I were to do my little Ford Escort while it was running the belt would imediately fly off. With the truck it wouldn't be so much of a problem.

Here's what "I" do.

1. Cover Computer and CAI with plastic bags.
2. If heavy with mud I will soak with water then rinse with full flow but low pressure water.
3. Spray everything down with Meg's APC+ dilluted 4:1
4. Before it has a chance to dry spray with pressure washer with a low pressure nozzle.
5. Remove the plastic bags.
6. Then blow as much water off as possible with a gas leaf blower (paying special attention to getting water out from the areas around the plugs and coils)
7. Spray everything down with Meg's Hyperdressing 10:1
8. Dab excess H.D. as best I can with MF towel.
9. Start motor till mostly dry.

One example of a farm truck I did last summer.

.

4wd150 · #5 06-29-2009, 08:43 PM

damn that looks good Jolly!i gotta do mine sometime

yetti96 · #6 06-30-2009, 04:15 PM

After reading horror stories about COPs and water, I would really hesitate to clean it like that and that well. I guess it is one of those things that is not a cheap fix if you mess it up. I am just too scared. I does look good though.

4x4wolf · #7 06-30-2009, 11:09 PM

Jolly that looks really sweet

johnnyd2723 · #8 06-30-2009, 11:16 PM

I cleaned mine with a bucket of water, APC+, rags, sponge, brushes, and a garden hose with just a little more pressure than taking a leak.