I want to clean up my p/ups engine bay. Most of the gunk is oil and dirt. I do not have a pressure washer to use, I do have a hose though. What can I do to avoid getting the electronics wet (well, the few electronics there are) and I can't pull the block or anything. So, what should I clean it with?

I also want to clean the interior, it is bare metal right now. I am just going to use soapy water unless otherwise instructed.

 

Here's what I did. At Target, you can get a bottle of this stuff called Simple Green. You'll find it in the automotive section. It's a degreaser, and it really works. Oh yeah, it smells like licorice... Also, it's environmentally safe. I used a whole bottle of it on my engine bay. If you've done the Deck Plate mod, screw the deck plate in for the cleaning. Spray the stuff on full strength, and then let it sit for 5 minutes. Spray off with regular hose, but don't spray directly at/around headlight housing; water will leak in. Then repeat and this time use an old toothbrush or something like that to get the nitty gritty stuff before you spray off with the water. I did it on a warm day and then just let the 4Runner sit overnight to dry just to be careful. It probably would have been fine had driven it that day, but I had nothing to do plus letting it dry couldn't hurt. I haven't had any problems since then, which was about 2 months ago. Well -- actually one little one. I'm not a fan of licorice and the smell was strong for about a week, no biggie. I might suggest doing it with your engine cold becaue the rapid expanding/condensing of the metal isn't good. If you don't want to do that, take it to a car detailing place and ask them to steam clean your engine.

Zach

 

No I think I will do that. I don't drive it yet, anyway, so it can sit for a full day or so. I always try to start it and take it around the block every couple days. It's hard driving without a seat but I can sit on a tool box. I cleaned the whole inside today, it doesn't look new or anything, but all the dirt and stuff is gone. I took out the "road gear" speakers today, too! I'm putting crossovers in the speaker holes.