1997 Ford Explorer, I need to clean the enginge... best practices??

Question

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer and under the hood the engine is very dusty and dirty. I'm not afraid to clean it at the car wash with some sort of enging degreaser/cleaner; however, I want to make sure there isn't some component under the hood that I need to pay special attention to avoid.

I realize that I should minimize the impact to the plug wires and possibly anywhere the wires plug in, but what about the rest of the engine compartment?

Advice please - very much appreciated!!

Answer 1

Just spray it with a high pressure water hose, nothing should come off.

Answer 2

Make a trip to your local car wash and spray with the hot water soap spray. Spray degreasers work well but you still need to rinse the mess away and the kerosene smelling stench stays in your driveway and engine compartment.
Anyone who makes fun of the car wash practice hasn't done it yet. Yes, your car will start, run perfectly and nothing will crack or rupture. The entire engine compartment will be clean and good as new.

Answer 3

The best thing to do is spray it down with a degreaser. Let it sit for a minute or two the start the engine up and spray the degreaser off. You shouldn't hurt anything.

Answer 4

the coil pack is sensitive to water, use electrical tape and a plastic baggie to protect it. you should also protect the connector for the ECU because if you damage it its about 900 bucks.

i would not use a harsh cleaner like castrol super clean... it will clean it good, but if its not completely washed off it will eat the aluminum.

Answer 5

IT IS NOT WISE TO PUT WATER ON SOME ENGINE PARTS LIKE IGINTION MODULES, THEY MIGHT CRACK, SOME RELAYS CAN SHORT OUT, IF WATER GETS INSIDE AND CURRENT IS RUN,, THIS IS RARE, BUT DOES HAPPEN,,

Answer 6

i power wash my car a lot just keep it running you will be ok