[importcar]

The back of my 5SFE is caked with oil and dirt from years of valve cover oil leaks. There is a bunch of wiring back there and I was wondering is it safe to spray engine degreaser or brake cleaner to clean up that mess?

 

[Yuko]

The back of my 5SFE is caked with oil and dirt from years of valve cover oil leaks. There is a bunch of wiring back there and I was wondering is it safe to spray engine degreaser or brake cleaner to clean up that mess?

No on the brake cleaner, it way to harsh on some rubber and plastic. What I have done before was soak the area with degreaser (such as Purple Power, etc.) and use a tooth brush to clean out tight space and caked on areas. Then I lightly wash down everything. Avoid the alternator, fuse box, battery, intake, and distributor (if equipped). The wiring with be able to handle some water, just done force it into the wire loom.

Then take care to that leak or it will all cake back on.

 

[BamZipPow]

Being that yer in California...you'll need to be careful about yer engine cleaning. Hate to see the police write you up a ticket fer hazardous waste...

 

[CrystalMethod]

I usually soak the heck out of it with degreaser, then hit it with a pressure washer. Then I blow off as much water as I can get at with an air compressor.

Oh, like Yuko mentioned. Avoid the the alternator at all costs. (I usually cover mine with a plastic bag). Battery is safe to hose down though.

 

[TedL]

I had the VSS on a 97 with 5SFE get ruined by cleaner/water that got in and stayed and ruined the connection. I suggest blowing out with comp. air after the cleaning.

 

[redgtxdi]

VSS as in Variable Speed Sensor?

If so, curious as to where it's located to help point a nozzle at it to blow it dry?

I've degreaser my motor a few times and never had any issue.....(even in the alternator).....though would certainly look after potential problem components where possible.

TIA

 

[TedL]

VSS as in Variable Speed Sensor?

If so, curious as to where it's located to help point a nozzle at it to blow it dry?

I've degreaser my motor a few times and never had any issue.....(even in the alternator).....though would certainly look after potential problem components where possible.

TIA

V=Vehicle. IIRC, It's on the top of the transaxle, passenger side. Need to disconnect electrical connector and blow out. Vertical mounting of connection allows for accumulation of cleaner/water. Don't have any 5SFE cars anymore, so working from year old memory on location.

 

[importcar]

No air compressor. Can I just go for a long drive instead?

 

[71Corolla]

I've degreased and washed many Toyota engines, never had a problem with moisture or damaging anything. Definitely cover the alternator and brake master cylinder, the rest of the engine stands up pretty well to water, but don't blast everything with a pressure washer that's when you get into trouble. To dry the engine I just go for a drive, works great.

 

[BamZipPow]

No air compressor. Can I just go for a long drive instead?

You would probably be better off just spraying the connectors with some WD-40 if you git water on them.