jhc7399

Just curious how everyone goes about this?

Mine is a mess and I want to clean it up but not screw anything up.

Cane

i usually cut some garbages bags and use the plastic pieces to cover the injectors, alternator and the fuse box (i probably forget 2-3 other spots, i improvise everytime), then i just spray some 'gunk' brand engine degreaser over everything, wait 5 minutes and just hose the engine bay.

did this about 5 times total since i've had the jeep and never had an issue. the only thing i heard was possible is a squeaky belt so just be careful not to get any grease / dirt you clean on the belt.

jordan96xj

I did it this weekend. I do it about once a year.

There are MANY good youtube videos with various strategies, warnings, and things to look for.

I never spray a high pressure washer in the engine compartment. It is not necessary.

Start with a warm (but not hot) engine.

Disconnect the negative battery clamp. This will go a long way to protecting the electrical system from any mishaps.

I personally take some tin foil and wrap all important engine sensor connectors and fuel injectors connectors along with any other connectors that I think need protection. Easy to mold around connectors, and easy to see when it is time to remove, and won't melt if you should forget something in there.

I then treat all of the offending areas with gum out foaming or gel engine degreaser (available everywhere). Let it work for 5-10 minutes.

I then take a garden hose with a low pressure nozzle that creates a fine spray (more than a mist, but less than a full spray). Then using that light spray, I spray off all of the degreaser.

You can do this process a couple times if the motor is particularly narsty.

Then I remove the tin foil protection.

Then I take my leaf blower and thoroughly blow out the engine compartment. This is good for removing any standing water around the valve cover, spark plug tubes, intake manifold, etc. I keep going until I don't see any water spraying up any where.

I then give it 20-30 minutes to dry any residual moisture.

Then hit the black plastic components with "Trim Shine". I had to order it on amazon, but some auto parts places will have it.

Then the battery gets reconnected, the hood goes down, and I run the Jeep up to operating temperature. Let it idle for 2-3 minutes at temperature. Then turn it off and pop the hood open again. This helps get out the last of the moisture.

EZEARL

Need to post that pic of your engine bay. Looks GOOD.

jordan96xj

Not the greatest picture, but this was taken not long after cleaning it this weekend.

jordan96xj

Here is what it looked like when I brought it home 2 years ago.

I can't seem to get it back to this level, they must have have spent a little extra time on it.

4WD4EVER

Try Meguiars Super Degreaser. Best stuff I've ever used, and, unlike everything else, it will not discolor or ruin rubber or plastic.

A gallon is ~ $27.00 on Amazon but it's diluteable to the needed ratio depending on how much you need it to cut.





And that is what it always looks like. I do use high-pressure in some areas but Jordan has some good tips.

jhc7399

Looks fantastic guys, thanks you for all of the advice.

Might give it a go this weekend.

4WD4EVER

Depending on how clean you want it, I believe part of the trick (like any nasty or difficult job) is to do it in phases or multiple passes. Hit the worst areas and work your way from there. That way you don't blow grease/grime/etc., over areas you've already cleaned and get discouraged. I detailed for decades, some of it professionally, so I know. Lol!

Oh, and an old toothbrush is very handy.

s346k

i was going to suggest a 100 wet shot, but it's obvious now you are referring to the outside.

fb97xj1

Like said, toothbrushes. Also, dental piks. Dont forget the safety goggles.

diskman

I drive into the carwash bay, pop the hood and spray with soap. Wash the rest of the Jeep then rinse the engine.

I try to avoid electrical items. Shove the wand down under the motor around the frame/suspension areas as much as I can.

Seems to be ok for the past 30 or so years I have been doing that.

investinwaffles

Every single time I clean the engine bay I kill my TPS Sensor. Go figure, it can handle being covered in mud and water 10 times but it is the cleaning that kills it.
I have a BWD one from Autozone with a "lifetime" warranty so I almost don't even bother covering it, but I would highly recommend covering the throttle body electronics at a minimum. Obviously don't spray water directly into the throttle body or intake hoses and keep the hose moving so you dont soak any single spot for too long.

Then, I spray everything down with water real good to get as much of the mud off, use purple power degreaser and various brushes (the cheap paint brushes from Home Depot work real well if you cut the hairs down to half-length, helps keep them "stiff" for scrubbing and they are basically disposable).

If you really care use some 303 Aerospace protectant on the rubber and plastics but every time I have done that, I splash mud into the engine bay the next day so I no longe waste the time.

If you have an air compressor, blow water out from the crevices so it doesn't cause water spots and so it dries faster. Then just go for a drive to heat everything up and call it good

4WD4EVER

Purple Power is a very effective and cheap degreaser, however, it will ruin painted parts and finishes, dull aluminum and ruin plastic and rubber. If one does not care about these things, it works great.

5-Speed

What you said is true. I used that stuff on mine and both the valve cover and pan now have white streaks and the intake is slightly dull. Its like it started to take off the paint. I did not notice any side effects to plastic or rubber though. I do have to say that it cleans great! Only had to use a brush on one area.