Decided to clean the engine the other day, it wasn't that dirty, but I wanted it CLEAN Here is what I did, I know there is a lot of confusion about engine cleaning on the other site I visit (tundrasolutions.com) so I figured I would share here too! After I was finished the truck started up without a problem.

Start with the engine cold and off.

Spray Simple Green, wait 10 minutes, then use a hose or power washer. Don't get too close with the pressure washer and don't get the fuse box soaking wet either.

I bought some orange engine cleaner/detailer from autozone, not sure of the exact name right now. Spray it on, leave for 15 minutes to dry, then get a rag or micro-fiber cloth and wipe everything down.

The results are awesome. I figure I have 40k miles on the truck now, and the engine compartment was not bad at all before, so when I reach 80k I'll do it again

 

Looks brand new!

 

I think I might be nuts but I just came back in from doing parts of my frame in the same stuff, I just can't stop because it looks so good, hopefully this stuff will last longer than one rain storm, hahaha. At least it gives me a chance to get a good look at everything under the truck to make sure theres no excess rust or other problems, yea thats my excuse

 

Looks good. I just picked up a 04' DC Memorial day weekend with 52k.....not too dirty under the hood but does need to be cleaned up a bit. On another note I saw you're thread on the light bar you installed, and was wondering what brand is it and where did you end up getting it from?

 

LINK to the bar.

Let me know if you have any questions on the wiring for lights, it should be similar unless you have DRL's.

 

thats just ridiculous. very nice

 

Do you have any before pictures to compare? It does look brand new, but I am wondering how dirty it was.

What do the dealers do? I have heard they steam clean them???? I had a leaking valve cover on my Jeep and it is a mess. I need something to get all the baked on stuff off that does not smell nasty like some of the engine cleaners. I like simple green, but it does not get off the heavy stuff. I am thinking about using a scentless oven cleaner.....

 

Deffinately looks good.

We have a 99 Chevy Tahoe, continueing the cleaning standers of the previous owner, we clean eveything everytine the truck is washed. usually all it takes is poping the hood rinsing everything down and same underneath. 180k on it and EVERYTHING still looks and runs like its brand new. looking at that engine you wouldnt even know if it had 100 miles on it.

Definately keep up on this and leaky, your truck will stay brand new

 

don't have any pictures of the whole engine, I never expected it to turn out this nice Heres a picture of when I installed my fuse and relay boxes, it shows some of the dirt. Like I said, it wasn't too bad before, but it's awesome now

 

Some more pictures taken last week, less glare, and shows how the stuff I used does NOT attract dust.