Need Cleaning Help.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Need Cleaning Help.
What do you guys do to clean out the engine area? I got dried mud all over everything. I really want to clean it out because I don't want to hurt anything. I got it all over the engine, some wires, and lots of other stuff.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 437
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From: -
You can use regular dishwashing liquid (mixed with water in a bucket) which is a very mild degreaser. Work it in with a small short bristled paint brush on small areas at the time, rinsing often. A standard pressure household hose is all you really need to rinse it off. If you're concerned about electricals (I've never had any problems with hosing the entire engine) you can bag them, then use a wet towel on them to get them cleaned.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
Originally Posted by Incognito
You can use regular dishwashing liquid (mixed with water in a bucket) which is a very mild degreaser. Work it in with a small short bristled paint brush on small areas at the time, rinsing often. A standard pressure household hose is all you really need to rinse it off. If you're concerned about electricals (I've never had any problems with hosing the entire engine) you can bag them, then use a wet towel on them to get them cleaned.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From: Lakehurst, NJ
Simple Green works fine, just be careful of fading black plastic with it.
I usually stuff a rag in the air intake, cover the battery and distributor. You can cover the plugs to if it makes you feel better, but I usually don't.
I usually stuff a rag in the air intake, cover the battery and distributor. You can cover the plugs to if it makes you feel better, but I usually don't.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
You can use regular dishwashing liquid (mixed with water in a bucket) which is a very mild degreaser. Work it in with a small short bristled paint brush on small areas at the time, rinsing often. A standard pressure household hose is all you really need to rinse it off. If you're concerned about electricals (I've never had any problems with hosing the entire engine) you can bag them, then use a wet towel on them to get them cleaned.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
I like to do it with a cold engine and allow to air dry for a while. You can also towel dry if you don't want water spots. Have also heard of guys using leaf blowers to dry. Afterwards, run the engine up to temp and/or on the highway. This will dry any remaining water. Follow up with some sort of protectant (optional) mainly for rubber & plastics like 303.
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Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,368
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
I've used an electric power washer on the underside of the hood and VERY carefully around the engine.. I stuff a rag or cover the air intake with a plastic bag and use the wand around the suspension parts, etc, but never have it less than 6 inches away from anything I am cleaning. mainly its a fine mist taking the dust off the parts. I like the idea of the bristle brush, detergent, and garden hose technique better and am going to try that next. Its just that usually I've already had the power washer fired up to knock off all that other mud off the Jeep 
. (My neighbors are used to seeing my half of the driveway covered in dried mud). thanks for the info, this was helpful. 
. (My neighbors are used to seeing my half of the driveway covered in dried mud). thanks for the info, this was helpful.