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engine cleaning

Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:07 PM
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Default engine cleaning

i was under the hood of my xj this morning tinkering around and adding fluids and when im done im completely covered in oil and mud and all that junk so i decided my engine/evrything under there is way to dirty. is there an easy way to clean it. i dont have the time or patience to go at it with a rag lol. is there something i could spray it with and then sorta just hose it down or somethin like that any ideas are helpful
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:33 PM
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anyone?
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:37 PM
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Year: 1997
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You can use engine degreaser from advanced auto, autozone, or provably even Walmart. Cover important electrical stuff and then spray a couple cans all over it. Then let it sit a couple minutes and then spray it off.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:45 PM
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does anybody know what would happen if i used a pressure washer on a low setting???
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:48 PM
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you will be fine just avoid getting ignition too wet
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 01:50 PM
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would it be safer if i did it while it was running?
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 02:07 PM
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Some say so
But I don't.spray it with gunk while engine is warm.let it sit on it for 15-20 min then spray off
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 03:28 PM
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where is the best place to do this my dad doesnt want me to do it in the yard cuz he says it will kill the grass or the driveway cuz it will ruin that and i dont think i can do it in the road (dont know if its legal) the only place that i can think to do it is a counrty lot we own or the gravel parking lot at the shop i work at. the only thing is that neither of those places have water hookup so where do i do it???
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 03:41 PM
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Have a local carwash? Those usually have the engine degreaser option on the dial.

Avoid spraying the TPS on the backside of the throttle body too heavily, they dont like water all that well.

I always spray with the engine running..
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 03:44 PM
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mine doesnt have a degreaer setting. will that tire stuff work though?
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 03:52 PM
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go to the local self serve car wash bay
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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mine doesnt have engine degreaser though
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 05:18 PM
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High pressure hot water will work pretty good by it self. Let the engine cool for about ten minutes before spraying with water, do not get the distributor wet, and do not spray directly on any electrical connections. When it runs like crap after you do everything we all told you not to do, pull the distributor cap off and dry it out with a clean dry rag or paper towel.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 05:19 PM
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Get a gallon of the simple green concentrate, put some in a spray bottle (old windex etc) and use that to apply at the car wash while hot. Let it sit 1/2 hour then spray it down.

You may have to do several times, but once you get the majority you can rinse with a garden hose somewhere.
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Old Apr 10, 2011 | 05:22 PM
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You could also get a large tube of Dilectric grease and unhook (carefully not to break tabs) and make sure all connectors are lubed prior to hitting it the first time. This will help the weatherpak connectors to repel any water that may find it's way in.
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