Should i clean the engine?

[jiimi]

I was looking at those engine cleaners at the store the other day, Engine Bright i think it was, ya know the ones where u spray the whole engine compartment, then hose it down and its nice and shiney afterwards? My engine sure could use a cleaning, but im not to trilled about hosing down my engine.
Has anyone had any negative experiences with this type of product.? The directions say to cover distributer and stuff. Im figureing i should cover the distributer, my KKm filter Batery. Anything else? what about the alternator?
Im hoping a good cleaning will help to get rid of some of the smell. Its not leaking, just after 10 years of spilt oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid. and 10 years of grime.

 

[brent239]

make sure you cover the kkm especially. If your motor sucks in water plan on spending alot of time fixing it. and if you dont cover your distributor then your motor will miss really badly till it dries. but the alternator and batt are just extra work. youll be fine with those covered up

 

[glc8937]

The KKM needs covered. Distibutor only if you will be driving soon afterwards.

I cleaned mine with Gunk's engine brite and my KKM is the only thing I covered. Hosed it all down and let it sit in the driveway in the sun and it was a few hours later I started it up and drove away

Make sure the engine is cool/cold before hosing it down. Risk warping heads if you do it when it is hot.

 

[JDraper]

Don't bother trying to cover the distributor. The Explorer doesn't have one It's a distributorless igniniton system. Just thoroughly cover your intake and you should be fine.

 

[tbomb]

actually, what works pretty good is simple green. its about $10 for roughly a million and a half gallons seriously, its pretty cheap and it works great. i cover my ignition, battery, alternator, and kkm - whether it matter on some things or not, its just makes me feel better. i spray it on from about 18" away at full strength (not dilluted), and let it sit for like 5 minutes or so. hose it off lightly, let it dry, then drive. looks great.

no matter what product you use, or what method, its always a good idea to keep your engine clean.

 

[beavis195]

CD-2 works even better. It comes with a degreaser and a protectant to keep dust away and make it shine better. You can get it at target for $7.00

 

[Stephen]

A clean engine will always run cooler and be more attractive to look at/work on.

I've always used Simple Green, works great for this and about a million and a half other things. I actually just had my decks, patios, briveway, pool area etc powerwashed and the guy had a huge jug of Simple Green he used for that. Real useful stuff.