Cleaning the engine compartment
09-06-11, 08:44 PM
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Cleaning the engine compartment
Should I? It's not really filthy, but it's a tad "oily/dusty".
I'd like to wash it, but with all the electronics on this SOB I'm afraid that might not be the right thing to do.
I miss the old days when you could just cover the distributor with a plastic bag and pressure wash the crap out of things. ;-)
Opinions??
I'd like to wash it, but with all the electronics on this SOB I'm afraid that might not be the right thing to do.
I miss the old days when you could just cover the distributor with a plastic bag and pressure wash the crap out of things. ;-)
Opinions??
09-06-11, 11:37 PM
#2
Spray the cleaner on the parts and wipe off with a damp rag. For parts away from the wiring harness and electronics, I will use a squirt bottle with hot water to rinse off. Fortunately with the engine undercover, it doesn't get overly dirty. I may do this routine once a year.
Pressure washing even in the old days came with problems but yeah, I took a garden hose when necessary. Still had to avoid the alternator, coil and such soakings.
Pressure washing even in the old days came with problems but yeah, I took a garden hose when necessary. Still had to avoid the alternator, coil and such soakings.
09-07-11, 06:41 PM
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I would look into a steam cleaner. I know here in Minny they are available for rent, not sure what the going rate but would be worth a look.
Harbor Freight has a handy looking little one for $130, the big suckers are upwards of $3k for purchase and a couple hundred a day to rent here. Meh, just a suggestion.
Harbor Freight has a handy looking little one for $130, the big suckers are upwards of $3k for purchase and a couple hundred a day to rent here. Meh, just a suggestion.
Last edited by JNeezy; 09-07-11 at 06:48 PM. Reason: add info
09-09-11, 02:07 AM
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My 1990 LS400 is filthy under the hood! I just bought some engine cleaner and planning on doing plenty of cleaning under there. I just got the car and the previous owner didn't do any maintenance at all so I have plenty to do!
09-15-11, 03:05 AM
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Ls400 and water in the engine compartment dont seem to mix real well. Spark Plugs are in deep wells which will hold water like you wouldnt believe. Also, there are a boat load of electrical connectors in the engine compartment which are not water prof. They may have resisted water whan the cars were newer, but by this age the o rings are rotted and they hold water in the connectors better than out. Take a previous poster's advice and just use a sprayt bottle sparingly and mostly use a dampened rag. Once you get it mostly crap free try taking some lemon pledge or endust in an aerosol can and give the engine and the associated hoses etc and nice squirt , it'll make her look new. Favorite trick of the used car salesman (sheisters)..........
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