Safe Engine Cleaning

[ChamplainRover]

In the process of replaing the oil pan gasket and the front cover gasket on one of my two 95 LWBs, I did some spot cleaning on the areas around which I was working.

My other rig is the beater. I have to fill refill the steering fluid resevoir regularly, and of course everything else leaks. It is a mess, and I would like to start figuring out where the leaks are coming from.

So, I need recommendations on how to clean the engine and underside. I don't want to blast away with a power washer or steam cleaner and ruin electricals by getting them wet and rip wires off.

Suggestions?

ChamplainRover

[ChamplainRover]

"Bump."

Anyone? Or are there no "tricks" to this. You just gotta spray and be careful as you do it?

Champlainrover

[TerryS]

If you spray the connections with WD40, or CRC beforehand, or a good application of dielectric grase, you can wash the engine pretty much without concern. Get some of the purple degreaser from the autoparts store and spray the entire engine, except the electrical connectors. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes then hose it off. I don't like using a power washer on the engine, just a strong hose nozzle.
If you have a compressor, blow off the excess water, and from around the connectors; injectors, water and fuel temp sensors, MAF plug, around the coil and distributor.

If you haven't already, change ALL your PS hoses, they will all be spongy by now.

[stolenheron]

WD40 is a godsend. Its coded title means "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try" according to their own website. sweet little trivia fact.

[SeattleRRC]

I plan to clean everything under the hood this weekend and wanted to be sure that I understand the WD40 treatment. So I spray every electrical connection with WD40 and can hose the entire collection under the hood off with degreaser + a hose?

Are there any parts/areas around the engine to avoid getting water into?
I plan to go at it from the hood and from the underside (also trying to track down oil leaks).

Thanks!

[rturbett]

There are a lot of chemicals and soaps that could be used.
My approach is to scrape and wipe away as much as possible beore even thinking of using any of them. You would be suprised how clean you can get much of the engine, and it keeps you from having to do repeated sprays and washes.
Rob Turbett

[57loboy]

When I did the top end on my 95, I used carb cleaner and/or brake cleaner (a lot) rather than spray crap everywhere. Everything magically went away after scraping as Rob suggests as well.
FWIW, As yours is a '95 - look for the pesky factory zip tie that may have rubbed a hole in your return line on the PS reservoir. I've since seen two, totally original 95's with the same leak from the same zip tie.