Im following the guides here on the forums. My nastiness under the timing belt cover is far worse than Ive seen in the DIYs. I want to be able to clean it all up before putting all the new seals/gaskets/belts on. Im replacing the water pump with housing, as well as the oil pump gasket and o-ring.
My question is, at what point do I spray the thing down with degreaser and start cleaning it? I dont want any degreaser to get where it shouldn't. Right now Ive got the alternator removed, the upper and lower timing belt covers removed, and the harmonic balancer/pulley removed. The timing belt is still on but Im about to mark it and pull it off, as well as the camshaft pulley, idler pulley, and the tensioner pulley. I'd also like to take off the back plate behind the timing belt just to be able to clean more.
So, should I clean it all up BEFORE I replace all the seals, or wipe the areas I can with a rag, replace the seals, and THEN start with the degreaser?
Im telling you, its BAD! All behind the engine is COVERED with oil, dirt, and grime. Im going to use the pressure washer on it with all the electricals either removed or covered.
Thanks for any help guys!
Also, here is a short video of my TOYOTA brand timing belt after more than 180,000 miles on it.

My question is, at what point do I spray the thing down with degreaser and start cleaning it? I dont want any degreaser to get where it shouldn't. Right now Ive got the alternator removed, the upper and lower timing belt covers removed, and the harmonic balancer/pulley removed. The timing belt is still on but Im about to mark it and pull it off, as well as the camshaft pulley, idler pulley, and the tensioner pulley. I'd also like to take off the back plate behind the timing belt just to be able to clean more.
So, should I clean it all up BEFORE I replace all the seals, or wipe the areas I can with a rag, replace the seals, and THEN start with the degreaser?
Im telling you, its BAD! All behind the engine is COVERED with oil, dirt, and grime. Im going to use the pressure washer on it with all the electricals either removed or covered.
Thanks for any help guys!
Also, here is a short video of my TOYOTA brand timing belt after more than 180,000 miles on it.
