I just purchased an 07 F150 with a 5.4 engine. The engine is a bit filthy and some bolts and things have some corrosion on them. What is the best way to clean it up? What products can be used to clean it?

 

Simple green...50/50 solution, spray, light scrub, rinse with hot water using a engine pressure gun (low water volume/90PSI- it comes out more as steam than a penetrating spray that can damage elect connections, etc.)

 

Might have better response in the Engine Forum.

 

Use the search function in this forum and you'll surface a ton of stuff. Unfortunately, you'll find lots of disagreement. Some advocate simple pressure washing. Others - like me - will caution you that high pressure sprays and Ford modular motors don't play well together leading to all sorts of misfire issues.

I'd recommend diluted Simple Green in a spray bottle on a luke warm engine. Let it sit, then rinse carfully with a low pressure water spray such as a hand pump garden sprayer. Blow dry with an air hose or leaf blower, then go for a good drive on the expressway to finish drying it out. Then you can go in with Hyperdressing or something similar to make things shine.

 

There are a few degreasers-cleaners on the auto parts store shelf that work good.

Gunk has two products Degreaser and Shine
CD-2 is another 2-in-1 engine cleaner I like.
Black Magic also makes one that works good.

Spray on cool engine.
Keep away from the electrics.

All of the above are very easy to use and look real good!

 

What should be covered with plastic before rinsing the engine?

 

All electrics...starter, alternator, battery etc. There are "covers" I like to use that look kinda like a shower cap.
You can find 'em in the grocery store in the food storage section. If you don't cover be CAREFUL with spray.



Here's another pic