1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Cleaning engine compartment

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by BlueFalconActual, Jan 23, 2017.

  1. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:22 PM
    #1
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual [OP] Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    So, I had some fun playing in the mud with my truck but now I am having serious OCD problems because the engine compartment is filthy. Any tips and tricks to clean in there besides a rag and a whole lot of patience?
    Also, no matter how many hours I spend hosing off the underside, it still seems to weep dirt. Part of me knows I should let it just be a truck, but it's also my pride and joy and I can't stand the thought of it being full of mud. I live in the desert, so will it eventually dry out and be mostly clean?
     
    WillTunBlack20 and iglenner like this.
  2. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:30 PM
    #2
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    Disconnect the battery, cover the alternator with a plastic bag and pressure wash it. Dried up dirt is just as bad as mud in my opinion. It has probably the same if not more potential to harm moving things like your pulleys or belts.

    I also chase the wash with my air compressor to dry off electrical, but I know a lot of people who are indifferent and just let the engine warming up evaporate the water.

    Edit: Depending on how much fun you had it could take a few rinses for everything to come out. haha
     
    Motor71 and BlueFalconActual[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:32 PM
    #3
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual [OP] Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    Any need to cover the fuse box as well?
     
  4. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:34 PM
    #4
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    I never have. The stock box does a pretty well job of keeping water out you'd have to be pretty intentional to get water in it. Plus, it's plastic so a quick once over usually does the trick. It's the metal that mud sticks to really well for whatever reason.
     
  5. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:34 PM
    #5
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual [OP] Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    Awesome. I really appreciate it.
     
    FlashCulprit likes this.
  6. Jan 23, 2017 at 8:44 PM
    #6
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    Anything for you buddy!
     
  7. Jan 24, 2017 at 7:15 AM
    #7
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

    Joined:
    May 30, 2016
    Member:
    #3487
    Messages:
    50,312
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    Anyone use engine cleaners or degreaser or detailing spray cans to make engine look new???...I don't pressure wash... I jus have that nozzle where you can turn water off and make pressure high enough to wash dust and dirt off...but I'd like to know if those cans mentioned above if they bad on hoses belt electrical lines and what not I use leaf blower to dry off engine bay also I take off grille and use stiff brush get all bugs stuck in radiator fins out
     
  8. Jan 24, 2017 at 7:51 AM
    #8
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2015
    Member:
    #966
    Messages:
    3,345
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Rock Hill, SC
  9. Jan 24, 2017 at 9:35 AM
    #9
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    multiple threads on the issue. Try that gunk remover and water hose.
    Also if it's just dust. use a leaf blower and blow the dust out.
     
  10. Jan 24, 2017 at 9:42 AM
    #10
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual [OP] Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    Dang. I tried searching for "engine compartment" and nothing came up. Sorry guys.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  11. Jan 24, 2017 at 2:43 PM
    #11
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,629
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    These assclowns are not telling you the right thing to do. Best way to clean up the engine compartment is:

    -Simple green the shit out of the engine compartment.
    -Have a beer or two, but no more than two.
    -find water crossing or some fresh water on the trails.
    -roll up windows
    -turn on wipers
    -floor it

    Clean as new :cheers:
     
    newguy, rockjockey, Zharris and 4 others like this.
  12. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:04 PM
    #12
    Tundraplatinum

    Tundraplatinum New Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    Member:
    #3392
    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Platinum CM
    definitely don't pressure wash you will most likely damage something by blasting water in where it doesn't belong. You don't need to disconnect or cover anything, alternator and battery get wet when driving in heavy rain. use some simple green or purple power and hose it off blasting with hose nozzle is fine just not pressure washer
     
  13. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:10 PM
    #13
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual [OP] Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    Thanks all. I spent about 4 hours underneath with a hose getting mud out of every nook and cranny and then hit the engine with a hose and got all the mud off. On Saturday Ill be detailing everything to silence my OCD.
     
  14. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:17 PM
    #14
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1948
    Messages:
    16,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joon
    NorCal - Dublin
    Vehicle:
    2020 Long Travel DC
    Will simple green work for mine?
    DSCF0300.jpg
     
  15. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:17 PM
    #15
    briarpatch

    briarpatch New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2016
    Member:
    #5310
    Messages:
    1,914
    Gender:
    Male
    Any APC will do the trick. I use Meguiars D101 diluted to 4:1 if really dirty, otherwise at 10:1. I've seen guys use a pressure washer, it's just not for me. Use a detail brush and agitate the APC, rinse off with light pressure. I finish with Meguiars Hyper Dressing at 3:1 on plastic parts and hoses.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  16. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:17 PM
    #16
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2016
    Member:
    #4612
    Messages:
    2,682
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 CrewMax MGM Grocery Getter
    limited wannabe, suspension and tire improvements
    Maybe in the gas tank.
     
  17. Jan 24, 2017 at 4:21 PM
    #17
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2016
    Member:
    #4612
    Messages:
    2,682
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 CrewMax MGM Grocery Getter
    limited wannabe, suspension and tire improvements
    Most pressure washers have the "soap applicator" nozzle and a super wide nozzle. I've used that with simple green with good results.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  18. Jan 24, 2017 at 5:57 PM
    #18
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,629
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Looks like some gas and a match will be far superior than simple green.
     
  19. Jan 24, 2017 at 7:55 PM
    #19
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    :eek: ASSCLOWNS?!?!?!
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jan 24, 2017 at 7:56 PM
    #20
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,629
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch

    It's a term of endearment....
     
  21. Jan 24, 2017 at 8:55 PM
    #21
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    Thanks babe. :smash:
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Jan 24, 2017 at 9:00 PM
    #22
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,629
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    For you, anytime sugar tits.
     
  23. Mar 22, 2017 at 10:31 AM
    #23
    HBdirtbag

    HBdirtbag New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2017
    Member:
    #6631
    Messages:
    1,005
    Walnut Creek, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 limited cm
    I've got this to battle this weekend. Will use simple green and a pressure washer on it. That's how I've always done engine bays.

    IMG_6709.jpg
     
    FlashCulprit likes this.
  24. Mar 22, 2017 at 5:49 PM
    #24
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2015
    Member:
    #1948
    Messages:
    16,674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joon
    NorCal - Dublin
    Vehicle:
    2020 Long Travel DC
    Holy crap. Mine probably looks exactly like that.
     
    HBdirtbag[QUOTED] likes this.
  25. Mar 23, 2017 at 12:19 AM
    #25
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    Let's get an after for good measure! Simple green is good stuff.
     
  26. Mar 23, 2017 at 12:42 PM
    #26
    alalmcgrath

    alalmcgrath Old Fart at Large!

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2015
    Member:
    #1646
    Messages:
    214
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Al
    Boulder Creek Ca
    Vehicle:
    2016 SEQUOIA SR5
    None yet

    I don`tt know. I remember the old days when you didn`t dare to spray water under the hood because you would end up calling a tow truck to get home.
     
    FlashCulprit[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Mar 23, 2017 at 12:49 PM
    #27
    FlashCulprit

    FlashCulprit ColoradoTJ's whipping boy/Gino's illegitimate son.

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2015
    Member:
    #1210
    Messages:
    2,404
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Salt Lake City, UT
    Vehicle:
    2010 Super White SR5 TRD 5.7 4x4
    This still holds true to the extent of having a carbed block. Water can and will enter non insulated parts, breathers, distributors etc. haha However, almost every OBD-II car built after 1996 has insulated electrical connectors and sealed air systems that keep dirt and water from ruining the engine.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top