2008 Ford XLT Screw. Bought new couple weeks ago. Engine is very dusty. Not sure an air hose would take it off. Is it safe to wash off with hose or at pressure car wash? Should I cover certain part's and if so what?

Thanks,

 

im not sure about where the coil packs are on the new styles, but on mine i covered up my coil packs because of how they sit, kinda like a bowl, lol covered them up with some rags and sprayed degreaser on everything and gave it a good scrub, then i sprayed it off with a water hose, did a good job, just stay away from the coil packs, and leave the truck running the whole time until its dry

 

Pressure washing these engines is a no-no. Most of us dont wash them at all, just a wipe down. Some use a light cleaner spray and then a low pressure rinse off. Do a search on the subject and you will get some hits to read.

Water collects in the plug cavity and fouls out COPs, can be very costly.

 

You can't have much of a grease problem, so I wouldn't over kill the solution. Just use a diluted solution of Simple Green, spray it on problem areas only, and gently hose everything off - again, staying away from the coils as much as possible. I wouldn't have the engine running while cleaning - you run the risk of getting your hands somewhere they shouldn't be, and the fan will likely spray water all over you. I think running the engine after you finish to speed drying is a good idea, though.
The Simple Green is biodegradable, doesn't harm plastics, and does a fair job as a degreaser. I've used it many times with great results.

 

I just use the tire shine gel and just wipe with a cloth about a week later. The longer you use it the better it looks.

 

That is exactly what I do, everytime I wash the truck, I wipe down the engine.

 

The plastic on your new 08 is dirty because of the static,all new plastic does this.I'd just hose it off .

 

NEVER use a high pressure car wash wand on these engines! From time to time I use a low pressure hose off after spaying with Simple Green & avoiding the COPS during this process!.........No problems in two years using this method.....clean engine compartment too!

 

No problems in 6 1/2 years using this method. Simple Green is the best crap ever invented. I use the "Max" automotive version but honestly have never been able to tell a difference between that and the regular.

 

I've pressure washed my engine at least 15 times in the 6 years I've had my truck without a problem. Just take it on a good drive after you do it to dry it out.

 

Thank's to all the replies and suggestions. No, I don't have a grease problem. Just dust, everywhere..engine, firewall, etc. Look's like it sat in a Texas duststorm, lol. Was like this when I took delivery.

 

You don't have the COPs on the plugs. It makes a huge difference.

 

i hand wash my whole engine bay. one piece at a time. takes time but i rather be safe then sorry.my truck doesn't like rainny days or cold days. it idles funny. so i'm assuming it doesn't like water anywhere near the engine, so im forced to do it by hand

 

Don't wash your engine unless you're prepared to deal with a broken truck.