I replaced the battery and air filter in my truck the other day and it's really dirty under there. Lots of dust and other crud all over.

Can I just get in there with a little brush, some soap, and a hose?

How can I clean that crud out?

 

I have had good luck with Gunk(R) degreaser and douching with waxy water at the car wash (wand held 2' away to reduce the likelihood of powering past seals.

I finish up with a flood of spot-free (at the car wash) with good lasting results.

 

Spray simple green on the engine, hose it off, and drive it to get it good and hot to dry it out. Don't spray when the engine is hot.

 

And then, after it's dry and warm, spray Eagle One's Tire Protectant(white, coconut-smelling liquid) over the entire eng. compartment--keeping it off of the exterior paint. Let it sit and 'soak'(at least the rubber parts will soak) for at least an hour--overnight is even better. Then wipe all the surfaces down with a soft, cotton terry cloth and you will not believe the 'glow'(not glossy!) that everything(nylon, rubber, aluminum, steel, black paint,etc.) will have and it will last for several weeks. Seems to help keep the rubber parts from hazing or cracking.

Dan

 

What are the chances I'll get water where it shouldn't be? What do I do about the battery? Should I take it out when I'm working?

 

If you are in Texas, go to O'reilleys. They sell a two container kit. You spray the first container over every part of your engine (don't worry about the electrical stuff) and wait 20 minutes. You then use garden hose and spray off the engine. Container #2 is then sprayed to all parts of engine which gives an armorall type finish. This < $8 kit will make your engine look brand new and will not hurt anything.

 

I don't live in Texas. You know any place that sells it online?

 

Tomorrow I will go look to see what the product is called and will post it to let you know. It really does make the engine look brand new.

 

The kit I used and what I think Threeforks is talking about is called Engine Detailer and is made by CD2. Very easy to use and looks are great, after about 7 months and regular touch-ups with Armor All my eninge is still clean.

 

WD-40 works great after a degreasing with Gunk Foamy Engine Brite too... I've been using it for years. Just don't get it on the belt since it will eventually cause belt squealing. I cover the belt with an old piece of boat cover before I spray.

 

KYFordfreak is right. The stuff I was talking about is called Engine Detailing Kit - shop series made by CD-2 company out of Chicago. The stuff will do an awesome longlasting job to your engine. Attached is a web site where you can by it online for $6.95. When you see what $6.95 will do for you and your beloved engine, you will not believe your eyes.


http://waxdepot.safeshopper.com/65/315.htm?256

 

Intel 486,

When I took my truck in to be detailed, the guys there steam cleaned my engine. I could have eaten off the damn thing it was sooo crystal clean. If you decide to clean it yourself, make sure to protect the alternator and distibutor(or whatever they have now). I use a couple of plastic bags when i clean the engine myself. Never had any problems