Cleaning engine and engine compartment.

Good day, I hope you're doing okay with all this mess!
Years ago I was led to believe that cleaning the aforementioned wasn't good. Is this still true? If it's doable what's the best way to do it? I know they used to have spray engine cleaner for it.
Thank you!

 

I avoid but if you 'have' to, wrap in plastic/secure all electrical items, connections (that's where water gets in and then shorts out when you turn ignition on) and so for. Certainly avoid high pressure.

Might want to consider some kind of spray on, foamy stuff that "self-rinses",sort of....Luck.

 

Thanks, that's what I remember from the past. I think I'll just wipe off what I can.

 

here's a link to a video by Mike Phillips on engine detailing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL2qWey-1ZY

 

Here’s a video from South Main Auto. Guy knows his way around cars
https://youtu.be/DztNjugRAiI

 

If I'm not mistaken I believe auto dealers have the used ones cleaned with steam, might check that possibility out. I'd clean mine but it goes off-roading every other weekend, so it would be an endless task, besides I like dust...

 

Hey man! With all newer cars now a day, the engine bay is pretty safe for water! I have a 17 tundra and to clean it I just hit it with a pressure washer. The key is not to be too close, give it distance and always be moving, and not to focus all the water on one spot for a certain time! If that makes sense!

 

I live in an area that gets snow and a lot of road salt and pressure spray my engine and underneath frequently and haven’t had any issues. I just did it yesterday with water only to get dirt/dust off. I’ve used some cleaners and some will leave a film on the plastic parts and discolor them so watch which ones you try.

 

Thanks all for your replies!

 

I jumped on mine while it was new and stayed on top of it, so it stays clean.....but it's a "garage queen" too!

 

Did you replace the foam in front of the radiator (that deteriorates over time) with that flap? Homemade or aftermarket?

 

I spray simple green or spay nine on a cold engine and then rinse with a regular Garden hose hose sprayer , todays engines and connection are all weather proofed , just done concentrate on any one spot to long with the water . I’ve been doing this for 15 yrs or more and never had an issue , the key is only on a cold engine .

 

Sorry I had a typo , spray nine .

 

Nothing like a clean garage queen.
You might be able to make a
There.
I need to do mine too.

 

Wish I had a garage it would fit in to but I still manage to keep "Otis" clean like he lived in one. My last two trucks were Toyota's and had them each for 16 years. Plan to keep this one that long and get my next one when I'm 81.

 

This is my second 16 I’ve bought in 4 years. I’m hoping this is my last Tundra to buy, unless I Win the lottery ...

 

Simple Green twice a year..50k miles, looks new.

 

Looks great. Simple Green and cold engine.

 

@War Machine

 

I’ve always had a dirty engine bay because I was scared to get it wet. Definitely doing this to me and the wife’s car

 

That’s what I do.

 

Just used a piece of rubber strip I had laying around.

 

I’ve heard it both ways. Some say never use a hose or spray water on it, some say it’s fine as long as you don’t use high pressure. Some say that it’s safe on modern vehicles, but not older ones.

I don’t risk it. I use this and some cheap microfibers, and it works great:

Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner - 17oz.

$10 Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner - 17oz.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ABGA6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_4.AJEbJG6A0NW

 

This is just my 2 cents. I work at dealership and have probably degreased and pressure washed close 10k engines. Never covered anything up, but I make sure I try and to avoided the alternator,l and intake as much as possible. That being said...I cover those parts up on mine (just in case lol)
Warm up the engine, if it's pretty dirty I use some simple green. Spray off and dry. I then wipe the hard plastics with a non greasy spray(usually for interior dashes).

 

My foam strip also separated recently.What's the purpose of that anyway?

 

My guess is,one of the Tundra engineers, had a boyfriend in the foam rubber industry

 

What did you use to paint your engine cover and what battery hold down do you have?

 

Engine cover paint is Krylon Fusion For Plastic.I bought the Battery Clamp from Coup, he's a vendor on the forum.

 

Awesome, is that a red light on the radiator support?

 

The red light you see is my underhood light switch.These pics were taken before I bought the CAI and went crazy with masking tape and spray paint!