I have long been a fan of clean engines and engine compartments. I was reading on another post that many of you clean your engine compartments and since I have never owned a diesel engine before I was not sure about how to go about cleaning it.

Any info on how you clean it, what chemicals do you use, etc. would be very helpful. Thanks

Jason

 

Simple green.

 

I concur w/ simple green. A few tips:

- Make sure the engine is cool - you don't want to crack something due to heat shock.
- cover electrical connections just to be safe
- rinse off the simple green real well. It can leave spots on some things if left to dry.
- Leave hood up and dry in the sun after rinsing before trying to start again

 

Also, I've found that its best to use Simple Green on a dry engine. I mix some in my garden sprayer than apply to dry engine. Than wash off with hose, or pressure washer. I've been using it for years on my 4-wheelers with great results.

 

I use the Wal Mart brand of engine degreaser. Works great and cheap. It works best if it is kept "wet" with repeated applications before rinsing. If it dries, it loses its effect. Thick grease will come off better if scrubbed.

When it's time to rinse, I use a garden hose. High pressure wash will force water into places it shouldn't be. If you want a really good rinse, connect your garden hose to the bottom of your hot water heater.

 

Castrol Super Clean or Simple Green.

I like both, but Super Cleans smells better that Simple Green.

 

The method I use to clean my CTD engine (and other engines as well) is to get it clean to begin with (simple green is OK if it's really dirty), then after it is dry, spray the entire engine compartment generously with Armor-All. Wipe down any puddles. Since almost nothing will really stick to the surface after that, use a high pressure air hose to blow off any dust that might settle on the engine later. Reapply Armor-All after blowing off the engine compartment (usually before a wash job). Not only does the engine stay clean, it's nice and shiny too and all rubber parts are a shiny black.

 

Sorry, but I had to mention this.
I use Zaino on the outside. This stuff does magic. Use it following the directions and all that other crap out there will never see the light of day again. Turned all my car buddies on to, all have nothing but good to say about it. Also got a free dinner and drinks from one friend who was really happy with it. Simple green cut 50/50 works for me on the engine.
http://www.zainostore.com

 

I spray a dry, cooled engine down with Engine Brite, liquid or foam, both work great. I dont cover anything and spray everything. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then blast it with the garden hose. Never have had a problem in doing this. Couple of times I have had to push the button on the air filter indicator as it started whistling after starting. Then I spray the everything but the belt and pullies with CareBrite SuperKote. Been doing this with all my engines for 15 years and have yet to throw a code or have any problems with them.