I used this stuff thats bio-degradable, called power purple works pretty good.

 

why would you cover the battery? if anythign, hose it down once in a while to make sure you don't get corrosion. I dont' cover anythign up and always use high pressure spray at the car wash, no problems.

 

You do not want to hose a hot engine!!!!!!!! If you go to the car wash that means you drove the vehicle there and the engine is hot. Hot engine parts and cool water is not a good thing! You can end up with a nasty problem.....Why take the chance? You could leave the engine running and try to clean but the best bet is to do what was explained above.

 

why did you list oils in your signature?

 

Here's a shot of my Civic Hatchback's engine bay, I forgot what the engine cleaner was, but it was from my local store. Sprayed on the cleaner, let it set for about 5mins, have someone rev the engine at 2000rpm while you're washing the engine bay with the high pressure. No problems at all on both vehicles.

 

Wow, I need to change my avatar..I saw your post, and it scared me! I was like "I didn't write that!"


BTW, sorry for the Hijack

 

Wow, that's a new one I have never heard before.

 

Cause I am an oil fanatic!

 

I buy a 5 gal citrus cleaner from a detailer supplier. Fill a spray bottle and do my whole undercarriage and engine. no paint ecthing or white residue left behind.

 

For future clean ups this works well.
http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...ProductID=2516

 

I have washed all my Toyotas engine bays with a pressure washer and NEVER had a problem. Most everything on them is water tight or sealed. All connectors, distributor, caps, etc are o-ring sealed. All electronics are potted in epoxy. Toyota knew there stuff was going to get wet. This is not true with other makes though. I wouldn't worry about the battery or alternator either. The battery is sealed and there is nothing in the alternator to hurt. The fuse box is the only thing I don't spray directly. I don't use a pin point spray but a fan pattern. Unless the engine is very dirty, I don't need any degreaser either. After it drys, I spray with foaming tire spray.

 

Gregg - that is awesome!! Too cool - that must be one of the cleanest '86s


Yea, I have just been using a garden hose sray gun with water only (no cleaners) on my Tacoma for 6 1/2 years with no problems. I don't cover anything. I do it when the engine is cool, and let it sit and dry afterwards (it helps that I am in AZ). After I rinse it off, then I just use a wet rag to wipe EVERYTHING down (including underside of hood and firewall/fender sheetmental), and then a dry rag follows immediately to dry it all. It comes out looking really nice.