OK to say my engine bay is dusty/dirty is a monumental understatement! It is down right ugly in there. Anyone done this recently? What did you cover? What should I definitely stay away from spraying with water or engine de-greaser?

I am smart enough to stay away from the distributor/wires/intake with water. Should I cover things up with plastic or bags? I have a whole roll of plastic laying around.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated! I don't really want to post a pic, just out of being embarrassed with it... lol but I sure can if you wanna poke fun of me today....

TIA

Brad

 

i spray anything and everything with walmart engine degreaser, let soak, then spray off. i don't cover anything or worry about it. i did have the tps get wet once and surge at idle, but it dried out after a little while. but i do spray water at lower pressure and maintain some distance as just a rinse and not a "pressure wash".

simple green works well. so does 409.
brake cleaner works well on heavy deposits on metal - but go easy on plastics, wires, rubber, gaskets, paints. the walmart brake cleaner is very harsh and will melt some softer plastics.

 

You are in PA. Id wait for spring if I were you.

 

^ +1 wait till spring unless you can do it inside somewhere heated and leave it in there till it dries.

 

I wash my motor once a week in the winter at the car wash it does not hurt a thing. So wash it. Dhv has it right.

 

Well tomorrow is supposed to be 50F so I will be going tomorrow and cleaning the engine bay. Should I turn the truck off or keep it running? Does it matter?

Thanks guys!

Brad

 

Turn it off, save some gas! Really shouldn't matter though.

 

Id disconnect the battery also

 

Shut it off, no need to disconnect the batt.

 

Good to know! Thanks guys!