I'm not looking to put my XJ in a classic car competition or anything, but I have quite a bit old oil that I'd like to clean up to check for leaks. What is the best way to clean the power plant? I've thought to take it into the do it yourself car wash and take the degreaser to it, but aren't there many parts that need to remain dry? If so, what do you suggest?

Thanks,
s

 

You will be fine to buy a few cans of degreaser and hose your engine down and let it soak for a few min and then hose it off. Just take care not to hose things like your distributor directly. I have done this and the only thing you might run into is a little bwelt squeel when your done. No problem. Good Luck!!

 

Its been my experience that the TPS (throttle position sensor) does not like water. Water destroyed 1 on my TJ, 2 on my 89 dodge pickup & 1 on my XJ that im getting ready to replace.

 

keep it running while spraying it down with the water and you shouldn't have a problem if you have a distributor then just cover it up with a plastic bag,also keep a can of wd40 or other spray oil around that displaces water to spray on electrical parts that don't like water

you should be fine

 

Remove the air intake hose. Cover the throttle body with a plastic bag. Cover the distributor with a plastic bag. No direct high pressure spray in the ECU (if you have a 91-95 XJ, it's under the hood). A couple cans of desgreaser. A stiff bristle brush and a high pressure hot water spray should do it.

 

I like the foaming engine degreaser because its easier to control and doesn't splash all over. I would also try to avoid getting any of it on any sensor or electrical component though its not a extremely bad thing. I have also rented a hot water pressure washer which works miracles. If you do this I would use it to wash more stuff to make it worth your money spent. I washed 3 motors when I got it. As well as the degreaser dont get high pressure around those same things as well as the dizzy, and other parts to be safe.

 

Purple Power works great too.

 

Simple Green works great.. I usually spray it and let it sit for at least 10 min, then hose it down