Help, need to get mud out of the engine compartment

parb · Apr 20, 2024

Hi,

Did a bunch of "inspired" driving yesterday in Nevada. Got to go across some impressive water with mud crossings. Got a bit of mud in the engine compartment. Mostly a light layer of silt from the crossing that sits in the front of the engine compartment.

I'm going to clean up the car thoroughly today. Any thing I should be particular careful with when it comes to hosing off and cleaning the engine compartment? I was planning to put some water in it, some foaming cleaner and use a washing sponge before I rinse it off. Anything wrong with that? Engine is cold, I parked it after drinking 500 miles home yesterday evening.

parb · Apr 20, 2024

A pic. It's not too bad but needs to be washed.

Cheshire cat · Apr 20, 2024

Sounds about right to me. Maybe use a leaf blower to dry out after cleaning. Everything should be reasonably water resistant.

crashnburn · Apr 20, 2024

Maybe cover electrical wires ( I use cheap foil) then spray with your cleaner and wipe lightly until it gets most of the sort.

bbq4133 · Apr 20, 2024

I used to cover wires and bits with plastic bags, sprayed it down with some simple green, and then used a garden hose to rinse. Do not pressure wash.

parb · Apr 20, 2024

Thanks for all your helpful points.

Leaf blower is a great idea. I have a battery operated one. I won't use a power washer on the car. Im not so sure I want to use a household detergent, they degrease really well but I think I want to preserve the grease. I'm thinking a mild car wash liquid, they tend to be milder than detergent.

rovie · Apr 20, 2024

parb said:
Thanks for all your helpful points.

Leaf blower is a great idea. I have a battery operated one. I won't use a power washer on the car. Im not so sure I want to use a household detergent, they degrease really well but I think I want to preserve the grease. I'm thinking a mild car wash liquid, they tend to be milder than detergent.

I personally never use detergents in the engine compartment. Only water. And no high-pressure washer either, neither in the engine compartment nor on the outside.

DaveB · Apr 20, 2024

parb said:
A pic. It's not too bad but needs to be washed.
View attachment 7853702

Doesn't look like it needs cleaning to me.
I haven't actually opened the bonnet on mine since I got it last October so not sure what it looks like under there.

parb · Apr 20, 2024

Done. Used a foaming detergent that is super mild, a bit of water and a mitten.
Dried it with my air blower. Worked really, really well.

crashnburn · Apr 20, 2024

parb said:
Done. Used a foaming detergent that is super mild, a bit of water and a mitten.
Dried it with my air blower. Worked really, really well.

Now with need to see how clean it is

Pictures!

S52 · Apr 20, 2024

I know they are pricey but I have one of these “master blaster” detailing dryer blowers that works amazing. 8HP electric motor blasts filtered high pressure heated air. Great for vehicle/motorcycle detailing.

They are really popular with detailers on the chrome bits on vehicles as they eliminate the possibility of hard water spots.

AIR FORCE® MASTER BLASTER

Dry your car faster with the Air Force® Master Blaster® Car Dryer! Air Gun performance without the danger of compressed air. The Air Force® Master Blaster® Car Dryer features a textured matte finish, all-steel construction that is built to last. Professional detailers and car enthusiasts...

metrovac.com

parb · Apr 20, 2024

crashnburn said:
Now with need to see how clean it is
Pictures!

Give me another hour. Wheel wells and front skid plate offended my ocd self...

Tazzieman · Apr 20, 2024

Sounds like the classic car conundrum. 1/2 hour driving , 3 days' cleaning

When's the next "inspired drive"?

DaBull · Apr 21, 2024

parb said:
A pic. It's not too bad but needs to be washed.
View attachment 7853702

Hi Parb, You might give consideration of using distilled water as it has close to zero minerals and as such would not short out anything and also not leave any water spots behind, DaBull

AWo · Apr 21, 2024

Check the cooler. Mud between the hot water rails dries fast and reduces cooling power. Wash the mud out with a light to moderate water jet. Do not bend the small fins.

AWo

parb · Apr 22, 2024

Surprisingly large amount of silt in the mud under the hood. Took this picture this morning as the sand dried up on my driveway. Engine compartment is clean, I used a high foaming soap as a lubricant. It's super mild and it took a bit of work with a sponge too get rid of the mud. Hardest was the coolant lines, they took a bit of work, probably because of the rubber material. Metal and paint areas came off pretty easy.

This is what was left on my driveway after cleaning. A fine layer of silt.

Car is pretty clean. Forgot to take a picture under the hood but it's good.

DaBull · Apr 22, 2024

parb said:
Surprisingly large amount of silt in the mud under the hood. Took this picture this morning as the sand dried up on my driveway. Engine compartment is clean, I used a high foaming soap as a lubricant. It's super mild and it took a bit of work with a sponge too get rid of the mud. Hardest was the coolant lines, they took a bit of work, probably because of the rubber material. Metal and paint areas came off pretty easy.

This is what was left on my driveway after cleaning. A fine layer of silt.
View attachment 7853950

Car is pretty clean. Forgot to take a picture under the hood but it's good.
View attachment 7853951

Hi parb, I always love how much smoother and faster my Grenadier goes after I wash it.

DaBull

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Help, need to get mud out of the engine compartment

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