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  • #1

    Cleaning engine bay

    Just wondering peoples opinions on the best way to clean the engine bay of a petrol engine and anything to be wary of.

    Should I just get out 50 cans of degreaser (there's mud everywhere) or is it time to get some rags out and be patient?

    cheers!
    <Rob> '12 Prado GX - https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/general/my-rig-build-up/32702-i-m-back-with-a-2012-150-gx-toorak-tractor
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Cleaning engine bay

    Cover it in CT-18/water mix from a garden sprayer, leave for 30 minutes, drink beer, rinse off, drink beer
    http://www.appliedaustralia.com/HTML/CP ... ashes.html
    [url=http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12264]My Prado[/url]

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    • #3
      Re: Cleaning engine bay

      What I have done for many years is cover the alternator with a plastic bag, hose the engine with water (engine cold of course :wink: ) then spray over with a mix of water with a very small amount of Dynamo laundry liquid in a 500ml spray bottle. Let it soak in for 5 minutes or so, then hose off thoroughly :!: . Repeat if necessary. Use a hand brush with soft bristles for the more stubborn mud stains if required.

      Effective & cheap :!:

      Cheers,

      Glenn
      Cheers,
      Glenn
      2002 GXL 3.4 auto with BFG AT's, Lovell's/Bilstein suspension, ARB steel bullbar, winch, towbar, diff lock, air compressor, GME UHF & AM CB radios.
      [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/gh4wd?feature=mhum][b]Youtube[/b][/url] [url=http://www.panoramio.com/user/2941589][b]Panoramio[/b][/url]

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      • #4
        Re: Cleaning engine bay

        Thanks guys, both good ideas, but is there any need to cover up electrics (I know GH4wd mentioned the alternator) but anything else need covering?
        <Rob> '12 Prado GX - https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/general/my-rig-build-up/32702-i-m-back-with-a-2012-150-gx-toorak-tractor

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        • #5
          Re: Cleaning engine bay

          Originally posted by GH4wd
          What I have done for many years is cover the alternator with a plastic bag, hose the engine with water (engine cold of course :wink: ) then spray over with a mix of water with a very small amount of Dynamo laundry liquid in a 500ml spray bottle. Let it soak in for 5 minutes or so, then hose off thoroughly :!: . Repeat if necessary. Use a hand brush with soft bristles for the more stubborn mud stains if required.
          I used this procedure when cleaning my dirt bike. After a muddy or dirty day out I used to spray the bike whilst it was still on the trailer with a mixture of dynamo/water from an atomizer. By the time I got to the wash bay, the mud/clay/dirt or whatever was soaked in a laundry detergent and with the high pressure just fell off. Just be careful with the high pressure guns around bearings and things where water ingress will cause issues. I then used to spray the bike down with a light coat of wd40 to stop rust, and it was always looking top notch.
          [b]Silver 2008 D4D Auto GXL[/b]
          [url=http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=6032]My build up[/url]

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          • #6
            Re: Cleaning engine bay

            Even though late, I've been trolling thru net to see how to effectively wash after a day at the beach. Need to ensure all salt is washed off properly. For engine bay, best advice I came across was to use aluminium foil to cover all electrics, wait until engine is completely cool then use something like Shell Dobatex or CT18 truck wash. Wait for it to work then hose off.

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            • #7
              Re: Cleaning engine bay

              Thanks, still haven't gotten around to cleaning it :shock:


              By covering ALL electrics, are you talking literally every electrical connection? because that'd take weeks I reckon! Or just the main electrics?
              <Rob> '12 Prado GX - https://www.pradopoint.com.au/forum/general/my-rig-build-up/32702-i-m-back-with-a-2012-150-gx-toorak-tractor

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              • #8
                Re: Cleaning engine bay

                I've only ever covered the alternator on my vehicles when washing down, most of the other electrics seem to be reasonably waterproof as I've never had any problems.

                Cheers,

                Glenn
                Cheers,
                Glenn
                2002 GXL 3.4 auto with BFG AT's, Lovell's/Bilstein suspension, ARB steel bullbar, winch, towbar, diff lock, air compressor, GME UHF & AM CB radios.
                [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/gh4wd?feature=mhum][b]Youtube[/b][/url] [url=http://www.panoramio.com/user/2941589][b]Panoramio[/b][/url]

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                • #9
                  Re: Cleaning engine bay

                  Hi just reading threw i cant see how aluminium foil is a good idea on electircs. Think it might do more harm then good. Abit like the failed roof insulation sceem . End up zapping your self or frying a computer

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                  • #10
                    Re: Cleaning engine bay

                    I washed the engine bay a few times and havent had problems. Electricals are water sealed enough to be washed. Dont stand there blasting away with the gurney in one spot. Just degrease. Wait two minutes and then wash off. Dont leave degreaser on too long. You get the Acid wash look.

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                    • #11
                      Cleaning engine bay

                      I used to wash previous petrol 4x4, one can degreaser then high pressure wash off just taking care not to flood the alt
                      ...If its not on all 4's it's not on.....
                      2008 GXL D4D, OME lift, arb bar, IPF 55W HIDs, HID headlights, duel Batteries, Winch, UHF, Safari Snorkel, bfg km2's, arb side awning, rola cage, engel fridge, kaymar rear bar(to fit)

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                      • #12
                        Re: Cleaning engine bay

                        Because of the never ending water restrictions in the ACT, I have always taken my cars and H-D to the DIY car wash. It is literally around the corner so the engine doesn't get a chance to heat up before I get there.

                        I pop the hood, throw $2 in the machine and select the Wheel/Engine Cleaner. I give the Wheels, engine, wheel wells etc a good spray until the $2 runs out and let it sit for 5-10 mins (good opportunity to clean any rubbish from the inside of the car). Then I add some money and either use the high pressure soap (if i intend cleaning the whole vehicle) or the high pressure rinse and just spray everything down. That seems to get rid of dirt, mud, road grime, break dust, light oil/grease spills etc ....

                        Biggest thing I have been warned of (by my H-D service rep, but would apply to the 4 wheel varieties as well) is the be careful not to hit the gasket areas with the high pressure spray as this can actually degrade / destroy the gasket.
                        [b]2000 Prado RV6[/b] ~ TJM Type 15 Steel Bullbar ~ Uniden 400SX-RM & GME4702 Ant ~ Front Tow/Recovery Hooks ~ ARB Recovery Kit ~ ARB CKMP12 Air Compressor ~ DIY Rear Door Trim & Table ~ Extended Diff Breathers ~ Safari Snorkel ~ Wireless Reverse Camera ~ Iron Ox Full Length Roof Rack ~ Looong Wish List ...

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                        • #13
                          Re: Cleaning engine bay

                          As long as the engine is cool, you are fine, don't use high pressure water cleaners anywhere near seals or belts. A good soaking of degreaser, and a good soaking of low pressure water is all that is needed.
                          97 VX Grande, with front & rear air lockers, ARB Sahara winch bar with tigers 11 winch, 2" EFS lift, 265/75/16 Achilles Desert hawk XMT, and more.


                          [B]Bitumen - A blatant waste of taxpayers money![/B]

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                          • #14
                            Re: Cleaning engine bay

                            When I used to own a petrol engine car, I detailed the engine bay quite regularly. First I would spray degreaser, allow to soak. Start car (by having the engine running I found that the alternator tends to look after itself), and hose down trying not to wet the distributor with too much water. I haven't had any problems with the alternator being too wet, but the dizzy does not like water, (water and electricity just don't like each other).

                            Like said in previous post, a wash bay (CarLovers for example) is fine, just use same principle, before any hosing start your engine first, try not to dowse the distributor a great deal. Has always worked for me doing it this way. These days I have a diesel, so no sweating how much water I use.
                            [b]Because the world's not flat[/b]

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                            • #15
                              Re: Cleaning engine bay

                              From what I've read in the Gregory's manual, the 3.4L petrol in the 90 series doesn't have a distributor anyway?
                              '98 "Getaway" GXL Prado, 3.4L Manual, 2" Ironman Lift, ERPS, Bridgestone Dueler 265/70/R16LT, Prado point sticker - SOLD

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