Cleaning ranger engine bay the proper way

[The_Stranger_Ranger]

Hey everyone, I’ve got a Ford Ranger and after doing some off roading without a skid plate for a while, I ended up with a bunch of watery mud caked all through the engine bay. It’s not just light splatter either, there is buildup in crevices and around components. What is the safest and most effective way to clean it out without damaging anything electrical or forcing water where it should not go? Appreciate any tips or methods that have worked well for you all.

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[RangerBill]

Hey everyone, I’ve got a Ford Ranger and after doing some off roading without a skid plate for a while, I ended up with a bunch of watery mud caked all through the engine bay. It’s not just light splatter either, there is buildup in crevices and around components. What is the safest and most effective way to clean it out without damaging anything electrical or forcing water where it should not go? Appreciate any tips or methods that have worked well for you all.

See in the owner's manual under Vehicle Care, Cleaning the Engine.

 

[QuickSilver]

See in the owner's manual under Vehicle Care, Cleaning the Engine.

… well that was anti climatic lol

 

[Grumpaw]

… well that was anti climatic lol

What were you expecting ??? Maybe a dancing baby ????
Well, here ya go......

Or maybe a party at Dave's house.......

 

[NotBudule2]

CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
• Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.
Note: If your vehicle has an engine cover
remove the cover before application of
Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser.
Immediately rinse away any over spray.
Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.


Well there it is... not very exciting though...

 

[Dr_Strangelove]

If possible I'd park at least the engine bay in the garage with the hood open and let it all dry out and try to knock as much off as I can with a brush. Then you can cover up coils and battery and attack it bit by bit with a garden hose and probably the same brush. I'm thinking with a nozzle with adjustable gentle settings for different situations.

 

[Ohwell]

Every so often with an air hose to blow out loose dust and dirt helps. Just keep the pressure on the low side.

 

[AzScorpion]

Wait what

You're supposed to clean your engine bay?

 

[veedubtuner]

What is the safest and most effective way to clean it

 

[TxOTRRanger]

Or This......

 

[veedubtuner]

Or This......

even better

 

[dtech]

What were you expecting ??? Maybe a dancing baby ????
Well, here ya go......

Or maybe a party at Dave's house.......

how bout a dancing banana - for old times sake ?

 

[dtech]

CLEANING THE ENGINE

• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.

In Canada Mullet Degreaser may be substituted for Motorcraft engine shampoo.


Well there it is... not very exciting though...

 

[PltFX4]

Every so often with an air hose to blow out loose dust and dirt helps. Just keep the pressure on the low side.

Order of Operation (preferably with the engine warm, not hot):
1. Leaf blower for the bulk stuff (especially of you park outside near trees)
2. Shop Vac as much as possible (AMAP)
3. Shop air blast (if you got it use it)
4. Step 2 again
5. Wire or stiff plastic bristle brush for the big chunks
6. Protect the coils from the water as best you can.
7. Garden hose (using warm water if you can) with a foam cannon, spray with degreaser of your choice.
8. Let soak then rinse with pressure washer but not to close... no direct 3000psi
9. Leaf blow time, again... bulk clearing of the water.
10. Optional: Air hose the rest of the water the LB can't get.
11. Clear the coil protection
12. Start or let drip dry... hot day, drip dry while put all the equipment away. Cool day, start it and let run while you put the equipment away.
13. Take for a drive (very locally, in case of issues).
14. Repeat in the fall.

Well, now you know what my Saturday will look like...

 

[NotBudule2]

how bout a dancing banana - for old times sake ?

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