how to clean engine...

[AdrianF]

just got a 96 explorer sport..first car...i took it off roading last week and looked under the hood yesterday and the engine was completly coverd in mud(along with everything else but the back seats). Whats the best/safest way to clean it?

Thanks,
Adrian

 

[sethlaz]

Adrian,
I would recommend following the directions on the back of a can of engine degreaser. They basicly state that you cover the distributor (or the place all the spark plug wires come from) with a plastic bag so it doesn't get wet. Check all your covers and caps -- trust me on this one -- I once degreased a Caravan with the transmission dipstick not seated all the way and I got water and degreaser in the tranny Dead Link Removed. At this point you can goto town with a hose and shine it up like new.