to clean an engine?? specifically to get a bunch of mud off. I had a bit of fun after our first rain with the new toyo a/t's and it's a bit dirty. I want to clean it but do it safely.

 

1. Make sure the engine is cool. Cold water on a hot motor is a no no.
2. I usually spray everything down with an engine degreaser. Simple Green is enviro-friendly. Avoid any electrical areas such as the plug ins at the fire wall and other electrical plug ins.
3. Scrub the nasty areas with a brush or cloth.
4. Hose off the nasty stuff. Don't spray electricals. A little bit of water on them is ok, but not a direct jet of water.
5. If still dirty, repeat clean any areas that need it.
6. Rinse completely.
7. Start truck to get everything nice and dry.
8. Let cool again.
9. Use a plastic/vinyl preservative on the plastic components.
10. Stand back and admire a job well done.

Also, if you have a CAI, make sure you cover it up with a plastic bag or something similar.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll give it a go.

 

Throw your sprinkler underneath for an hour or so. This usually gets all the crud out from underneath.

Ohhhhhh, I've spent way too much time cleaning crud from the bottom. Everybody likes to clean the shiny side, but you gotta clean what counts too.

 

I've cleaned hundreds of engines in a detail shop by doing the following:
1.) cover/plug any open filter elements (like a cai)
2.) cover engine bay with a light degreaser (never had problems with electrical things shorting)
3.) rinse thoroughly (you don't want any degreaser left sitting on things, especially plastic)
4.) spray entire engine bay with a shine/protectant (like armor all, but I wouldn't use armor all, it tends to dry things out sometimes)
5.) replace filter if removed, remove all plugs/ covers
6.) start engine to let dry