3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Hi everyone.
I got a 95 Camry LE that I wanted to clean.
The 1st thing I thought to clean was the engine bay because everything else
was still clean. I've seen videos on youtube where they use a pressure hose to spray on the engine bay. I don't know if it really works because I'm worried my electrical stuff in my engine might malfunction. Anyone knows the best way to clean the engine bay without having to destroy it? All advise are welcome.
This thread is a great one to become very familiar with.
As for engine bay cleaning, I've always taken my cars to the do-it-yourself car washes and used the high pressure hose and never had a problem. I imaging that might make some members cringe tho after seeing cleaning threads like the one I linked.
Last edited by WaxonWaxStillOn; 07-28-2011 at 11:59 AM.
Hi everyone.
I got a 95 Camry LE that I wanted to clean.
The 1st thing I thought to clean was the engine bay because everything else
was still clean. I've seen videos on youtube where they use a pressure hose to spray on the engine bay. I don't know if it really works because I'm worried my electrical stuff in my engine might malfunction. Anyone knows the best way to clean the engine bay without having to destroy it? All advise are welcome.
I basically do what that "one members take" was......I try and wipe of what grease I can first......and I use simple green.....I cover the same things he does and us light water pressure..........
__________________
2006 Vibe, White, 1zzfe, auto ( Toyota type IV), AWD, PW, PL, CC, AC, 161,000(5/12/2012)
1998 Camry LE, 4 door, Puke Green, I4(5S-FE), CA Emissions, Auto(A140E), 122k(3/22/2012), AC,CC, ABS, Built in Japan 04/98. Grandmas old car(acquired 7/22/2011), work= precat Denso A/F sensor, NGK wires.
So, will I need to cover anything like the starter and stuff before spraying with the pressure hose? Or will it be fine to just spray away?
Cover the alternator, starter, and distributor before spraying any Engine Brite or soap. Keep them covered when hosing off. Don't use a pressure washer -- those components are designed to handle dust, moisture, and the occasional puddle splash (and they don't do all that well with the puddle splashes). Just rinse with a regular hose. If it isn't clean enough that way, use some soap and elbow grease.
Pressure washing an engine is just a way of checking if God is watching out for fools that day.
Pressure washing an engine is just a way of checking if God is watching out for fools that day.
I must be very lucky because I quickly pressure wash everything other then the alternator in the engine bay. Haven’t had any problems except the drive belts slipping a bit on start up. But never stream clean an engine bay because moisture can get into ungodly places.
Cover the alternator, starter, and distributor before spraying any Engine Brite or soap. Keep them covered when hosing off. Don't use a pressure washer -- those components are designed to handle dust, moisture, and the occasional puddle splash (and they don't do all that well with the puddle splashes). Just rinse with a regular hose. If it isn't clean enough that way, use some soap and elbow grease.
Pressure washing an engine is just a way of checking if God is watching out for fools that day.
Haha, I guess he's had my back then, which is always good to know.
I must be very lucky because I quickly pressure wash everything other then the alternator in the engine bay. Haven’t had any problems except the drive belts slipping a bit on start up. But never stream clean an engine bay because moisture can get into ungodly places.
Well that makes two of us. Hallelujah !!
Due to Toyota's lousy design and placement of the oil filter, whenever I change the oil and filter, I get oil all over everything. I've got it down to where it's minimal, but nonetheless, normal driving will spray what little oil is there all over the engine. And it's important to have a clean car, both inside and out.
So each oil and filter change, I head off to the self service car wash. Open the hood, spray everything with the de-greaser, soap the rest of the car, and then come back to the engine compartment and spray everything off. I don't cover anything, but I keep the full blast off the alternator, and the coil packs. I noticed that there was some rust in the tubes when I changed the spark plugs, and I figured it was because of the high pressure washing, so I'm a bit careful around the coil packs.
Other than those two things, I blast everything with de-greaser, soap, and rinse. I got the car in 2002 with 70,000 miles on it, had it for nine years, done an oil change every 3000 miles, and have 230,000 miles on the car. That comes out to about 53 oil changes, and 53 engine cleanings. Some might say that's a bit anal, but working on a clean engine is much easier that one that is all crudded up with caked on grease. I don't know how many times I've read a post here on TN that goes something like this. "I've got an oil leak and it looks like it's coming from .......fill in the blank....." If you keep your engine neat and tidy, new oil leaks are easy to spot, and fix, before they become big oil leaks.
And when you take your car in for repairs, the service manager might take a look at your engine, and comment. "That's a mighty clean engine." And you could just look him straight in the eye and say..."and I expect it to be returned to me in the same condition."
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
5sfe Engine Bay Cleaning
Linear Mode
