Big project coming up, engine performance fixes on 1995 ford explorer XLT 2wd

[Banjoes]

I am planning to replace exhaust manifold gaskets as the passenger side is leaking. I know it is leaking due to a recent seafoam treatment, and it never leaked out anywhere else. I am planning also to do a MAF sensor w/air cleaner change and other electrical sensor cleaning like idle air controller and throttle position sensor and air temperature sensor cleaning. Along with their respective electrical connections too. But before I do any of that I want to clean the entire engine compartment with a degreaser. I know some of the preparations before spraying the degreaser like covering the battery and ignition coil pack with plastic bags and securing them with rubber bands.

But Is there any other areas to cover up beside these items?

About the manifolds, they have been removed before when my dad and uncle put another transmission on the truck, they replaced the driver side and not the passenger side, I'm not sure why. Are there preparations before attempting removal and what is the easiest way to get at it?

Also what products do you guys recommend for cleaning the engine?
And also what CRC product should I use to clean the MAF, the other sensors mentioned above and their respective electrical connections? Should I use the QD electronic cleaner or their lectramotive electric parts cleaner, I want to buy ONE can if possible.

thanks in advanced,

Joe

 

[rickybobby]

CRC makes a MAF cleaner, and that is the only cleaner i will use on that, so you may end up with 2 cans as most other cleaners can leave a residue that can damage the MAF

 

[Banjoes]

Oops... On my first post I made a mistake I meant to say that My uncle and dad replaced the exhaust manifold GASKET on the driver side and not the passenger side.

OK I will buy the MAF sensor specific cleaner and buy the electronic cleaner for the electrical connectors(as well as other things around the house and car.)

Thanks for your reply rickybobby.

 

[rickybobby]

I think you will be very happy with that purchase, and it works well to clean contacts too, that way the leftovers wont go to waste

 

[Banjoes]

Thats funny, I think advanced auto lied to me then, I sent them a question asking if the CRC MAF cleaner was safe to use on other sensors, they said no they didn't say anything about using it to clean the contacts though.

Also what do you use to degrease your engine? That is if you do of course...

 

[Banjoes]

Well, I pu tthe new gasket in-much quieter and I can turn on the outside air without smelling exhaust gas and it burning my throat and eyes. I cleaned the MAF sensor as well as its electrical connections and air temperature sensor as well as its electrical connections and replaced air cleaner. It did improve the idle much better it use to idle around 1200 RPM when warm, and now idles around 900 RPM with A/C on, disconnected battery and let it sit for about 25 minutes-while I was doing all this and waited about 15 minutes for all this to dry.

But unfortunately after 5 minutes of driving the check engine light came back on, one thing though the idle still surges a little like when I hear it start bogging down I can hear a squeak or a squeal and then goes away when the engine starts speeding up a little.