Dirty Engine

[WannaBButch]

Any advice on cleaning the engine compartment? I know I need to cover the distributor but is there anything else I should be careful about? Does anyone have any tips for methods?




1990 Camry 3sfe Automatic

[nogard]

Simple Green, it is the only way to go. Get the green colored stuff, don't get the generic version. It is also biodegradable, so if you have a well it won't harm it. That is why I use it. Soak the engine with water, I never cover anything just don't spray right on the distributor. Then put the simple on it, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, make sure the water doesn't dry. Then hose off. If there are areas that won't come clean you will have to reapply and use a scrub brush, this will really do the trick. I do this about three times. You would not believe how clean things get. All the fluid contains end up clean and you can actually see the level through them. I actually use a power washer to rise it off.

[Skiermang]

Use an old toothbrush on the problem areas to really get the gunk off.

[WannaBButch]

I appreciate your input. I don't think mine has ever been cleaned. Hopefully I won't break anything with my pressure washer. lol.

[Skiermang]

I wouldn't use a pressure washer: pretty easy for stuff to go wrong.

A spray bottle of Simple Green, a toothbrush and a spray bottle of water should work nicely. A bit slow but with very little risk.

Make sure to let things dry out for a few hours after cleaning before starting the motor.

[Kep]

A guy did a DIY writeup on the Gen 3/4 site you might like to read:

washing engine bay

If you do a search there were a lot of posts about this in Gen 3/4 over the last couple of years.

Kep

[fredk]

get it kinda warmed up, wait a few minutes and blast it, get it clean, then start it up and let it dry off