Does anyone here do it, or has anyone here done it ? What do you use. .
I plastic bag the alternator and then use a combination of brushes, paint, stainless, etc and the yellow stuff that the Dollar Tree sells or similar cleaners. I put a piece of plywood about 2 feet wide over the engine going from side to side with the bed propped all the way open. I then lie on it and lean down gently using the brushes to remove the road grime the rear engine picks up. Good time to check alternator belts and connections. Stainless nuts on the alternator keep any corrosion away. This is also a good time to check on tie wraps, hoses and tubing from the engine to the air cleaner, etc.
After it's pretty clean, take a digital camera and photo the alternator info plate and any stickers on the engine and anything else that might be good for future reference.
If you have a hydraulic pump/motor for the side radiator, get familiar with R&R belt replacement and with it off, inspect it and check the tensioner idler for dry bearings, etc. If you have a 8 rib pulley on the crankshaft pulley, make sure you have a spare. You can't buy one at parts stores without ordering and will need to find one online to get it at a reasonable price.
Pierce
I want to pressure wash mine however, the thought of screwing something up with the water freaks me out. So I just wipe down what I can reach from the back with the rag-on-a-stick method.
I guess a dirty engine that runs is better than a clean one that has mysterious self induced electrical issues.
I have pressure washed many engines. Just bag the electrics and avoid damaging seals with high pressure. In doing annual inspections on aircraft, the engine compartment has to be spotless so any cracks in engine mounts, leaks, cracked insulation on wires, exhaust, heater, etc can be seen. With a clean engine, the source of any new leak can quickly be found rather than looking at a puddle on the ground and wondering where it came from.
Pierce
I also cover the altinator with plastic, am carful around electric conections with water. I use Krud Kutter and other oil eating cleaners. Start from top and work down.
I also cover up the isolator and all related electrical on fwd bulkhead before washing.
Have never had an issue. I like a clean engine!
We haven't ever cleaned the engine bay ourselves, although I recall Cummins Ft. Worth steam cleaned it in 2013 when we had our fluids and filters done there.
There's a timely warning over on IRV2 about pressure washing the engine and potential damage to the air filter from moisture which apparently led to some serious issues with a Cummins ISL.
Dusted ISL 425 - iRV2 Forums (http://www.irv2.com/forums/f123/dusted-isl-425-a-229470.html#post2347968)
I also recall warnings on Foreforums previously of the potential damage the high pressure water can do to hoses and wires.
I would not clean with water or especially not with high pressure water/steam.
Particularly on an electronic engine, WAY too many sensitive connections that are water-RESISTANT (different from water proof).
Clean the engine with a can of WD-40 and a roll of paper towels.
I spray the cold engine, radiator, air filter container, turbo, and walls (except the front) with Simple Green. I let this sit for a half hour or so and rinse with the hose water. I do not have to eat off of these areas so this works for me.
If you have just regular oil film & road grime use Windex & Armour All. You need to buy it by the gallon at the big box store. Spray everything down with Armour All. Soak it good. Let it set until it dissolves the oil. Spray it off with Windex. Makes everything look new. I try not to spray directly into the alternator or sensitive electronic components but I haven't had any problems with Isolators or sealed stuff.
TOM
Brett my father-in-law used to use the rag he checked his oil with to wipe down the engine. Being he checked the oil every week, his engine and firewalls were spotless. But I like you WD idea. Thanks John
I prefer a dusty engine opposed to a rusty engine. Cleaning an engine until all oil residue is gone just invites the rust in.
Clean your engine as clean as you want but wipe it down with a lightly oiled rag.
You might be interested in knowing, there is a Simple Green Extreme formulated for use on aluminum items. It does not react to discolor the metal.
That is good stuff David
I don't clean mine, if I get a little oil it I just wipe it off with a little carb cleaner and a rag. Way too many gremlins to be found if water or cleaner gets in old connectors.
Since the old flathead I've tried keeping a clean engine, and I'd like to keep this jewel polished.