This board is a great resource! I just have two quick questions: What is your opinion on washing the engine and engine bay? I have heard that its ok to spray away and clean everything, while others have said to stay away from spraying plugs and wires and intake?

Also, i will be installing a 180 degree thermostat this weekend and i have never done it before, any tips? I hear fel-pro gaskets are great to use and also use a bead of silicone on the gasket for a tight fit?

 

I don't personally go for the engine washing, but I have been know to takes some rags, Armor All, and a long afternoon and do a complete wipe down under the hood. I think it looks better, helps protect your hoses, and doesn't risk getting water where you don't want it. That's just my .02, and I'm sure some ppl wash theirs with a hose. As for the thermostat, you shouldn't need silicone with a good gasket and the right torque, but I guess you could use it if you wanted to. Grind that little tab off of the t-stat housing when you replace it, so it will come out easier the next time.

 

any time i spray down my engine i leave the truck runnin while doing it and until it dries off......just dont go too slow around electrical stuff and you should be fine......as for the tstat.....drain enuff coolant so it wont spill out and make sure its dry when goin back on,........ yes, use the silicone, all you really have to remove is the bracket that holds the a/c lines and move them out of the way a bit.....its a little bit of a pain to get the neck out so grind the tab off b4 putting it back on

 

Just shove a ShamWoW! or Absorber in your intake tube and put a plastic bag over the inlet with some rubber bands. Should be good if you don't let the motor sit with the water; Immediatly take the truck for a ride after you clean it.

 

What do you mean by 'little tab'? Pic?

 

I was told washing up is better than washing down on all of other stuff. That way you dont knock something loose.

 

http://www.oehq.com/Partpix/ACDjpg/15-10673.jpg

You can see that tab in the top left of the pic...

 

When I cleaned mine, I pre-soaked the dirty areas with degreaser and used a household pressure washer. I also got a bottle of degreaser/detergent from Pep Boys and put the pressure washer soap hose into it. I took my time and got the engine, tranny, and engine bay pretty clean with it. Next time, I'll just hit it with some simple green and a garden hose.

As for the T-stat gasket, I always use an even coat of Permatex #2 on both sides. You can use the RTV, but I prefer Permatex on the paper-type gaskets and RTV on rubber (when called for).

 

i wash my engine at the car wash all the time. i use the degreaser setting with the low pressure and let it soak, then rinse with light pressure and the sprayer wand held away at a distance. then fire it back up and drive off. avoid high pressure.

 

i used the high pressure on all of my vehicles, though it was at a distance. i stay away from wires, if possible.