Auto Detailing 101 General discussion of auto cleaning and detailing. Learn tips and tricks to keep your Ford Ranger looking its best.

Under da Hood

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Old 06-21-2008
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Under da Hood

What is the safest way to clean my motor? I dont want to damage anything or get sumthing wet im not soposed to. Has alot of dirt and oil and much more on it. I want her to shine like new. Almost new*
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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well safest would prbly be a toothbrush but its def not the fastest.
 
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ive heard from a detailer at a dealership near by that if you just leave your truck running, and spray it with water that it will be fine since the truck is on...you know it will start. From what ive heard also is that if you spray it with simply green to eat at the grease...and then hose it down...that would look wonderful.

Remember not to keep the water on any one spot for a long period of time...make gradual strokes across the engine bay but dont stay in one spot for too long.

But id like to know some other tricks to cleaning your engine bay as well...mine sure needs it!
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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Don't bother using Gunk, that stuff sucks! Brake cleaner is a good degreaser, but a tad expensive.
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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I use Engine degreaser, but only when its an old engine and theres a lot of grime caked on. Autozone sells an engine detail spray you can use. its best to use it when the truck is cold. cover the battery, the alternator with a plastic bag or something and then hose down the engine bay with a pressure washer at a car wash. Dont spray anything directly. This is what i use to clean the engine bays on my oldie cars when i take them to car shows. hope it helps.
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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degreaser and a hot water pressure washer does wonders.
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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why does your sig say you have 3k and 6k hid's twice??? jeeez what a tard...
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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weird. musta been drunk or something. lol.

=end of thread hack.
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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Originally Posted by cory07ranger4x4
why does your sig say you have 3k and 6k hid's twice??? jeeez what a tard...
He is!
 
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haha... glad ya changed it. sorry for hackin the thread.
 
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Old 06-21-2008
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Thanks guys. I also heard that if you keep it running then it will work that way. Ill try some degreaser first. Ill let you kno results. And Ill try to take before and after pics.
 
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cover your electronics with a trash bag, or shopping bag, and tape them up, esp. the alternator...
 
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Originally Posted by Trigger01
He is!
Can't let that go...

At least i'm not a tard that won't get off his shiny red pinto butt and paint a grille!
 
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does a damp rag and some elbow grease get the job done?
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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Simple Green Metal. Works great.

Disconnect your battery/cover your fusebox first.
Wet your engine bay down.
Spray liberally with Simple Green Metal.
Let stand for a few minutes.
Wipe the really dirty bits with a wet rag.
Rinse.
Let dry.
Reconnect battery/uncover fuse box.

It helps if your spray nozzle has a "soaker" or "shower" setting. And try to clean under the hood regularly. Saves you time in the future.

I do know folks who wash their engine bays at the local car wash with the pressure washer and drive away without incident. Not something I would do to my truck though.

Cheers,
D.
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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Whats the differnce in simple green and simple green metal? When I say this thing is dirty. I mean this thing lived in the woods for years. Then sat in the woods for another year. It has oil everywhere. Ill try to post a pic.
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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It's designed for automotive use(ie. degreasing). The regular stuff is just general purpose. If the engine bay is that bad, you might want to scrape off as much of the build-up with a putty knife or flat screwdriver. If you're looking for a quicker and easier way you could always try using a Hotsy, if you know anyone who has one, that is. Or take it and get it steam cleaned.

Cheers,
D.
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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is you in da hood?
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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I use grease lightening when cleaing my engine. Does wonders.
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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I used Simple green the other day on it and then finished it off with some tire foam... worked like a charm and now the engine smells like candy too haha
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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haha. Thanks guys. When I get the extra cash ill try some of these ideas. And im sure I have the worst motor here. So ill let you know what works the best!
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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Originally Posted by JaxRanger
I used Simple green the other day on it and then finished it off with some tire foam... worked like a charm and now the engine smells like candy too haha
Be careful when using any kind of product that will make it "shiny". I used too much once, and it kept throwing the belt off.
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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Avoid the coil pack + computer

And since it is a '91 , here is for de-rustification:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhTZkvkivDQ
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/tec...ctrolysis.html
 
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Old 06-22-2008
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Grap any type of engine degreaser, head down to the local do it your self wash spray the entire can on the engine compartment, let it sit for a few minutes, then spray it all off with a hi press. wash..

no need to cover anything up... I do this once a month and never have had an issue...

anything that will make it shine just collects more dust... whats the point..
 


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