Engine Cleaning
 

Hi All,

I did a search and did not find anything in this forum about cleaning a diesel engine. I have a 83 300D that I would like to clean my engine. I was thinking of buying a spray on cleaner of some type and then washing it off with a car wash sprayer. I have always been a bit afraid of using a car wash sprayer on any engine only because I am afraid of spraying a hot engine and damaging electrical connectors. How do most of you guys wash your engine? I am paranoid about using a car wash sprayer? What engine cleaner works best.

Thanks,
rene

Gunk plus some cheap stiff brush's for the heavy stuff, then go back with simple green and some tooth brush's for the lighter stuff.

Don't let either cleaner dry on the metals.

The engine should be stone cold never, never, never, never spray water on a hot IP. After you wash it leave the hood up, start it and let it dry off, then take it for a ride to burn off the rest of the water.

Don't directly spray the electrical connections, they are old.

I will probably get a bunch of flak for this but I have always driven the car to get it good and hot first...I buy any spray engine cleaner from the local parts store or Wmart..usually store brand....take the car to the local car wash....pop the hood and spray away. Let it set a few minutes and then hit it with the high pressure wand. I have been doing this for almost 20 years with absolutely no issues ever. I spray everything......and I mean everything. I have never had any electrical issues, mechanical issues or chemical issues with aluminum parts.

Just use any old degreaser, apply with a plant sprayer. Plenty of elbow grease with a wire brush, scouring pad, rag, etc.

Then wash it off with the same plant sprayer, but with water.

I wouldn't use high pressure water in an engine bay. Recipe for disaster IMO.

I have always pressure washed my engines since I've owned a vehicle.... I think its great for the D's as it really gets off the tough, caked-on grease/soot, etc. Of course its good to spray a cleaner firt and let it sit for a few minutes. I like using purple power.

Some manula carwash places have engine cleaner chemicals too. And then I pressure wash right after.