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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment

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Bob Farrell

01-26-2008 08:15:09




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I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 (Lonestar Edition) with all the bells and whistles with 8700 miles on it. Have decided it is too much truck for me, so have decided to sell. It has accumulated some crud (mostly dust) under the hood and I would like to clean it up. Questions: how do I do it? Chemicals? Pressure washer? Can I damage anything (electronics, alternator, etc)? Should it be cleaned while engine is hot, cold, or warm (concerned about cracking something - exhaust manifold)?

Any do's and don'ts appreciated. Thanks. bob f.

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Kent in KC

01-30-2008 07:14:35




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
Bob,

Most modern cars, if not all, are well-protected from water intrusion into critical underhood components. I wash my engine about every six months at the car wash with no ill effects, always have, numerous types of cars and trucks. Some car buyers are leary of 'too clean' or shiny engines, afraid it indicates recent engine repairs.My $.02, sir.



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Slowpoke

01-28-2008 23:43:37




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
If all you have is dust, blow it off with an air compressor and blow gun. No danger of getting that computer junk wet.



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jack12345

01-27-2008 09:09:09




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
If you have mostly dust use "Pledge" it will get rid of dust and on real dirt/grease use liquid wax it will look better than new and no worry about damaged sensors and water getting where it should no be. It may save you time and $ over washing with water.



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Paul N Texas

01-27-2008 08:32:10




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
Before doing body work, I always wash the entire car, including under the hood, and iside the jams. I use the spray cleaner from the local "Dollar Store". It"s about $2.00 - 3.00 a bottle, and works pretty good, just not in a fast time. I spray it on, let it sit about 30 minutes, and spray again with the cleaner. Usually then, all that is needed, is to hose it off with a garden hose, and let it dry. I have found that the high pressure units will blow water etc inside areas it shouldn"t be, as mentioned before. I never use it on the motorcycles, as it will put water inside the bearings, and ruin them.

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Bob Farrell

01-27-2008 08:45:41




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Paul N Texas, 01-27-2008 08:32:10  
To Paul in Texas - Thanks - I gonna do it. Hope I don't fry something. bob f.



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dave guest

01-26-2008 17:22:11




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
Used to be a quarter car wash. Cleans lotta engines. Let cool down. Keep soap nozzle moving. Some guys would plasticate distributor and air cleaner. I had pretty good luck. Once or twice vehicle got too wet. Waited till dry and start up and go. If you never did this before and don't feel lucky, get a detail job. Around here 100 to 150 bucks. Good vehicle may pay to do this.



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glennster

01-26-2008 09:45:43




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to Bob Farrell, 01-26-2008 08:15:09  
use can use a commercial engine degreaser like gunk, spray it on the greasy areas, let is set a while then wash off with a garden hose. i wouldnt recommend a steam cleaner or a pressure washer,you can foce water into spots it shouldnt belong and flush out the die-electric grease on electrical connections, causing some problems. normal road water from rain ect will get its way in the engine bay, and that wont harm anything, but forcing high pressure water can get it where it dont belong. castrol makes a good product called super clean too, but avoid getting it on paint and aluminum wheels, it can stain.

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Bob Farrell

01-27-2008 06:44:17




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 Re: Cleaning Underhood Engine Compartment in reply to glennster, 01-26-2008 09:45:43  
Glennster and dave guest - thanks for the posts. I'm just kinda scared to "wash" the engine compartment due to the electronics. My newest other vehicle is a 1990 F-150 that I have pressured washed several times over the years without problems (as well as all my other tractors and equipment). I'm 70 years old and don't understand this new stuff - so it scares me. I'll proceed with you guys advice. thanks! bob f.

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